The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Afton Keeton. Keeton joined the Navy in early 1942. He completed Hospital Corps School, and served as a Pharmacist’s Mate. He volunteered for Submarine School. From 1944 through the end of the war, Keeton worked in the sick bays aboard USS Seadragon (SS-194) and USS Tilefish (SS-307). He shares numerous anecdotes of his work aboard the submarines, though does not go into detail of where they traveled through the Pacific. Keeton continued his service after World War II, and retired in February of 1972.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Afton Keeton. Keeton joined the Navy in early 1942. He completed Hospital Corps School, and served as a Pharmacist’s Mate. He volunteered for Submarine School. From 1944 through the end of the war, Keeton worked in the sick bays aboard USS Seadragon (SS-194) and USS Tilefish (SS-307). He shares numerous anecdotes of his work aboard the submarines, though does not go into detail of where they traveled through the Pacific. Keeton continued his service after World War II, and retired in February of 1972.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Albert Dimminger. Dimminger worked for Hammond Aircraft and Consolidated in 1939, building aircraft. He joined the Navy in March of 1942. Beginning in mid-June Dimminger served as Aviation Metalsmith Third Class aboard the USS Hornet (CV-8). From August through October they operated around the Solomon Islands. On 26 October, during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the ship was struck and sank by a dive bomber and torpedo plane attack. He was transferred to the USS Bougainville (CVE-100), and they transported aircraft to the Marshall, Admiralty and Mariana islands. In February of 1944 he was stationed in Honolulu for shore duty and worked as First Class Petty Officer in charge of the supply depot for plane parts. He was discharged in 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Albert Dimminger. Dimminger worked for Hammond Aircraft and Consolidated in 1939, building aircraft. He joined the Navy in March of 1942. Beginning in mid-June Dimminger served as Aviation Metalsmith Third Class aboard the USS Hornet (CV-8). From August through October they operated around the Solomon Islands. On 26 October, during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, the ship was struck and sank by a dive bomber and torpedo plane attack. He was transferred to the USS Bougainville (CVE-100), and they transported aircraft to the Marshall, Admiralty and Mariana islands. In February of 1944 he was stationed in Honolulu for shore duty and worked as First Class Petty Officer in charge of the supply depot for plane parts. He was discharged in 1945.
The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Alfred N. Taylor. In early 1942 Taylor was drafted into the Army Air Forces. After training and an assignment in Florida, Taylor was shipped to India. He worked at an airbase in Assam calling pilots to their aircraft for missions over the Himalaya Mountains. Taylor returned to the US and was discharged in January 1946.
The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Alfred N. Taylor. In early 1942 Taylor was drafted into the Army Air Forces. After training and an assignment in Florida, Taylor was shipped to India. He worked at an airbase in Assam calling pilots to their aircraft for missions over the Himalaya Mountains. Taylor returned to the US and was discharged in January 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Andy Visnovsky. Visnovsky enlisted in the Marine Corps and upon completion of emergency equipment school was assigned to the 111th Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF-111) as a mechanic. As a ground crewman, he served in the Pacific from September 1944 through December 1945. On Roi-Namur, Visnovsky developed coral poisoning, a condition none of the medics in his unit had ever encountered. On the way to Okinawa, he weathered a typhoon by strapping himself to a jeep aboard his LST. He landed ashore with relatively little opposition, working out of a canvas hangar for the next 82 days. On V-J Day, he had to take cover under an armored vehicle to protect himself from celebratory weapons-firing. Visnovsky then traveled to Atsugi for an uneventful occupation duty. Discharged in February 1946, his most cherished memory of the war was returning home to have dinner with his family.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Andy Visnovsky. Visnovsky enlisted in the Marine Corps and upon completion of emergency equipment school was assigned to the 111th Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF-111) as a mechanic. As a ground crewman, he served in the Pacific from September 1944 through December 1945. On Roi-Namur, Visnovsky developed coral poisoning, a condition none of the medics in his unit had ever encountered. On the way to Okinawa, he weathered a typhoon by strapping himself to a jeep aboard his LST. He landed ashore with relatively little opposition, working out of a canvas hangar for the next 82 days. On V-J Day, he had to take cover under an armored vehicle to protect himself from celebratory weapons-firing. Visnovsky then traveled to Atsugi for an uneventful occupation duty. Discharged in February 1946, his most cherished memory of the war was returning home to have dinner with his family.
