National Museum of the Pacific War Oral History Collection - 180 Matching Results

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Oral History Interview with Charles Allen, October 9, 2004: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Allen. Mr Allen went into the Marine Corps in September 1942, took boot camp in San Diego, and then was stationed in Santa Anna at the lighter-than-air base as a guard. In September 1943, he was sent to Noumea, New Caledonia and from there to New Guinea where he was put in the First Marine Division, HQ Company, 1st Battalion. His first introduction to combat was when they landed on the southern tip of New Britain. Allen provides a good description of the fighting and the conditions on New Britain; they were wet and in the swamps. It took them about four months to go through New Britain. They had a brief respite on Johnson Islands before they landed on Peleliu. Allen talks about shooting their 75mm guns, point-blank at the steel and concrete doors the Japanese had built. He states that Peleliu was real rough. After going to a camp on Pavuvu, they went to Okinawa. He describes the day that Lt Gen Buckner was killed, by a sniper. Allen also talks about the Japanese using women and children as shields. He states that Ernie Pyle was with them (at their regimental headquarters) the night before he got killed. After Okinawa was declared secure, the 1st Division bivouac there, training for the invasion of Japan. He states that they went through two typhoons. Allen went to Beijing, China first and then to Port City as part of the occupation forces. He came back to the States in January 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Allen, October 9, 2004: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Allen. Mr Allen went into the Marine Corps in September 1942, took boot camp in San Diego, and then was stationed in Santa Anna at the lighter-than-air base as a guard. In September 1943, he was sent to Noumea, New Caledonia and from there to New Guinea where he was put in the First Marine Division, HQ Company, 1st Battalion. His first introduction to combat was when they landed on the southern tip of New Britain. Allen provides a good description of the fighting and the conditions on New Britain; they were wet and in the swamps. It took them about four months to go through New Britain. They had a brief respite on Johnson Islands before they landed on Peleliu. Allen talks about shooting their 75mm guns, point-blank at the steel and concrete doors the Japanese had built. He states that Peleliu was real rough. After going to a camp on Pavuvu, they went to Okinawa. He describes the day that Lt Gen Buckner was killed, by a sniper. Allen also talks about the Japanese using women and children as shields. He states that Ernie Pyle was with them (at their regimental headquarters) the night before he got killed. After Okinawa was declared secure, the 1st Division bivouac there, training for the invasion of Japan. He states that they went through two typhoons. Allen went to Beijing, China first and then to Port City as part of the occupation forces. He came back to the States in January 1946.
Oral History Interview with James Ashbaugh, July 9, 2019: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Ashbaugh. Ashbaugh joined the Navy in April of 1944. He completed Electrician School. He served as Fireman 1st Class aboard a landing craft tank, the LCT-60. He traveled to Bougainville and Manus. Ashbaugh continued his service after the war ended, and participated in the nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll, for which he provides vivid details. He served for a total of nine years in the Navy.
Oral History Interview with James Ashbaugh, July 9, 2019: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Ashbaugh. Ashbaugh joined the Navy in April of 1944. He completed Electrician School. He served as Fireman 1st Class aboard a landing craft tank, the LCT-60. He traveled to Bougainville and Manus. Ashbaugh continued his service after the war ended, and participated in the nuclear testing at Bikini Atoll, for which he provides vivid details. He served for a total of nine years in the Navy.
Oral History Interview with Charles Baldwin, August 9, 2016: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Baldwin. Baldwin was learning to fly through the Civilian Pilot Training program when he was called to active duty in January, 1943. After basic training, he went to flight training. He graduated and was commissioned in March, 1944. Baldwin was sent to France in November, 1944 and attached to the 36th Fighter Group, 23rd Fighter Squadron and began flying combat missions in a P-47. He flew 51 combat missions before the war ended and shares several anecdotes about his experiences. Baldwin was discharged in December 1945, but stayed in the Reserves until 1982.
Oral History Interview with Charles Baldwin, August 9, 2016: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Baldwin. Baldwin was learning to fly through the Civilian Pilot Training program when he was called to active duty in January, 1943. After basic training, he went to flight training. He graduated and was commissioned in March, 1944. Baldwin was sent to France in November, 1944 and attached to the 36th Fighter Group, 23rd Fighter Squadron and began flying combat missions in a P-47. He flew 51 combat missions before the war ended and shares several anecdotes about his experiences. Baldwin was discharged in December 1945, but stayed in the Reserves until 1982.
