George S. Benton was born on September 24, 1917, in Oak Park, Illinois, and was raised in Chicago. His family had a diverse background, with his mother's family originating from Edinburgh, Scotland, and his father's family immigrating from Rega to Michigan when his father was three years old. Benton's original family name was Blumenstock, but he later changed it to George Benton. Benton's early education was at the University of California at Berkeley, where he was involved with the Department of Geography. However, he did not complete his Bachelor's degree there. His first professional association with meteorology began when he worked for the Soil Conversation Service in Washington in early January 1938. He later worked on a Works Project Administration program in Ohio, where he conducted studies on drought and drought occurrence statistics.

Scope and Content NoteThe interview with George S. Benton, conducted by Earl Droessler on May 26 and 27, 1991, provides a comprehensive overview of Benton's career and contributions to the field of meteorology. The interview begins with a discussion of Benton's early life and his entry into the field of meteorology. It then delves into his role in the early development of the American Meteorological Society and his tenure as its President. The interview also covers the early development of the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). Benton also discusses his efforts to build bridges with the academic community during his time in Boulder and the support he received from higher levels in the government, particularly from Herb Hallaman, the assistant secretary of commerce. George S. Benton recalls his work for the Soil Conversation Service studying climatology in Ohio; his subsequent position as Observer for the Weather Bureau in 1939, and experiences in the aviation cadet program in meteorology, both as student and teacher, at the University of Chicago, 1942. He comments on the life and work of Rossby, both in designing university meteorology programs, and his immense influence on the science. He mentions his wartime role in the Operations Analysis Group for the Army Air Forces Weather Wing; describes the discovery of the jet stream by B-29 bombers; and recalls Ben Holzman's story about forecasting for the Trinity nuclear test. He remembers early attempts to forecast diffusion of radioactive fallout in the Northern Hemisphere; working for the Hydrometeorology Service; postwar teaching at Chicago and then Johns Hopkins. Next he describes the formation of ERL and ESSA and NOAA; his contribution to the establishment of laboratories, cooperative institutes, and research experiments like BOMEX. He reflects on the accomplishments of the American Meteorological Society; his association with the National Academy of Sciences; and the growing importance of UCAR and NCAR. Benton discusses science and national public policy with Earl Droessler; details his trip to the Soviet Union to investigate hail prevention efforts; and describes his appointment to the WMO, and a scientific trip to the People's Republic of China. He concludes by describing his youth and family, and recapping his career as a scientist. The interview concludes with a reflection on Benton's career and his contributions to meteorology. Also included is a partial version of the transcript with George Benton's annotations which were compiled and submitted by his daughter.

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