Dr. Kramer Rohfleisch studied at the University of California, Berkeley, and began his teaching career at the University of Chicago. After serving in Intelligence Operations during World War II, he wrote several histories of the Army Air Forces in the War, concentrating on operations in the South Pacific. He taught history at San Diego State College from 1947 to 1974, and was remembered as a diplomatic person on campus who also made himself constantly available to students. Dr. Rohfleisch retired in 1974 and died in 2000.

1988 interview with Kramer Rohfleisch, SDSU Professor of History from 1947 to 1974.

• Part 1

• Part 2

• Part 3

Download the PDF transcript: Part 1; Part 2.

In this interview totaling 1 hour and 26 minutes, Dr. Rohfleisch describes his birth, early childhood and education, and his involvement in World War II, including his work writing the history of the US Air Force. He also talks about how he brought the Hutchins educational method from the University of Chicago to San Diego State University, and shares his thoughts on Acting President Don Walker, Presidents Hepner, Golding, and Day. Rohfleisch also discusses the American Legion and Harry Steinmetz, President Hepner defending academic freedom, the AAUP award named after him, and the state of the university after 1974.

Interviewed by Lyn Olsson on 3/14/1988.

Image credit: Professor Kramer Rohfleisch in 1960, University Archives Photograph Collection, Special Collections & University Archives.