Oral History Interview with John Bartuck, September 9, 2001: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Bartuck. Bartuck joined the Navy in 1937. He served as a coxswain aboard the USS Langley (CV-1) until it was scuttled in February of 1942, running whaleboats, motor launces and 60-foot officers’ boats. He later served aboard the YMS-9 minesweeper. He then served aboard an attack cargo ship and made the invasion in North Africa in late 1942. Beginning August of 1943, he served aboard the USS Cowpens (CVL-25). After the war Bartuck continued his work in the Navy until 1957, completing 20 years of service.
Oral History Interview with John Bartuck, September 9, 2001: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Bartuck. Bartuck joined the Navy in 1937. He served as a coxswain aboard the USS Langley (CV-1) until it was scuttled in February of 1942, running whaleboats, motor launces and 60-foot officers’ boats. He later served aboard the YMS-9 minesweeper. He then served aboard an attack cargo ship and made the invasion in North Africa in late 1942. Beginning August of 1943, he served aboard the USS Cowpens (CVL-25). After the war Bartuck continued his work in the Navy until 1957, completing 20 years of service.
Oral History Interview with Melvin A. Bice, August 9, 2011: Transcript of an oral interview with Melvin A. Bice. When Bice finished high school in Lincoln, Nebraska he joined the Navy. The Navy called him up in February, 1943 and he took basic training in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. During training, Bice contracted the mumps. After basic training, Bice was assigned at San Diego to the USS Mataco (AT-86), an ocean-going tugboat. Their first assignement was to tow a floating drydock to New Guinea. Along the way, Bice shot down a Japanese aircraft. Upon arrival and delivery of the drydock, Bice was returned tothe US to attend aircraft gunnery school. Soon after, he was assigned to the USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79). The Ommaney Bay was present for action in Leyte Gulf, where Bice describes kamikaze attacks and shooting down more Japanese aircraft from his twin 40mm anti-aircraft gun, for which he received a decoration. He also describes being bombed by a Japanese airplane in Lingayen Gulf and the Ommaney Bay sinking. Bice then provides details about abandoning ship, leaping into the water, finding an ammo can to use as a flotation device, and watching as the Ommaney bay was scuttled by an American destroyer using torpedoes. Aftr being in the water several hours, Bice was rescued and taken aboard a destroyer. From there, he was transferred to the USS Louisville (CA-28) and was aboard her when she was hit by kamikazes. From there, he was again transferred, this time to the USS West Virginia (BB-48). He finally was transferred to the USS General R.L. Howze (AP-134) where he spent the remainder of the war. At one point, Bice recalls an inspection conducted by Admirals Nimitz and Halsey onboard the ommaney bay. Bice was out of uniform and got chewed out some by Halsey while Nimitz observed and gave a slight grin. …
Oral History Interview with Melvin A. Bice, August 9, 2011: Transcript of an oral interview with Melvin A. Bice. When Bice finished high school in Lincoln, Nebraska he joined the Navy. The Navy called him up in February, 1943 and he took basic training in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. During training, Bice contracted the mumps. After basic training, Bice was assigned at San Diego to the USS Mataco (AT-86), an ocean-going tugboat. Their first assignement was to tow a floating drydock to New Guinea. Along the way, Bice shot down a Japanese aircraft. Upon arrival and delivery of the drydock, Bice was returned tothe US to attend aircraft gunnery school. Soon after, he was assigned to the USS Ommaney Bay (CVE-79). The Ommaney Bay was present for action in Leyte Gulf, where Bice describes kamikaze attacks and shooting down more Japanese aircraft from his twin 40mm anti-aircraft gun, for which he received a decoration. He also describes being bombed by a Japanese airplane in Lingayen Gulf and the Ommaney Bay sinking. Bice then provides details about abandoning ship, leaping into the water, finding an ammo can to use as a flotation device, and watching as the Ommaney bay was scuttled by an American destroyer using torpedoes. Aftr being in the water several hours, Bice was rescued and taken aboard a destroyer. From there, he was transferred to the USS Louisville (CA-28) and was aboard her when she was hit by kamikazes. From there, he was again transferred, this time to the USS West Virginia (BB-48). He finally was transferred to the USS General R.L. Howze (AP-134) where he spent the remainder of the war. At one point, Bice recalls an inspection conducted by Admirals Nimitz and Halsey onboard the ommaney bay. Bice was out of uniform and got chewed out some by Halsey while Nimitz observed and gave a slight grin. …
Oral History Interview with E. J. Billings, December 9, 2008: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with E J Billings. Billings joined the Navy V-12 program in February of 1943. He completed Navy flight school in October of 1944. He also completed additional training in aerology and navigation. He provides some details of his schooling, carrier landings and various types of planes he flew, including the SNV and the FM-2 Wildcat. He served as a pilot aboard the FM-2 and traveled to Hawaii. While in Hawaii they practiced bombing runs to support Marine landings. He completed landings aboard the USS Lunga Point (CVE-94). They traveled to Guam, Saipan, Tinian and the Philippines, though never participated in combat. Billings remained in the Reserves and was discharged in December of 1953.