Transcript of an oral interview with Ann Liedtke. Ms Liedtke was a young, single woman in Britain during the war and relates her experiences there including meeting her husband and becoming a war bride. She was in Oxford, England working for a bank as an Addressograph operator and joined the American Red Cross there when they first asked for volunteers. The Clarendon Hotel was taken over and used by the Red Cross, opening on July 7, 1943. The Red Cross had dances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with excellent bands but were very strict. Ms Liedtke's future husband was a cook in the Officers' Mess, 8th Air Force Reconnaissance. They got married in February 1945 and lived in Oxford. Her husband went back to the States and she followed in February 1946, arriving on the Hospital ship Bridgeport, which was full of GI brides. Ms Liedtke gives nice descriptions of war time London and Oxford and talks very glowingly about the Red Cross.
Transcript of an oral interview with Ann Liedtke. Ms Liedtke was a young, single woman in Britain during the war and relates her experiences there including meeting her husband and becoming a war bride. She was in Oxford, England working for a bank as an Addressograph operator and joined the American Red Cross there when they first asked for volunteers. The Clarendon Hotel was taken over and used by the Red Cross, opening on July 7, 1943. The Red Cross had dances on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday with excellent bands but were very strict. Ms Liedtke's future husband was a cook in the Officers' Mess, 8th Air Force Reconnaissance. They got married in February 1945 and lived in Oxford. Her husband went back to the States and she followed in February 1946, arriving on the Hospital ship Bridgeport, which was full of GI brides. Ms Liedtke gives nice descriptions of war time London and Oxford and talks very glowingly about the Red Cross.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arthur Herriford. Herriford joined the Navy in April of 1940. In July of 1940 he was assigned to the USS Detroit (CL-8). They traveled to Hilo, Hawaii. He completed Fire Control School and worked as a striker for the Fire Control gang. He later became a rangefinder Operator. He describes both of these positions, and life aboard the ship in general. The Detroit was moored at her base with the USS Raleigh (CL-7) and the USS Utah (BB-31/AG-16) in Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He describes what he witnessed that fateful day aboard his ship and those around him. He remained aboard the Detroit until May of 1942. He operated in the Bering Sea during the winter of 1942 and into 1943, after the Japanese had taken over Attu and Kiska. In May of 1943 he was ordered back to the Advanced Fire Control School in Washington, D.C. to complete advanced training. He spent over five years in Navy Technical Service Schools. He served in the Navy for 21 years.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arthur Herriford. Herriford joined the Navy in April of 1940. In July of 1940 he was assigned to the USS Detroit (CL-8). They traveled to Hilo, Hawaii. He completed Fire Control School and worked as a striker for the Fire Control gang. He later became a rangefinder Operator. He describes both of these positions, and life aboard the ship in general. The Detroit was moored at her base with the USS Raleigh (CL-7) and the USS Utah (BB-31/AG-16) in Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He describes what he witnessed that fateful day aboard his ship and those around him. He remained aboard the Detroit until May of 1942. He operated in the Bering Sea during the winter of 1942 and into 1943, after the Japanese had taken over Attu and Kiska. In May of 1943 he was ordered back to the Advanced Fire Control School in Washington, D.C. to complete advanced training. He spent over five years in Navy Technical Service Schools. He served in the Navy for 21 years.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arthur Schrieber. Schrieber joined the Navy after 7 December 1941. He joined the crew of USS Indianapolis (CA-35). Schrieber worked in the engine room and describes how he studied each piece of equipment and eventually became a machinist mate first class. He broadly covers the actions that his ship participated in from the Aleutians through Saipan.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arthur Schrieber. Schrieber joined the Navy after 7 December 1941. He joined the crew of USS Indianapolis (CA-35). Schrieber worked in the engine room and describes how he studied each piece of equipment and eventually became a machinist mate first class. He broadly covers the actions that his ship participated in from the Aleutians through Saipan.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Avery Willis. Willis left the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and joined the Navy in 1935. After training, he was assigned to the engine room of the USS Nevada (BB-36) as a machinist’s mate. On the morning of 7 December, he was filling in as an engineer on the motor launch. When the initial attack passed, he assumed his station in the engine room just before the ship got underway. Thinking he might be safer on a submarine, Willis soon requested a transfer and boarded the USS Tunny (SS-282). Conducting patrols off of Guam, he was at ease under the expert command of Lieutenant Commander John Scott. After five patrols, Willis was transferred to Mare Island, where he ran errands for Admiral Rickover. As the war came to an end, Willis’s last duty was decommissioning 57 submarines, some of them brand new.