On March 13, 1999, Laura Cochrane interviewed Ralph Papirno at his home in Needham, Massachusetts, for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and the American Meteorological Society Interview Project. Papirno discusses his experiences working as a meteorologist during World War II, detailing his decision to enter meteorology training as an alternative to combat roles. He recounts his prior education, holding a B.A. in mathematics and chemistry from New York University, and his initial employment teaching aircraft propeller maintenance at Chanute Field in Illinois.