William Gortney
Bio
William Gortney volunteered for the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1942 and later served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. After graduating from flight school in 1945, he flew the F6F Hellcat and became one of the first pilots to transition to jets. During the Korean War, he flew from the USS Valley Forge and was the second Navy pilot to cross the 38th Parallel, targeting runways, airbases, and enemy transport. From 1960 to 1962, he served with the U.S. 7th Fleet, witnessing Korea’s postwar recovery. In his interview, he is joined by his son, Admiral William Gortney, a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy.
Video Clips
One of First to Cross the 38th Parallel
When the Korean War began, William Gortney was aboard the aircraft carrier Valley Forge. His jet was among the first Navy aircraft to enter combat, and it was the second to cross the 38th Parallel. Gortney quickly found himself in the thick of the conflict, flying missions over Pyongyang. His early involvement placed him at the forefront of the Navy's air operations in the war.
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Airpower Made the Difference
Captain William Gortney’s mission was to strafe anything moving south to protect advancing United Nations ground forces. He carried out low-level attacks, encountering minimal aerial resistance from North Korean and Chinese forces. He later emphasizes how crucial airpower was to shaping the outcome of the war.
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Inchon Landing
One of William Gortney’s first missions was to destroy oil tanks at the Inchon airfield in preparation for the upcoming landing. During the assault, he and fellow pilots provided vital air cover for the troops coming ashore. He recalls that the greatest challenge in the area was navigating the extreme tides which impacted the ground invasion.
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Aircraft Carrier Then and Now
William Gortney describes the challenges of daily life aboard an aircraft carrier during the early days of naval aviation. Pilots landed on straight decks, a risky process compared to today’s safer angled decks. His son, Admiral William Gortney, joins the conversation to highlight how much carrier design and operations have evolved since his father's time. Together, they offer a unique perspective on the dramatic changes in naval aviation across generations.
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Life on Board an Aircraft Carrier
William Gortney shares what daily life was like aboard the aircraft carrier, emphasizing the constant activity and tight quarters. He recalls the ship often carried up to 70 planes, making the deck crowded and busy. He also describes the cramped living spaces and he remembers as good hot meals they enjoyed.
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Photos
Interview Day Candid, Provided by Captain Jane Campbell, US Navy Fleet Forces, Norfolk VA on June 23, 2014
Admiral Willam Gortney and Captain William Gortney, Provided by Captain Jane Campbell, US Navy Fleet Forces, Norfolk VA on June 23, 2014
Admiral William Gorntey and Captain William Gortney, Provided by Captain Jane Campbell, US Navy Fleet Forces, Norfolk VA on June 23, 2014
President Jongwoo Han and Captain William Gortney, Provided by Captain Jane Campbell, US Navy Fleet Forces, Norfolk VA on June 23, 2014
MPVA Officer Kim Ju Yong, Admiral William Gortney, Captain William Gortney, and President Han, Provided by Captain Jane Campbell, US Navy Fleet Forces, Norfolk VA on June 23, 2014