Oral History Interview with E. J. Billings, December 9, 2008: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with E J Billings. Billings joined the Navy V-12 program in February of 1943. He completed Navy flight school in October of 1944. He also completed additional training in aerology and navigation. He provides some details of his schooling, carrier landings and various types of planes he flew, including the SNV and the FM-2 Wildcat. He served as a pilot aboard the FM-2 and traveled to Hawaii. While in Hawaii they practiced bombing runs to support Marine landings. He completed landings aboard the USS Lunga Point (CVE-94). They traveled to Guam, Saipan, Tinian and the Philippines, though never participated in combat. Billings remained in the Reserves and was discharged in December of 1953.
Oral History Interview with Howard Blackman, August 9, 2012: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Howard Blackman. Blackman was born in Pulaski County, Indiana 8 December 1922. Born into a family of seven boys and two girls he tells of the living conditions during the depression. He quit school in the ninth grade to get a job. In 1943 he was drafted into the Army and went to Camp Lee, Virginia for six weeks of basic training, including some mechanical training. Upon completing basic he was sent to Chenango, Pennsylvania for additional training. Two weeks later be boarded the Queen Mary bound for England. Upon arrival, he was assigned to the 4th Port Battalion. He describes the duties and tells of further training in the use of rifles, mines and grenades. He landed on Omaha Beach 8 June 1944 and describes activities in which he was involved. At the time of the Battle of the Bulge the 4th Port Battalion had been disbanded and he was sent to Antwerp caring for wounded and assisting in getting them aboard hospital ships. He was then sent to Ghent, Belgium where he was assigned to the 301st Engineers operating various pieces of heavy equipment. He assisted from the USS Léopoldville (1929), which was sunk 24 December 1944. He returned to the United States 8 December 1945 and was discharged the day after Christmas.
Oral History Interview with Howard Blackman, August 9, 2012: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Howard Blackman. Blackman was born in Pulaski County, Indiana 8 December 1922. Born into a family of seven boys and two girls he tells of the living conditions during the depression. He quit school in the ninth grade to get a job. In 1943 he was drafted into the Army and went to Camp Lee, Virginia for six weeks of basic training, including some mechanical training. Upon completing basic he was sent to Chenango, Pennsylvania for additional training. Two weeks later be boarded the Queen Mary bound for England. Upon arrival, he was assigned to the 4th Port Battalion. He describes the duties and tells of further training in the use of rifles, mines and grenades. He landed on Omaha Beach 8 June 1944 and describes activities in which he was involved. At the time of the Battle of the Bulge the 4th Port Battalion had been disbanded and he was sent to Antwerp caring for wounded and assisting in getting them aboard hospital ships. He was then sent to Ghent, Belgium where he was assigned to the 301st Engineers operating various pieces of heavy equipment. He assisted from the USS Léopoldville (1929), which was sunk 24 December 1944. He returned to the United States 8 December 1945 and was discharged the day after Christmas.
Oral History Interview with Burl Bonnell, July 9, 2002: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Burl Bonnell. Bonnell joined the Army Air Forces in April of 1941. He served as an aircraft mechanic with the 20th Carrier Group. They deployed to Africa in July of 1943, where Bonnell worked as a crew chief in a Ferrying Command. He was discharged in October of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Burl Bonnell, July 9, 2002: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Burl Bonnell. Bonnell joined the Army Air Forces in April of 1941. He served as an aircraft mechanic with the 20th Carrier Group. They deployed to Africa in July of 1943, where Bonnell worked as a crew chief in a Ferrying Command. He was discharged in October of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Arwin Bowden, September 9, 2000: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arwin Bowden. He begins by discussing his training in San Diego and New Zealand before the Battle of Tarawa. He describes being wounded in the battle, the casualties he saw and being shipped back to Pearl Harbor for treatment, then joining the battle of Saipan. He ancedotes about Japanese killing themselves rather than surrendering, eating food from a garden watered from rainwater running down from outhouses, the wages he made and the time he had leave.
Oral History Interview with Arwin Bowden, September 9, 2000: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arwin Bowden. He begins by discussing his training in San Diego and New Zealand before the Battle of Tarawa. He describes being wounded in the battle, the casualties he saw and being shipped back to Pearl Harbor for treatment, then joining the battle of Saipan. He ancedotes about Japanese killing themselves rather than surrendering, eating food from a garden watered from rainwater running down from outhouses, the wages he made and the time he had leave.
Oral History Interview with John Bremyer, August 9, 2005: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Bremyer. Bremyer applied for a commission in the Navy in early 1942 and went on active duty in May. His first duty assignment was in Florida conducting anti-submarine warfare. From there, he reported for duty at the Fleet Post Office in New Orleans. He eventually ended up working in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington composing regulations for secret message delivery. Then, Bremyer worked for the Secretary of the Navy. One unusual assignment Bremyer carried out was to deliver the US flag flown from Commodore Matthew Perry’s flagship he was aboard when he went to Japan in 1854 to the surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay. After the war, Bremyer returned to law school.
Oral History Interview with John Bremyer, August 9, 2005: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Bremyer. Bremyer applied for a commission in the Navy in early 1942 and went on active duty in May. His first duty assignment was in Florida conducting anti-submarine warfare. From there, he reported for duty at the Fleet Post Office in New Orleans. He eventually ended up working in the office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington composing regulations for secret message delivery. Then, Bremyer worked for the Secretary of the Navy. One unusual assignment Bremyer carried out was to deliver the US flag flown from Commodore Matthew Perry’s flagship he was aboard when he went to Japan in 1854 to the surrender ceremony aboard USS Missouri (BB-63) in Tokyo Bay. After the war, Bremyer returned to law school.
Oral History Interview with Walter Buczek, August 9, 2004: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Walter Buczek. Buczek joined the Army in 1943 and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. He completed Automotive Transport School, repairing trucks. During his schooling he was assigned as a mechanical instructor. In June of 1945 he traveled to Hawaii, then landed on Ie Shima, Okinawa in July. Buczek served with the 1631st Engineer Construction Battalion. He worked with heavy equipment on road construction and building airfields through the spring of 1946. He returned to the US and was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Walter Buczek, August 9, 2004: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Walter Buczek. Buczek joined the Army in 1943 and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. He completed Automotive Transport School, repairing trucks. During his schooling he was assigned as a mechanical instructor. In June of 1945 he traveled to Hawaii, then landed on Ie Shima, Okinawa in July. Buczek served with the 1631st Engineer Construction Battalion. He worked with heavy equipment on road construction and building airfields through the spring of 1946. He returned to the US and was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Butterworth, April 9, 2008: The National Museum of the Pacific Ware presents an oral interview with Charles Butterworth. Butterworth was born in Anderson, South Carolina. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Notre Dame. In May 1939, he quit college and joined the Army Air Corps. After attending flight engineering and gunnery schools, he was assigned as flight engineer on a B-17 piloted by Emmett “Rosie” O’Donnell. He arrived at Manila, Philippine Islands on 28 August 1941 where he was assigned to the 19th Airbase Squadron stationed at Nichols Field. Starting on 9 December 1941, Nichols Field was bombed daily by the Japanese throughout the rest of the month. Butterworth traveled to Mindanao where he and his companions were picked up by a Japanese patrol craft. He and others became prisoners of war and were taken by boat to Japan where he worked in a steel mill. He tells of the filth, starvation and physical abuse to which the prisoners were subjected. After Japan surrendered, Butterworth and other freed prisoners were taken to a hospital ship for a journey home.
Oral History Interview with Charles Butterworth, April 9, 2008: The National Museum of the Pacific Ware presents an oral interview with Charles Butterworth. Butterworth was born in Anderson, South Carolina. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Notre Dame. In May 1939, he quit college and joined the Army Air Corps. After attending flight engineering and gunnery schools, he was assigned as flight engineer on a B-17 piloted by Emmett “Rosie” O’Donnell. He arrived at Manila, Philippine Islands on 28 August 1941 where he was assigned to the 19th Airbase Squadron stationed at Nichols Field. Starting on 9 December 1941, Nichols Field was bombed daily by the Japanese throughout the rest of the month. Butterworth traveled to Mindanao where he and his companions were picked up by a Japanese patrol craft. He and others became prisoners of war and were taken by boat to Japan where he worked in a steel mill. He tells of the filth, starvation and physical abuse to which the prisoners were subjected. After Japan surrendered, Butterworth and other freed prisoners were taken to a hospital ship for a journey home.
Oral History Interview with Barbara Cameron, August 9, 2001: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barbara Cameron. Cameron describes her experience on the home front as a child whose older brothers were in the military. Her brother Roger was in the Navy and her brother Victor joined the Coast Guard. Victor wrote home and said that being in the service was much easier than working as a farmhand during the Depression. Cameron’s father worked ten-hour days, seven days a week, making airplane propellers for General Motors. He also tended to his crops and livestock in the mornings, before work. Cameron’s family was shunned by fellow Brethren church members for supporting the military, as her family proudly displayed two stars in their window to represent her two brothers. Both of Cameron’s brothers returned home safely.
Oral History Interview with Barbara Cameron, August 9, 2001: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barbara Cameron. Cameron describes her experience on the home front as a child whose older brothers were in the military. Her brother Roger was in the Navy and her brother Victor joined the Coast Guard. Victor wrote home and said that being in the service was much easier than working as a farmhand during the Depression. Cameron’s father worked ten-hour days, seven days a week, making airplane propellers for General Motors. He also tended to his crops and livestock in the mornings, before work. Cameron’s family was shunned by fellow Brethren church members for supporting the military, as her family proudly displayed two stars in their window to represent her two brothers. Both of Cameron’s brothers returned home safely.
Oral History Interview with Stephen Carlson, February 9, 2007: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Stephen Carlson. Carlson joined the Navy in 1941. He attended the US Naval Reserve Midshipman’s School and was commissioned in November of 1942, and traveled to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In December he went aboard the USS Mississippi (BB-41). They supported the liberation of the Aleutian Islands in May of 1943. In November, they bombarded Makin. In September of 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, they assisted in defeating the Japanese Southern Force at Surigao Strait. They supported the Lingayen Gulf landings in January of 1945 and the Invasion of Okinawa in May. Carlson was still aboard the Mississippi while docked in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the surrender documents in September. He was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Stephen Carlson, February 9, 2007: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Stephen Carlson. Carlson joined the Navy in 1941. He attended the US Naval Reserve Midshipman’s School and was commissioned in November of 1942, and traveled to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In December he went aboard the USS Mississippi (BB-41). They supported the liberation of the Aleutian Islands in May of 1943. In November, they bombarded Makin. In September of 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, they assisted in defeating the Japanese Southern Force at Surigao Strait. They supported the Lingayen Gulf landings in January of 1945 and the Invasion of Okinawa in May. Carlson was still aboard the Mississippi while docked in Tokyo Bay during the signing of the surrender documents in September. He was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with James N. Clark, June 9, 2002: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James N. Clark. Clark was born on 29 October 1914 in Washington Township, Indiana. He tells of growing up during the Depression, which was instrumental in his decision to join the Army in 1933. He tells of the training he received as well as his involvement with the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was discharged in 1936. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army. In 1944, after receiving more training, he traveled to England aboard the RMS Aquitania. Soon after his arrival, he was sent to Europe where he joined the US Army III Corp. He tells of the various assignments he had and of liberating Dachau concentration camp. He returned to the US in 1946 where he was discharged.
Oral History Interview with James N. Clark, June 9, 2002: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James N. Clark. Clark was born on 29 October 1914 in Washington Township, Indiana. He tells of growing up during the Depression, which was instrumental in his decision to join the Army in 1933. He tells of the training he received as well as his involvement with the Civilian Conservation Corps. He was discharged in 1936. In 1943, he was drafted into the Army. In 1944, after receiving more training, he traveled to England aboard the RMS Aquitania. Soon after his arrival, he was sent to Europe where he joined the US Army III Corp. He tells of the various assignments he had and of liberating Dachau concentration camp. He returned to the US in 1946 where he was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Mark Clement, September 9, 2015: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Mark Clement. Clement was born 20 February 1925, graduated from high school in 1941, and joined the Marine Corps at age seventeen. He completed the Special Operations Capability Specialist (SOCS) training, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in mid-1944. Clement served with the 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, and participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He shares vivid details of his combat experiences. Clement returned to the US and received his discharge around 1946.
Oral History Interview with Mark Clement, September 9, 2015: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Mark Clement. Clement was born 20 February 1925, graduated from high school in 1941, and joined the Marine Corps at age seventeen. He completed the Special Operations Capability Specialist (SOCS) training, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in mid-1944. Clement served with the 24th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, and participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He shares vivid details of his combat experiences. Clement returned to the US and received his discharge around 1946.
Oral History Interview with William Cooper, April 9, 2013: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William E. Cooper. Cooper was born in Alameda, California 8 May 1925. Upon completing high school in 1943, he joined the Army and went to Oregon for training with the 13th Combat Engineers. He recalls being sent overseas aboard the USS Hugh L. Scott (AP-43) and arriving at New Caledonia. He took part in the invasion of Leyte and witnessed a kamikaze plane crash into one of the troop ships. Upon landing he was assigned to the 32nd Infantry Division and put in charge of a group of men assigned as stevedores. He then went to Ormoc and was assigned to Company A, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division as an infantryman. After participating on several combat patrols he was hospitalized with dengue fever. Upon being released from the hospital he was assigned to Company L, 32nd Infantry Regiment, and was in the first wave to land on Okinawa. As a combat engineer, his job was to blow up Japanese caves and fortifications. He comments that a childhood friend, Harold Gonsalves, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor as a result of his actions on Okinawa. Cooper was once again hospitalized when Japan surrendered. After three months in the hospital on Guam, he was assigned as dispatcher in the motor pool and did this until he boarded a liberty ship for the United States. He was discharged soon after his arrival.
Oral History Interview with William Cooper, April 9, 2013: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William E. Cooper. Cooper was born in Alameda, California 8 May 1925. Upon completing high school in 1943, he joined the Army and went to Oregon for training with the 13th Combat Engineers. He recalls being sent overseas aboard the USS Hugh L. Scott (AP-43) and arriving at New Caledonia. He took part in the invasion of Leyte and witnessed a kamikaze plane crash into one of the troop ships. Upon landing he was assigned to the 32nd Infantry Division and put in charge of a group of men assigned as stevedores. He then went to Ormoc and was assigned to Company A, 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division as an infantryman. After participating on several combat patrols he was hospitalized with dengue fever. Upon being released from the hospital he was assigned to Company L, 32nd Infantry Regiment, and was in the first wave to land on Okinawa. As a combat engineer, his job was to blow up Japanese caves and fortifications. He comments that a childhood friend, Harold Gonsalves, was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor as a result of his actions on Okinawa. Cooper was once again hospitalized when Japan surrendered. After three months in the hospital on Guam, he was assigned as dispatcher in the motor pool and did this until he boarded a liberty ship for the United States. He was discharged soon after his arrival.
Oral History Interview with Arwin Bowden, March 9, 2000: Interview with Arwin Bowden, a marine during World War II. He begins by discussing his training in San Diego and New Zealand before the Battle of Tarawa. He describes being wounded in the battle, the casualties he saw, and being shipped back to Pearl Harbor for treatment before joining the battle of Saipan. He describes ancedotes about Japanese killing themselves rather than surrendering, eating food from a garden watered from rainwater running down from outhouses, the wages he made, and the time he had leave.
Oral History Interview with Virginia Cumberland, August 9, 2017: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Virginia Cumberland. During World War II, Cumberland worked in a factory in Indiana as a tool and die maker. She also speaks some about a brother of hers that was in the service and stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas and served overseas in France.
Oral History Interview with Virginia Cumberland, August 9, 2017: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Virginia Cumberland. During World War II, Cumberland worked in a factory in Indiana as a tool and die maker. She also speaks some about a brother of hers that was in the service and stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas and served overseas in France.
Oral History Interview with James Donovan, September 9, 1994: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Donovan. In January 1943 Donovan served as a member of the 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division as it joined the ongoing battle at Guadalcanal. His unit was withdrawn in February to New Zealand, and after recuperating from widespread malaria, his battalion landed at Tarawa on the day after the initial landing. After Tarawa, Donovan recalls that members of his battalion were put ashore by the USS Nautilus onto the Northern Gilbert island atoll Abemama, to flush out entrenched Japanese soldiers. Donovan was the battalion executive officer during the landing on Saipan. His landing craft was shot up resulting in several casualties but eventually landed. He describes the ferocious action that followed over the next three weeks until Saipan was eventually secured on 9 July. Donovan next describes the landing on Tinian where the 2nd Marine Division landed in support of the 4th Marine Division and secured the island over the following eleven days. At the end of 1944 he was transferred back to Pearl Harbor for a job at Fleet Pacific Headquarters until June 1945 when he was sent to Quantico, Virginia as an instructor.
Oral History Interview with James Donovan, September 9, 1994: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Donovan. In January 1943 Donovan served as a member of the 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division as it joined the ongoing battle at Guadalcanal. His unit was withdrawn in February to New Zealand, and after recuperating from widespread malaria, his battalion landed at Tarawa on the day after the initial landing. After Tarawa, Donovan recalls that members of his battalion were put ashore by the USS Nautilus onto the Northern Gilbert island atoll Abemama, to flush out entrenched Japanese soldiers. Donovan was the battalion executive officer during the landing on Saipan. His landing craft was shot up resulting in several casualties but eventually landed. He describes the ferocious action that followed over the next three weeks until Saipan was eventually secured on 9 July. Donovan next describes the landing on Tinian where the 2nd Marine Division landed in support of the 4th Marine Division and secured the island over the following eleven days. At the end of 1944 he was transferred back to Pearl Harbor for a job at Fleet Pacific Headquarters until June 1945 when he was sent to Quantico, Virginia as an instructor.
Oral History Interview with George Duncan, October 9, 1994: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Duncan. Duncan graduated from the Naval Academy in 1939. In 1941, he went to flight school at Pensacola after a tour on USS West Virginia (BB-48). He first flew an SOC Seagull in Alaska before transferring to the Solomons, where he caught malaria. Then he was assigned to fighters and boarded USS Hornet (CV-12). He did not stay aboard long before his unit transferred to USS Essex (CV-9) sometime in early 1944. Duncan shares several anecdotes about missions over Iwo Jima, the Marianas and the Philippines. After the war, Duncan went on to be a test pilot for several Navy aircraft and served as captain of a carrier later in his career. He retired in 1968.
Oral History Interview with Charles Engh, May 9, 2012: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Engh. Engh entered the Navy’s V-1 program before beginning V-12 in July 1943. He graduated from midshipmen’s school in 1945 and was sent to Subic Bay in June on lighterage duty as a yeoman. In July he was sent to Okinawa with a flotilla of LCTs that drifted out of formation each night and would spend the following day reorganizing. He was beached by a typhoon at Okinawa for 10 days until a channel was dredged and a tug and bulldozer helped with maneuvering. In October he was sent to China, where he delivered bombs to the Nationalists. After turning his LCT over to the Chinese, Engh returned home in June 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Engh, May 9, 2012: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Engh. Engh entered the Navy’s V-1 program before beginning V-12 in July 1943. He graduated from midshipmen’s school in 1945 and was sent to Subic Bay in June on lighterage duty as a yeoman. In July he was sent to Okinawa with a flotilla of LCTs that drifted out of formation each night and would spend the following day reorganizing. He was beached by a typhoon at Okinawa for 10 days until a channel was dredged and a tug and bulldozer helped with maneuvering. In October he was sent to China, where he delivered bombs to the Nationalists. After turning his LCT over to the Chinese, Engh returned home in June 1946.
Oral History Interview with Eli Escobar, March 9, 2004: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eli Escobar. Escobar was drafted into the Army in May 1944. When Escobar arrived in France in November, 1944, he joined Company K, 242nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division. In January, 1945, Escobar got captured by German troops near Haguenau. He spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war. He was liberated in late April and returned to the US. Escobar was discharged in November, 1945.
Oral History Interview with Eli Escobar, March 9, 2004: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eli Escobar. Escobar was drafted into the Army in May 1944. When Escobar arrived in France in November, 1944, he joined Company K, 242nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division. In January, 1945, Escobar got captured by German troops near Haguenau. He spent the remainder of the war as a prisoner of war. He was liberated in late April and returned to the US. Escobar was discharged in November, 1945.
Oral History Interview with Ream Family, March 9, 1989: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a series of interviews with members of the Ream family: John Ream, Sarah Ream Connelly, Katherine Ream Sobeck, and Nora Ream Kuttner. The Ream family members were children when the Japanese occupied the Philippines and they were interned as civilians at Camp John hay in Baguio. They each in turn discuss the arrival of the Japanese and their subsequent experiences as prisoners of the Japanese. At one point, they were moved to Camp Holmes, also in Baguio, prior to going to Bilibid in Manila. They mention visiting other family members at Santo Tomas and each recalls being liberated and their impressions of arriving in the United States.
Oral History Interview with Joe Fields, October 9, 2003: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joe Fields. He was born in Benton, Kentucky on 29 June 1926. Upon graduation from high school in May, 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Fields describes several of his experiences while in boot camp. He attended Radio Operator’s School and was assigned as a member of the commissioning crew of USS LSM-96. The vessel sailed to Pearl Harbor, embarked a radar intercept squadron (8th Air Warning Squadron) and landed them on a small island off of Okinawa on 1 April 1945. He describes the efforts made by his crew in assisting several American ships in distress over the ensuing days, including evacuating patients from the hospital ship USS Pinkney (APH-2), which had been hit by a kamikaze. Fields’ ship remained in the area over the ensuing months preparing for the invasion of Japan. In September 1945, his ship was diverted to northern China to deliver two companies of Marines and returned in March 1946 to Portland, Oregon where the vessel was decommissioned. He changed his rating from Radioman Second Class to Radarman Second Class near the end of his enlistment. He did not reenlist. He also tells several anecdotes concerning Ernie Pyle.
Oral History Interview with Joe Fields, October 9, 2003: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joe Fields. He was born in Benton, Kentucky on 29 June 1926. Upon graduation from high school in May, 1944, he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Fields describes several of his experiences while in boot camp. He attended Radio Operator’s School and was assigned as a member of the commissioning crew of USS LSM-96. The vessel sailed to Pearl Harbor, embarked a radar intercept squadron (8th Air Warning Squadron) and landed them on a small island off of Okinawa on 1 April 1945. He describes the efforts made by his crew in assisting several American ships in distress over the ensuing days, including evacuating patients from the hospital ship USS Pinkney (APH-2), which had been hit by a kamikaze. Fields’ ship remained in the area over the ensuing months preparing for the invasion of Japan. In September 1945, his ship was diverted to northern China to deliver two companies of Marines and returned in March 1946 to Portland, Oregon where the vessel was decommissioned. He changed his rating from Radioman Second Class to Radarman Second Class near the end of his enlistment. He did not reenlist. He also tells several anecdotes concerning Ernie Pyle.
Oral History Interview with Jordan Garrett, November 9, 2002: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jordan Garrett. Garrett was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas 19 September 1920. He joined the Navy after he quit high school and went to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois for boot camp. He was then assigned to the USS Houston (CA-30) serving as a cook and a barber. He gave Admiral Thomas C. Hart and General Douglas MacArthur shaves when they were aboard the ship. He was injured when the Houston was sunk by the Japanese. He was taken captive and held in a theater in Serang, Indonesia for thirty-six days. Garrett was then taken to the Bicycle Camp in Batavia where he remained for six months. Upon their arrival Singapore by ship, Garrett and other POWs were transported to Burma to work on the Thai-Burma railroad. He endured bombing of the area by Allied planes. He was also sent to Indochina to work on Japanese gun emplacements and was there when Japan surrendered. Garrett recounts the conditions POWs endured during captivity including physical abuse, starvation and disease. At the war’s end, he was taken by plane to Calcutta, India before being flown to the United States where he was placed in the St. Albans Naval Hospital in New York.
Oral History Interview with Jordan Garrett, November 9, 2002: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jordan Garrett. Garrett was born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas 19 September 1920. He joined the Navy after he quit high school and went to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois for boot camp. He was then assigned to the USS Houston (CA-30) serving as a cook and a barber. He gave Admiral Thomas C. Hart and General Douglas MacArthur shaves when they were aboard the ship. He was injured when the Houston was sunk by the Japanese. He was taken captive and held in a theater in Serang, Indonesia for thirty-six days. Garrett was then taken to the Bicycle Camp in Batavia where he remained for six months. Upon their arrival Singapore by ship, Garrett and other POWs were transported to Burma to work on the Thai-Burma railroad. He endured bombing of the area by Allied planes. He was also sent to Indochina to work on Japanese gun emplacements and was there when Japan surrendered. Garrett recounts the conditions POWs endured during captivity including physical abuse, starvation and disease. At the war’s end, he was taken by plane to Calcutta, India before being flown to the United States where he was placed in the St. Albans Naval Hospital in New York.
Oral History Interview with Gordon Gayle, October 9, 1994: The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gordon D. Gayle. Gayle was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma 13 September 1917. After graduating from high school in 1934 he entered West Point 18 July 1935. Upon graduating in 1939 he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps. He then went to a basic school for newly commissioned officers at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Upon completing the course he was assigned to the 5th Marine Regiment at Quantico, Virginia. Their training involved making amphibious landings at Guantanamo, Cuba. On 7 December 1941 he was promoted to company commander (M Company). On 7 August 1942 he landed on Guadalcanal as the 3rd Battalion operations officer. He describes the action and errors made by the Japanese commanders. Gayle remained with his unit in Melbourne, Australia where they regrouped, received replacements and retrained for nine months. In December 1943, Gayle made a landing at Cape Gloucester, New Britain with his unit. Six days after landing, Gayle was made commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines. He describes combat situations and comments on the effect torrential rains had on the men and equipment. Gayle went to Pavuvu and began planning for the invasion of Peleliu. During September 1944, he landed on Peleliu. He describes combat situations and tells of the cave systems they encountered and of the counter attacks made by the Japanese. He states that 50 to 60 percent of the officers and men in the company were lost. When the island was secured, Gayle returned home to on leave to see his twenty-six month old son, whom he had never met. Following his leave, he was ordered to Quantico to serve as an instructor. Gayle remained in the Marine Corps, retiring as a brigadier general in 1968.

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