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Avery Willis. Willis left the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and joined the Navy in 1935. After training, he was assigned to the engine room of the USS Nevada (BB-36) as a machinist’s mate. On the morning of 7 December, he was filling in as an engineer on the motor launch. When the initial attack passed, he assumed his station in the engine room just before the ship got underway. Thinking he might be safer on a submarine, Willis soon requested a transfer and boarded the USS Tunny (SS-282). Conducting patrols off of Guam, he was at ease under the expert command of Lieutenant Commander John Scott. After five patrols, Willis was transferred to Mare Island, where he ran errands for Admiral Rickover. As the war came to an end, Willis’s last duty was decommissioning 57 submarines, some of them brand new.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ben McDonald. McDonald entered the University of Texas Navy ROTC program in July, 1943 and graduated and was commissioned in January, 1945. He then joined USS Wichita (CA-45) as a gunnery officer in time for the Okinawa invasion. McDonald discusses kamikazes, suicide swimmers, and going ashore on Okinawa to serve as a fire control forward observer for his ship. When the war ended, the Wichita proceeded to Nagasaki Bay. McDonald observed the damage the atomic bomb did to the city. Wichita evacuated former Allied POWs from the Nagasaki and Sasebo areas before returning to the US in early 1946. McDonald was converted to the Inactive Reserves in 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ben McDonald. McDonald entered the University of Texas Navy ROTC program in July, 1943 and graduated and was commissioned in January, 1945. He then joined USS Wichita (CA-45) as a gunnery officer in time for the Okinawa invasion. McDonald discusses kamikazes, suicide swimmers, and going ashore on Okinawa to serve as a fire control forward observer for his ship. When the war ended, the Wichita proceeded to Nagasaki Bay. McDonald observed the damage the atomic bomb did to the city. Wichita evacuated former Allied POWs from the Nagasaki and Sasebo areas before returning to the US in early 1946. McDonald was converted to the Inactive Reserves in 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernard Comito. Comito joined the Navy in September 1941 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was sent to Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station as a seaman. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, he fired a Lewis gun, despite having only learned to shoot a carbine. After the bombing, he and a group of soldiers stood watch until the following morning, expecting to be invaded. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). He was transferred to the USS Avocet (AVP-4), carrying out patrols and transporting supplies. He brought PBY motors into Dutch Harbor under combat conditions. When the war ended, Comito was discharged and began a long career as a school administrator. He worked at international schools for military dependents worldwide, which included a post in Japan, where he came to appreciate Japanese culture.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernard Comito. Comito joined the Navy in September 1941 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was sent to Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station as a seaman. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, he fired a Lewis gun, despite having only learned to shoot a carbine. After the bombing, he and a group of soldiers stood watch until the following morning, expecting to be invaded. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). He was transferred to the USS Avocet (AVP-4), carrying out patrols and transporting supplies. He brought PBY motors into Dutch Harbor under combat conditions. When the war ended, Comito was discharged and began a long career as a school administrator. He worked at international schools for military dependents worldwide, which included a post in Japan, where he came to appreciate Japanese culture.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernard Rubien. Rubien joined the Army Air Corps after his 22nd birthday and received basic training at Fort Slocum. Upon completion, he was assigned as a clerk typist to bomb squadrons at Hickam Field. He was then transferred to Hawaiian Air Command headquarters. On 7 December 1941 he received a distress signal from Wake Island via teletype. With Pearl Harbor also under attack, Rubien quickly set about burning classified documents. Within a few days, he was relocated to an alternate command post in a mountainside cave. After a year, he returned to the States for Officer Candidate School at Miami Beach. After training troops in Atlantic City, he returned to his former office in Hawaii. He was soon transferred to VII Fighter Command at Fort Shafter as adjutant for the 318th Fighter Group. He then joined ComAirForward, a joint task force designated as Task Force 59. Rubien returned home and later served in the Korean War. He retired after 26 years in the service.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernard Rubien. Rubien joined the Army Air Corps after his 22nd birthday and received basic training at Fort Slocum. Upon completion, he was assigned as a clerk typist to bomb squadrons at Hickam Field. He was then transferred to Hawaiian Air Command headquarters. On 7 December 1941 he received a distress signal from Wake Island via teletype. With Pearl Harbor also under attack, Rubien quickly set about burning classified documents. Within a few days, he was relocated to an alternate command post in a mountainside cave. After a year, he returned to the States for Officer Candidate School at Miami Beach. After training troops in Atlantic City, he returned to his former office in Hawaii. He was soon transferred to VII Fighter Command at Fort Shafter as adjutant for the 318th Fighter Group. He then joined ComAirForward, a joint task force designated as Task Force 59. Rubien returned home and later served in the Korean War. He retired after 26 years in the service.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with C.R. Walters. Walters joined the Army in March 1943 and received basic training at Fort Belvoir. Upon completion, he began a degree in mechanical engineering under the Army Specialized Training Program. In March 1944 he was transferred to the 102nd Infantry Division and sent to Cherbourg, France. He was in combat as a platoon sergeant from mid-October until April 1945. German soldiers surrendered to his unit at the Elbe River. After the war, Walters was assigned to a prisoner-of-war camp formerly run by Germans. He was tasked with making arrangements for Russian prisoners to return home. Walters remained in Europe with the occupation forces until May 1946. He completed his degree in mechanical engineering and was assigned to an engineering unit that primarily built airfields. Walters retired from the service in 1957.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with C.R. Walters. Walters joined the Army in March 1943 and received basic training at Fort Belvoir. Upon completion, he began a degree in mechanical engineering under the Army Specialized Training Program. In March 1944 he was transferred to the 102nd Infantry Division and sent to Cherbourg, France. He was in combat as a platoon sergeant from mid-October until April 1945. German soldiers surrendered to his unit at the Elbe River. After the war, Walters was assigned to a prisoner-of-war camp formerly run by Germans. He was tasked with making arrangements for Russian prisoners to return home. Walters remained in Europe with the occupation forces until May 1946. He completed his degree in mechanical engineering and was assigned to an engineering unit that primarily built airfields. Walters retired from the service in 1957.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chester W. Nimitz, Jr. Nimitz was born in Brooklyn, New York 17 February 1915. He attended Severn Preparatory School prior to entering the US Naval Academy in 1932. Upon graduating in 1936, he was assigned to the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) as assistant navigator. He applied for submarine duty in 1938 and trained at New London, Connecticut. After training he was assigned to the USS Sturgeon (SS-187) based in San Diego. In November 1941, the Sturgeon proceeded to Manila. Recalling his first war patrol aboard the Sturgeon, Nimitz recalls being subjected to depth charge attacks and the frustration caused by defective torpedoes. Returning to the United States he was assigned to the USS Bluefish (SS-222) as the executive officer. Later, he was withdrawn from sea duty and assigned to work on the torpedo problem. Nimitz was then put in command of the USS Haddo (SS-255) and describes an attack on a Japanese ship during which all six torpedoes launched exploded prematurely. He discusses the problem of defective torpedoes. On their last patrol in the Haddo, his crew sank five enemy ships and received a Navy Unit Commendation. Nimitz received the Navy Cross. During late 1944 he was ordered back to submarine school as head of the Torpedo and Gunnery Department. In 1946 Nimitz assumed command of the USS Sarda (SS-488) before he was sent to the University of California as the executive officer of the NROTC program. He was then called to command the destroyer USS O’Brien (DD-725) and was deployed off the coast of Korea during the Korean War. In 1952 he went to San Diego as Commander of the Submarine Division, Pacific Fleet. Nimitz retired from the Navy in 1957 as a rear admiral and discusses life …
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Claude Olds. Olds joined the Navy in February of 1943. He served as Motor Machinist 2nd Class aboard the LCI-498 during the landings on Omaha Beach on 6 June 1944. Olds worked as a mechanic tending to landing craft. In late 1944 through mid-1945 he served aboard USS LSM-134, traveling to Cebu, Leyte, Subic and transporting troops to Lingayen Gulf and Ie Jima. They delivered supplies from the Philippines to Okinawa. He was discharged in December of 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Claude Olds. Olds joined the Navy in February of 1943. He served as Motor Machinist 2nd Class aboard the LCI-498 during the landings on Omaha Beach on 6 June 1944. Olds worked as a mechanic tending to landing craft. In late 1944 through mid-1945 he served aboard USS LSM-134, traveling to Cebu, Leyte, Subic and transporting troops to Lingayen Gulf and Ie Jima. They delivered supplies from the Philippines to Okinawa. He was discharged in December of 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Donald Shown. Shown was born 23 November 1920 on a ranch in Oregon. He joined the Navy in 1939 and went to boot camp in San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) as a deck hand and during battle stations he was a gun pointer. After delivering troops to Melbourne, Australia, the Indianapolis was ordered to the Bering Sea to patrol the Aleutian Islands. Heavy seas damaged the ship making repairs Mare Island Naval Shipyard necessary. Shown also tells of the Indianapolis participating in the invasions of Tarawa, Saipan and Okinawa. He relates an incident where the ship was damaged by a kamikaze requiring a return to Mare Island for repair. Upon completion of the repairs the ship was ordered to Hunters Point Naval Shipyard where atomic bomb components were put on board, under tight security, and delivered to Tinian. On 30 July 1945 the ship was hit by a Japanese torpedo and sunk. Shown shares anecdotes of being in the water five days: men hallucinating, men dying of thirst and exposure, witnessing fatal shark attacks and being rescued by the USS Bassett (APD-73). He was taken to a hospital on Guam for thirty days of recovery. He then went to a rest and rehabilitation area for a period of time before going aboard the USS Hollandia (CVE-97) and being taken to San Diego. He was discharged 15 September 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Donald Shown. Shown was born 23 November 1920 on a ranch in Oregon. He joined the Navy in 1939 and went to boot camp in San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) as a deck hand and during battle stations he was a gun pointer. After delivering troops to Melbourne, Australia, the Indianapolis was ordered to the Bering Sea to patrol the Aleutian Islands. Heavy seas damaged the ship making repairs Mare Island Naval Shipyard necessary. Shown also tells of the Indianapolis participating in the invasions of Tarawa, Saipan and Okinawa. He relates an incident where the ship was damaged by a kamikaze requiring a return to Mare Island for repair. Upon completion of the repairs the ship was ordered to Hunters Point Naval Shipyard where atomic bomb components were put on board, under tight security, and delivered to Tinian. On 30 July 1945 the ship was hit by a Japanese torpedo and sunk. Shown shares anecdotes of being in the water five days: men hallucinating, men dying of thirst and exposure, witnessing fatal shark attacks and being rescued by the USS Bassett (APD-73). He was taken to a hospital on Guam for thirty days of recovery. He then went to a rest and rehabilitation area for a period of time before going aboard the USS Hollandia (CVE-97) and being taken to San Diego. He was discharged 15 September 1945.
Interview with E.R. (Ed) Dolinar, a serviceman with the U. S. Navy during World War II. He discusses going to boot camp, torpedo school and submarine school. He was on the SSN Stingray as a torpedo crewman that offloaded supplies and guerillas in the Philippines. It picked up stranded Japanese sailors and transported them to Australia. The Stingray was then decomissioned. He was then part of a crew that studied and stripped captured German submarines, and he discusses the differences between the U-boats and the US submarines. He also discusses the Bolomen, Filipino guerillas who fought the Japanese during the occupation. He also talks briefly about his experience of being hit with depth charges and gives his opinions on General MacArthur and President Truman.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with E.R. (Ed) Dolinar. He discusses going to boot camp, then torpedo school and submarine school. He was on the SSN Stingray as a torpedo crewman that offloaded supplies and guerrillas in the Philippines and picking up stranded Japanese sailors, transporting them to Australia, after which the Stingray was decomissioned. He was then part of a crew that cannibalized and plagiarized captured German submarines and he discusses the differences between the U-boats and the US submarines. He ancedotes on the Bolomen, Filipino guerillas who fought the Japanese during the occupation, getting hit with depth charges and his opinions on MacArthur and Truman.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with E.R. (Ed) Dolinar. He discusses going to boot camp, then torpedo school and submarine school. He was on the SSN Stingray as a torpedo crewman that offloaded supplies and guerrillas in the Philippines and picking up stranded Japanese sailors, transporting them to Australia, after which the Stingray was decomissioned. He was then part of a crew that cannibalized and plagiarized captured German submarines and he discusses the differences between the U-boats and the US submarines. He ancedotes on the Bolomen, Filipino guerillas who fought the Japanese during the occupation, getting hit with depth charges and his opinions on MacArthur and Truman.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edwin Koehler. Koehler joined the Army in December of 1943. He completed basic training at Camp Fannin in Texas. He continued there through mid-1944 training new recruits. In February of 1945 he joined the 4th Infantry Division in Germany and fought against the German SS. He provides details of his combat experiences. Koehler continued serving in Germany after the war ended. He returned to the states in late 1945. He was discharged in March of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edwin Koehler. Koehler joined the Army in December of 1943. He completed basic training at Camp Fannin in Texas. He continued there through mid-1944 training new recruits. In February of 1945 he joined the 4th Infantry Division in Germany and fought against the German SS. He provides details of his combat experiences. Koehler continued serving in Germany after the war ended. He returned to the states in late 1945. He was discharged in March of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Strathman. Strathman joined the Navy in the fall of 1943. He completed signal school and was assigned to LSM-11. They hauled tank destroyers. He provides some details of the LSM and its armament. They traveled to Hilo, Hawaii. Aboard the LSM he served as a cook. In January of 1945 they participated in the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf. They were the first ship to hit the beach. He describes some of the air raids of kamikaze planes that he witnessed. His battle station was on the 20mm anti-aircraft gun. They participated in the Battle of Okinawa in April of 1945, and then the invasion of Ie Shima. He describes his experiences at these battles. He was discharged in 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Strathman. Strathman joined the Navy in the fall of 1943. He completed signal school and was assigned to LSM-11. They hauled tank destroyers. He provides some details of the LSM and its armament. They traveled to Hilo, Hawaii. Aboard the LSM he served as a cook. In January of 1945 they participated in the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf. They were the first ship to hit the beach. He describes some of the air raids of kamikaze planes that he witnessed. His battle station was on the 20mm anti-aircraft gun. They participated in the Battle of Okinawa in April of 1945, and then the invasion of Ie Shima. He describes his experiences at these battles. He was discharged in 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Everett Reamer. Reamer was born in Elizabethtown, Ohio 20 January 1915. On 1 February 1941, he joined the Army. He arrived at Manila on 21 April 1941 aboard the USS Republic (AP-33). He went to Corregidor where he was assigned to the 60th Coast Artillery and began six weeks of basic training. While the attacks on Cavite Naval Base could be seen from Corregidor, Reamer was not involved in any action until 29 December 1941, at which time Corregidor was subjected to relentless shelling and bombing. Reamer comments on casualties due to physical and mental injury. Corregidor surrendered 7 May 1942 and Reamer and other prisoners of war went aboard a ship bound for Manila. They marched to Bilibid Prison, then on to Cabanatuan. He comments of the sub-human treatment given the POWs resulting in many deaths due to abuse, malaria, dysentery and starvation. During September, he was put aboard the Totori Maru bound for Osaka. He describes specific incidents of severe physical mistreatment. He was even tried by a panel of Japanese soldiers and was sentenced to one year of solitary confinement in Sakai Prison. He describes the conditions in the prison and his deteriorating health. On 22 August 1945, the prisoners were informed the war had ended. When the 1st Calvary liberated the camp on 6 September, Reamer was taken to the hospital ship USAHS Marigold for treatment. After treatment in various hospitals he went to Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco. Reamer was discharged in November 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Everett Reamer. Reamer was born in Elizabethtown, Ohio 20 January 1915. On 1 February 1941, he joined the Army. He arrived at Manila on 21 April 1941 aboard the USS Republic (AP-33). He went to Corregidor where he was assigned to the 60th Coast Artillery and began six weeks of basic training. While the attacks on Cavite Naval Base could be seen from Corregidor, Reamer was not involved in any action until 29 December 1941, at which time Corregidor was subjected to relentless shelling and bombing. Reamer comments on casualties due to physical and mental injury. Corregidor surrendered 7 May 1942 and Reamer and other prisoners of war went aboard a ship bound for Manila. They marched to Bilibid Prison, then on to Cabanatuan. He comments of the sub-human treatment given the POWs resulting in many deaths due to abuse, malaria, dysentery and starvation. During September, he was put aboard the Totori Maru bound for Osaka. He describes specific incidents of severe physical mistreatment. He was even tried by a panel of Japanese soldiers and was sentenced to one year of solitary confinement in Sakai Prison. He describes the conditions in the prison and his deteriorating health. On 22 August 1945, the prisoners were informed the war had ended. When the 1st Calvary liberated the camp on 6 September, Reamer was taken to the hospital ship USAHS Marigold for treatment. After treatment in various hospitals he went to Letterman General Hospital in San Francisco. Reamer was discharged in November 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Fletcher Taylor. Taylor joined the Army Air Corps in 1940 and received training as a navigator in Miami. At the beginning of the war he was sent to the Panama Canal, patrolling in B-17s for ships and submarines. He was then transferred to India as a B-24 navigator, where he flew 30 missions, some as long as 13 hours. His first mission was to disable the electrical components of a coal mine in China that was critical for Japanese steel production. While the mission was successful, he believes there were several hundred Chinese casualties. Taylor participated in missions bombing the Andaman Islands, Bangkok, Rangoon, and Mandalay. He returned to the States for pilot training at Fort Worth. Upon completion, he was sent to staff school. At the end of the war, he was assigned to retrieve a plane from England. Taylor returned home and spent 25 years in a secret censorship program run by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Fletcher Taylor. Taylor joined the Army Air Corps in 1940 and received training as a navigator in Miami. At the beginning of the war he was sent to the Panama Canal, patrolling in B-17s for ships and submarines. He was then transferred to India as a B-24 navigator, where he flew 30 missions, some as long as 13 hours. His first mission was to disable the electrical components of a coal mine in China that was critical for Japanese steel production. While the mission was successful, he believes there were several hundred Chinese casualties. Taylor participated in missions bombing the Andaman Islands, Bangkok, Rangoon, and Mandalay. He returned to the States for pilot training at Fort Worth. Upon completion, he was sent to staff school. At the end of the war, he was assigned to retrieve a plane from England. Taylor returned home and spent 25 years in a secret censorship program run by the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George A Richard. Richard joined the Navy during the Depression. Upon boarding the USS Tennessee (BB-43), he was delighted to have free room and board. A second class seaman, he was assigned to the range-finder in the fire control division, later transferring topside and working his way up to boatswain’s mate. After surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, he helped to recover bodies the following day. In the Philippines, Richard experienced an attack by a kamikaze that dropped a 500-pound dud, as well as collisions with the USS California (BB-44) and USS Black Hawk (AD-9). In the Marianas, while watching Marines land, he gave up his seat to another sailor who was then immediately shelled. At the end of the war, Richard endured a typhoon on the way to Japan and watched a Japanese admiral board the ship to surrender. He stayed in the Navy another year and was discharged as a boatswain’s mate, first class.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George A Richard. Richard joined the Navy during the Depression. Upon boarding the USS Tennessee (BB-43), he was delighted to have free room and board. A second class seaman, he was assigned to the range-finder in the fire control division, later transferring topside and working his way up to boatswain’s mate. After surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, he helped to recover bodies the following day. In the Philippines, Richard experienced an attack by a kamikaze that dropped a 500-pound dud, as well as collisions with the USS California (BB-44) and USS Black Hawk (AD-9). In the Marianas, while watching Marines land, he gave up his seat to another sailor who was then immediately shelled. At the end of the war, Richard endured a typhoon on the way to Japan and watched a Japanese admiral board the ship to surrender. He stayed in the Navy another year and was discharged as a boatswain’s mate, first class.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George T. Foy. Foy joined the Navy in January 1943. He trained at Great lakes for basic and took an electrician's course there, too before being assigned to the amphibious corps in Solomons, Maryland. He joined an USS LST-282 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In January, 1944, USS LST-282 steamed to Plymouth, England. Foy was aboard the 282 when it went to Normandy on 6 June 1944. It delivered amphibious vehicles and medical supplies during the landing operation and also served as a floating hospital. Foy got separated from his ship, but was able to return to it later on in England. In Southern France in August, USS LST-282 was hit by a German bomb and Foy abandoned ship and made it to shore. He returned to the US and was assigned to an auxiliary repair ship that went to the Pacific right as the war ended. He was discharged in March 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George T. Foy. Foy joined the Navy in January 1943. He trained at Great lakes for basic and took an electrician's course there, too before being assigned to the amphibious corps in Solomons, Maryland. He joined an USS LST-282 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In January, 1944, USS LST-282 steamed to Plymouth, England. Foy was aboard the 282 when it went to Normandy on 6 June 1944. It delivered amphibious vehicles and medical supplies during the landing operation and also served as a floating hospital. Foy got separated from his ship, but was able to return to it later on in England. In Southern France in August, USS LST-282 was hit by a German bomb and Foy abandoned ship and made it to shore. He returned to the US and was assigned to an auxiliary repair ship that went to the Pacific right as the war ended. He was discharged in March 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Gerry Porter. Porter enlisted in the Navy in November of 1940. He completed Machinist School and was assigned to the USS West Virginia (BB-48), main engines M Division. He describes this job and the engine rooms he worked in. Porter talks some on the 3 weeks leading up to 7 December 1941, and the military being instructed to be on alert. The West Virginia was stationed in Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack. Porter discusses the events that occurred that morning both around and inside the ship. His ship was hit by 6 torpedoes that fateful day and sunk in Pearl Harbor. In October of 1942 he was assigned to the USS Bogue (CVE-9). They did convoy and submarine patrol in the Atlantic, operating out of Argentia, Newfoundland. They would convoy and meet the British halfway across the Atlantic, and he provides some detail of these convoy experiences. In July of 1943 he was rotated to the USS Langley (CVL-27), providing training for pilots. In January of 1944 they began operating with the Fleet and continued through April of 1945. By May of 1945 he was classified First Class Machinist???s Mate in the forward engine room. He was discharged in December of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Gerry Porter. Porter enlisted in the Navy in November of 1940. He completed Machinist School and was assigned to the USS West Virginia (BB-48), main engines M Division. He describes this job and the engine rooms he worked in. Porter talks some on the 3 weeks leading up to 7 December 1941, and the military being instructed to be on alert. The West Virginia was stationed in Pearl Harbor on the day of the attack. Porter discusses the events that occurred that morning both around and inside the ship. His ship was hit by 6 torpedoes that fateful day and sunk in Pearl Harbor. In October of 1942 he was assigned to the USS Bogue (CVE-9). They did convoy and submarine patrol in the Atlantic, operating out of Argentia, Newfoundland. They would convoy and meet the British halfway across the Atlantic, and he provides some detail of these convoy experiences. In July of 1943 he was rotated to the USS Langley (CVL-27), providing training for pilots. In January of 1944 they began operating with the Fleet and continued through April of 1945. By May of 1945 he was classified First Class Machinist???s Mate in the forward engine room. He was discharged in December of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Glenn Reynolds. Reynolds left high school to join the Navy in 1939. In March 1940 he was assigned to USS Maryland (BB-46). Anchored at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked, Reynolds was writing a letter to his girlfriend when the war began. He manned his battle station, despite being barefoot, and then helped fight fires on a nearby fuel tanker. He later transferred to USS Halawa (AOG-12) as a gunner’s mate. In August 1942 he was sent to gunnery school and upon completion joined an amphibious base in England, where he met an English woman who would become his wife. While on shore patrol duty, Reynolds was alarmed one evening when Downtown London was suddenly crowded to the point where he could not move. This was how he learned that the Germans had surrendered. V-E Day celebrations lasted until four in the morning. After being discharged from the Navy, Reynolds joined the Army and went served in Korea and Vietnam, retiring after 26 years.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Glenn Reynolds. Reynolds left high school to join the Navy in 1939. In March 1940 he was assigned to USS Maryland (BB-46). Anchored at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked, Reynolds was writing a letter to his girlfriend when the war began. He manned his battle station, despite being barefoot, and then helped fight fires on a nearby fuel tanker. He later transferred to USS Halawa (AOG-12) as a gunner’s mate. In August 1942 he was sent to gunnery school and upon completion joined an amphibious base in England, where he met an English woman who would become his wife. While on shore patrol duty, Reynolds was alarmed one evening when Downtown London was suddenly crowded to the point where he could not move. This was how he learned that the Germans had surrendered. V-E Day celebrations lasted until four in the morning. After being discharged from the Navy, Reynolds joined the Army and went served in Korea and Vietnam, retiring after 26 years.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Harold Tetlie. Tetlie joined the Army in February of 1945. He served with the 869th Ordnance Company as a radio operator aboard an M10 tank destroyer. He deployed to the Philippine Islands in August of 1945 aboard the USS President Jackson (APA-18). He worked as a typist at a base in San Fernando, La Union in the Philippines through September of 1946. Tetlie was discharged in December.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Harold Tetlie. Tetlie joined the Army in February of 1945. He served with the 869th Ordnance Company as a radio operator aboard an M10 tank destroyer. He deployed to the Philippine Islands in August of 1945 aboard the USS President Jackson (APA-18). He worked as a typist at a base in San Fernando, La Union in the Philippines through September of 1946. Tetlie was discharged in December.
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