George William Christopher Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The copyright status of this collection is unknown. Copyright restrictions may apply. Contact Special Collections and University Archives for assistance in determining the use of these materials.

Reproduction or digitization of materials for personal or research use can be requested using our reproduction/digitization form: http://bit.ly/scuareproduction. Reproduction or digitization of materials for publication or exhibit use can be requested using our publication/exhibition form: http://bit.ly/scuapublication. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) if you need assistance with forms or to submit a completed form.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], George William Christopher Papers, Ms1991-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Cubic Feet 1 folder
Creator:
Christopher, George William, 1908-2002
Abstract:
This collection includes an autobiographical memoir titled Pioneer Pilot from the Texas Panhandle: Stories from a Flier's Life by George William Christopher, a flight instructor and barnstormer in the Texas panhandle area in 1930s and a pilot in the United States Air Force during World War II and post-war period. Also includes an outline for an article drawn from the book and a newspaper clipping about Christopher being awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal in Italy.
Language:
The materials in the collection are in English.
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], George William Christopher Papers, Ms1991-031, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the papers of George William Christopher, a pilot who worked as a flight instructor and barnstormer in the Texas panhandle region in the 1930s, then served with the U. S. Air Force during World War II and the post-war period. The collection includes a copy of Christopher's autobiographical memoir Pioneer Pilot from the Texas Panhandle: Stories from a Flier's Life. The collection also contains an outline for an article proposed by Christopher for American Aviation Historical Society Journal, to be titled "Flying in the Thirties in Texas," and a newspaper clipping about Christopher receiving the Air Force Commendation Medal.

Biographical / historical:

George William Christopher (1908-2002) was born to Van B. and Laura Gilliland Christopher in Texhoma, Oklahoma, on September 17, 1908. The younger Christopher later moved with his family to southern Kansas and the Texas panhandle, where he worked variously as a fireman, mechanic, and electrician.

In 1933, Christopher purchased a Waco 10 biplane, and the following year, he became a professional flight instructor. Through the 1930s, Christopher continued work as a flight instructor and also barnstormed throughout the area. During World War II, he instructed air cadets at Love Field (Dallas, Texas) before joining the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) in Santa Monica, California, as an engineering test pilot, then went on active duty as a reserve officer with the Army Air Forces. From 1947 until his retirement, Christopher served as a regular officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was awarded numerous medals and honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross during the Korean War, the Air Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal while serving with Allied Air Forces, Southern Europe, a NATO command in Naples, Italy.

In 1941, Christopher married Geneva Weatherspoon (1907-1994), and the couple had one child. Following Christopher's retirement from the U. S. Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, the Christophers lived in El Paso, Texas. George William Christopher died on April 22, 2002 and was buried at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, Texas.

Acquisition information:
The George William Christopher Papers were donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 1991.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the George William Christopher Papers was completed in September 2013.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard