The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Burman Stewart. Stewart joined the Navy in February of 1944. Beginning in May, he served as a seaman aboard the SS Sea Runner (1944), a passenger and cargo ship. In June they transported supplies and Seabees for the Battle of Saipan, going ashore by tank landing ships. Stewart operated the cranes to lower and raise the boats into the water. Stewart and his shipmates served on the island of Hawaii until January of 1945, then they transported the 12th Service Marine Division to the Battle of Iwo Jima. In April they delivered a group of soldiers from Guam to the Battle of Okinawa. In June they transferred back to Hawaii, where Stewart served on the island until his discharge in January of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Burman Stewart. Stewart joined the Navy in February of 1944. Beginning in May, he served as a seaman aboard the SS Sea Runner (1944), a passenger and cargo ship. In June they transported supplies and Seabees for the Battle of Saipan, going ashore by tank landing ships. Stewart operated the cranes to lower and raise the boats into the water. Stewart and his shipmates served on the island of Hawaii until January of 1945, then they transported the 12th Service Marine Division to the Battle of Iwo Jima. In April they delivered a group of soldiers from Guam to the Battle of Okinawa. In June they transferred back to Hawaii, where Stewart served on the island until his discharge in January of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Byron K. Henry. Henry finished high school in Indiana and joined the Marine Corps in January, 1943. He had his basic training in San Diego and recalls experiences there. He also provides details about training he got once he arrived at Pearl harbor later in 1943. He also served on Midway Island as a guard. He shares two anecdotes about saving guys' lives: one from a mountin accident and another from drowning in the surf.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Byron K. Henry. Henry finished high school in Indiana and joined the Marine Corps in January, 1943. He had his basic training in San Diego and recalls experiences there. He also provides details about training he got once he arrived at Pearl harbor later in 1943. He also served on Midway Island as a guard. He shares two anecdotes about saving guys' lives: one from a mountin accident and another from drowning in the surf.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carl Woods. Woods was born on a homestead in Phillips County, Montana into a family of nine children. He comments on family life during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and went to boot training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois. He was then selected to attend hospital corpsman school and describes the training and medical experience he gained before volunteering for submarine duty. After attending Submarine School and receiving additional medical training he was sent to Pearl Harbor where he went aboard the USS Euryale (AS-22) and went to Guam in August 1945. In September 1945 the ship arrived at Kuri, Japan where the crew assisted in destroying one hundred seventy-five Japanese midget submarines. They proceeded to Sasebo, where they destroyed several aircraft carrier submarines. Woods recalls that five Japanese submarines of various sizes where taken to Pearl Harbor for research purposes. He was aboard the ship at dock and experienced a typhoon in December 1945. Returning to the United States, he was assigned to the USS Ronquil (SS-396). In 1953 he was sent to Korea. There he was assigned as the medical chief responsible for thirty-eight corpsman with the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. He describes various combat situations and tells of casualties suffered by his group of corpsmen. Woods concludes the discussion describing many other assignments during his thirty-one year Navy career. He retired as a commissioned officer.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carl Woods. Woods was born on a homestead in Phillips County, Montana into a family of nine children. He comments on family life during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and went to boot training at Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois. He was then selected to attend hospital corpsman school and describes the training and medical experience he gained before volunteering for submarine duty. After attending Submarine School and receiving additional medical training he was sent to Pearl Harbor where he went aboard the USS Euryale (AS-22) and went to Guam in August 1945. In September 1945 the ship arrived at Kuri, Japan where the crew assisted in destroying one hundred seventy-five Japanese midget submarines. They proceeded to Sasebo, where they destroyed several aircraft carrier submarines. Woods recalls that five Japanese submarines of various sizes where taken to Pearl Harbor for research purposes. He was aboard the ship at dock and experienced a typhoon in December 1945. Returning to the United States, he was assigned to the USS Ronquil (SS-396). In 1953 he was sent to Korea. There he was assigned as the medical chief responsible for thirty-eight corpsman with the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. He describes various combat situations and tells of casualties suffered by his group of corpsmen. Woods concludes the discussion describing many other assignments during his thirty-one year Navy career. He retired as a commissioned officer.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dana Anderson. Anderson was born in Manhattan, Kansas on 30 November 1924 and joined the Navy on 2 December 1942. After completing boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois he was sent to San Diego where he trained on the Diesel engines on LCMs. After the training was complete he was assigned to USS Ashland (LSD-1), which was capable of carrying 18 LCMs. After making practice landings in Hawaii with the 2nd Marine Division, the Ashland participated in the invasion of Tarawa. Anderson’s LCM was left on the beach as it was disabled by Japanese shellfire. He returned to the Ashland and later participated in the invasions of Eniwetok and Kwajalein. Returning to the United States, he was sent to Cleveland, Ohio where he received additional training with Diesel engines. He was then assigned to an ocean-going tug hauling concrete forms to the Philippines. This tug was pulling another ship back to the US when the war ended.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dana Anderson. Anderson was born in Manhattan, Kansas on 30 November 1924 and joined the Navy on 2 December 1942. After completing boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois he was sent to San Diego where he trained on the Diesel engines on LCMs. After the training was complete he was assigned to USS Ashland (LSD-1), which was capable of carrying 18 LCMs. After making practice landings in Hawaii with the 2nd Marine Division, the Ashland participated in the invasion of Tarawa. Anderson’s LCM was left on the beach as it was disabled by Japanese shellfire. He returned to the Ashland and later participated in the invasions of Eniwetok and Kwajalein. Returning to the United States, he was sent to Cleveland, Ohio where he received additional training with Diesel engines. He was then assigned to an ocean-going tug hauling concrete forms to the Philippines. This tug was pulling another ship back to the US when the war ended.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Delmar Oldenettel. Oldenettel was drafted into the Army and, after training, was shipped to a replacement depot in New Caledonia. In August, 1943, he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Guadalcanal. From Guadalcanal, he went to Vella Lavella for the invasion. Afterwards, he went to New Zealand for rest with the rest of the division. Oldenettel then describes combat on Luzon when his unit landed at Lingayen Gulf in January, 1945. By October, 1945, Oldenettel had earned enough points to be rotated back to the US.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Delmar Oldenettel. Oldenettel was drafted into the Army and, after training, was shipped to a replacement depot in New Caledonia. In August, 1943, he was assigned to the 25th Infantry Division at Guadalcanal. From Guadalcanal, he went to Vella Lavella for the invasion. Afterwards, he went to New Zealand for rest with the rest of the division. Oldenettel then describes combat on Luzon when his unit landed at Lingayen Gulf in January, 1945. By October, 1945, Oldenettel had earned enough points to be rotated back to the US.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Devon Moon. Moon joined the Army in April 1943 and trained as a combat engineer. He joined the 247th Combat Engineer Battalion and went to England in early 1944. He landed at Omaha Beach two days after the invasion and built bridges in the area. Moon was wounded in February but was able to return to his unit. His unit travelled From France to Belgium to Germany and was near the Elbe River when the war ended. Moon returned home and was discharged in November 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Devon Moon. Moon joined the Army in April 1943 and trained as a combat engineer. He joined the 247th Combat Engineer Battalion and went to England in early 1944. He landed at Omaha Beach two days after the invasion and built bridges in the area. Moon was wounded in February but was able to return to his unit. His unit travelled From France to Belgium to Germany and was near the Elbe River when the war ended. Moon returned home and was discharged in November 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Donald B. Davis. While attending the University of Iowa, Davis joined the Marines Corps and was sent to Parris Island for boot camp. After boot camp, Davis went to Camp Lejeune for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned. Afterwards, Davis was transported to Hawaii and assigned as a replacement officer to lead a mortar platoon in the 4th Marine Division. Davis then describes landing on the beach at Iwo Jima. When an infantry officer was killed, Davis assumed his command and left the mortar platoon. He then describes combat activity and his experiences fighting on Iwo Jima up to the point where he was wounded in action. Davis then describes his experiences in the hospital at Guam and Honolulu. From there, he was sent to San Diego. Davis concludes by expounding on the meaning of war.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Donald B. Davis. While attending the University of Iowa, Davis joined the Marines Corps and was sent to Parris Island for boot camp. After boot camp, Davis went to Camp Lejeune for Officer Candidate School and was commissioned. Afterwards, Davis was transported to Hawaii and assigned as a replacement officer to lead a mortar platoon in the 4th Marine Division. Davis then describes landing on the beach at Iwo Jima. When an infantry officer was killed, Davis assumed his command and left the mortar platoon. He then describes combat activity and his experiences fighting on Iwo Jima up to the point where he was wounded in action. Davis then describes his experiences in the hospital at Guam and Honolulu. From there, he was sent to San Diego. Davis concludes by expounding on the meaning of war.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dorothy Davis Thompson. Thompson was born in Shanghai and graduated high school there in 1935. In 1937, when the Japanese invaded Shanghai she was at Columbia University in New York learning nursing. Her family fled to Manila. When she graduated in 1940, she went to be with her parents in the Philippines. She got a job as a Civil Service nurse in the obstetrics ward at Sternberg Army Hospital, met her fiancee there, and was working there when the Japanese invaded Luzon. Her fiancee was soon fighting on Bataan. She received some notes from him from Cabanatuan but never saw him again. (Don Childers was killed as a POW while en route to Japan aboard a hell ship that was torpedoed by a US submarine.) Thompson then describes caring for wounded and injured in the hospital until she was captured by the Japanese and removed with her father, mother and sister to the internment camp at Santo Tomas in January, 1942. Thompson speaks about the conditions inside Santo Tomas in the early days and how the Japanese had not been prepared to provide for civilian internees. She describes her efforts to set up a clinic to treat sick and injured people. Finally, in July, 1942, Army nurses arrived from Corregidor. Before long, Thompson and her mother (with a few other people) were repatriated. They left Santo Tomas and returned to New York City. Upon arriving, Thompson received word that she had been accepted to the US Army Nurse Corps and was to report to the Surgeon Genral's office immediately. After some time for debriefing and some intervention by Eleanor Roosevelt, Thompson began working at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. She worked there in the OR until orders …
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dorothy Davis Thompson. Thompson was born in Shanghai and graduated high school there in 1935. In 1937, when the Japanese invaded Shanghai she was at Columbia University in New York learning nursing. Her family fled to Manila. When she graduated in 1940, she went to be with her parents in the Philippines. She got a job as a Civil Service nurse in the obstetrics ward at Sternberg Army Hospital, met her fiancee there, and was working there when the Japanese invaded Luzon. Her fiancee was soon fighting on Bataan. She received some notes from him from Cabanatuan but never saw him again. (Don Childers was killed as a POW while en route to Japan aboard a hell ship that was torpedoed by a US submarine.) Thompson then describes caring for wounded and injured in the hospital until she was captured by the Japanese and removed with her father, mother and sister to the internment camp at Santo Tomas in January, 1942. Thompson speaks about the conditions inside Santo Tomas in the early days and how the Japanese had not been prepared to provide for civilian internees. She describes her efforts to set up a clinic to treat sick and injured people. Finally, in July, 1942, Army nurses arrived from Corregidor. Before long, Thompson and her mother (with a few other people) were repatriated. They left Santo Tomas and returned to New York City. Upon arriving, Thompson received word that she had been accepted to the US Army Nurse Corps and was to report to the Surgeon Genral's office immediately. After some time for debriefing and some intervention by Eleanor Roosevelt, Thompson began working at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC. She worked there in the OR until orders …
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Duane Howard. Howard was born in Miami, Indiana 30 November 1919. Although married with two children, he was drafted into the Navy in September 1944. After ten week of boot training at The Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois he began three weeks of gunnery training. Upon completion of the training he was assigned to the merchant ship, SS O.B. Martin as a member of the Naval Armed Guard contingent. His job assignment was as a gunner’s mate on a 3 inch deck gun. He tells of the ship joining a convoy of forty ships and delivering their cargo to Calcutta, India. He also comments on visits the ship made to Leyte, Samar and New Guinea. In September 1945 the ship returned to San Francisco with veterans of the war in the Pacific. He was discharged during October 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Duane Howard. Howard was born in Miami, Indiana 30 November 1919. Although married with two children, he was drafted into the Navy in September 1944. After ten week of boot training at The Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois he began three weeks of gunnery training. Upon completion of the training he was assigned to the merchant ship, SS O.B. Martin as a member of the Naval Armed Guard contingent. His job assignment was as a gunner’s mate on a 3 inch deck gun. He tells of the ship joining a convoy of forty ships and delivering their cargo to Calcutta, India. He also comments on visits the ship made to Leyte, Samar and New Guinea. In September 1945 the ship returned to San Francisco with veterans of the war in the Pacific. He was discharged during October 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dwight Dehaven. Dehaven joined the Navy in 1939 and served aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the boiler room. Dehaven recalls being shaken by a bomb and by explosions from the USS Lexington (CV-2) nearby in the Battle of the Coral Sea. In the Battle of Midway, bombs and a torpedo caused fire and flooding. Dehaven witnessed the gruesome death of a sailor jumping ship and saw a pilot trapped underneath an overturned plane. After abandoning ship, Dehaven was rescued by the USS Henley (DD-391), which was subsequently hit by a torpedo. He abandoned that ship amidst the explosions of depth charges and was then rescued by the USS Balch (DD-363). He was assigned to help repair the USS California (BB-44) and was then transferred to the USS England (DE-635) as a chief machinist’s mate. Dehaven describes the complementary skillsets and personalities of Captain Williamson and Commander Pendleton, and how that contributed to the England’s unparalleled success in anti-submarine warfare. Dehaven was discharged in November 1945. He returned to the England for its decommissioning ceremony, remembering his friends who were trapped and burned in the Yorktown after it was struck by a kamikaze plane.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dwight Dehaven. Dehaven joined the Navy in 1939 and served aboard the USS Yorktown (CV-5) in the boiler room. Dehaven recalls being shaken by a bomb and by explosions from the USS Lexington (CV-2) nearby in the Battle of the Coral Sea. In the Battle of Midway, bombs and a torpedo caused fire and flooding. Dehaven witnessed the gruesome death of a sailor jumping ship and saw a pilot trapped underneath an overturned plane. After abandoning ship, Dehaven was rescued by the USS Henley (DD-391), which was subsequently hit by a torpedo. He abandoned that ship amidst the explosions of depth charges and was then rescued by the USS Balch (DD-363). He was assigned to help repair the USS California (BB-44) and was then transferred to the USS England (DE-635) as a chief machinist’s mate. Dehaven describes the complementary skillsets and personalities of Captain Williamson and Commander Pendleton, and how that contributed to the England’s unparalleled success in anti-submarine warfare. Dehaven was discharged in November 1945. He returned to the England for its decommissioning ceremony, remembering his friends who were trapped and burned in the Yorktown after it was struck by a kamikaze plane.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edmond Drake. Drake joined the Navy in April of 1943. Beginning early 1944, he served as Electrician’s Mate aboard USS President Adams (APA-19). They transported troops and supplies during the Battle of Guam, the invasion Luzon and the Battle of Iwo Jima. He returned to the US in April of 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edmond Drake. Drake joined the Navy in April of 1943. Beginning early 1944, he served as Electrician’s Mate aboard USS President Adams (APA-19). They transported troops and supplies during the Battle of Guam, the invasion Luzon and the Battle of Iwo Jima. He returned to the US in April of 1945.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edwin Knight. Knight was drafted into the Army in 1943 and received training in anti-tank warfare. He was assigned to the 43rd Infantry Division, 169th Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, while stationed in New Caledonia, Knight was selected for medic training. In the spring of 1944, he sailed to New Guinea, where he had interactions with natives. To deal with the heat, he lined the inside his helmet with gasoline, which cooled when it evaporated. In January 1945, at Lingayen Gulf, he tried his best to stay silent as a rat crawled into his shirt while Japanese forces marched by. During combat, Knight tended to a wounded soldier who was then shot and killed while receiving treatment. He also treated distressed soldiers who had self-inflicted wounds. Upon returning home, Knight suffered from PTSD but dedicated himself to international charity work, even working in Japan.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edwin Knight. Knight was drafted into the Army in 1943 and received training in anti-tank warfare. He was assigned to the 43rd Infantry Division, 169th Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, while stationed in New Caledonia, Knight was selected for medic training. In the spring of 1944, he sailed to New Guinea, where he had interactions with natives. To deal with the heat, he lined the inside his helmet with gasoline, which cooled when it evaporated. In January 1945, at Lingayen Gulf, he tried his best to stay silent as a rat crawled into his shirt while Japanese forces marched by. During combat, Knight tended to a wounded soldier who was then shot and killed while receiving treatment. He also treated distressed soldiers who had self-inflicted wounds. Upon returning home, Knight suffered from PTSD but dedicated himself to international charity work, even working in Japan.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Frank H. Bigelow where he discusses his childhood, family, education and life during the great depression. He describes his recruitment into the Navy and his experiences in the Pacific Theatre during World War Two.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Fred Vogel. Vogel finished high school in 1930 and went to work before going to Drake University. He graduated from law school in 1940. He enlisted in the Army in April, 1942. After basic training, he was made an instructor. In October, 1942 Vogel went to officer candidate school in Georgia. He also instructed OCS. Once he got overseas to Hawaii in February 1944, he was assigned to the 33rd infantry Division, 136th Infantry Regiment. He was in New Guinea with the outfit when he was shifted to regimental headquarters as an assistant personnel officer. He also made the invasion of Morotai with the 33rd ID. He shares a few anecdotes about working closely with PT boats on various landings at Morotai. He also landed at Luzon during the invasion of the Philippines. After the war, Vogel stayed in the Army Reserve until 1972.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Deer. Deer joined the Marine Corps in February of 1944, and provides details of his training. He was assigned to communications, working with phones, radios and stringing lines. He was attached to the 11th Gun Battalion at Camp Tarawa, Hawaii and shares his experiences training, living and working on the island, providing a number of anecdotal stories as well. He participated in the Battle of Leyte in October of 1944, where he served in both communications and as infantry. In January of 1945 they completed mopping up exercises on Guam, taking on 19 Japanese prisoners. Deer remained on Guam until the war ended. He was issued a medical discharge in December of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Deer. Deer joined the Marine Corps in February of 1944, and provides details of his training. He was assigned to communications, working with phones, radios and stringing lines. He was attached to the 11th Gun Battalion at Camp Tarawa, Hawaii and shares his experiences training, living and working on the island, providing a number of anecdotal stories as well. He participated in the Battle of Leyte in October of 1944, where he served in both communications and as infantry. In January of 1945 they completed mopping up exercises on Guam, taking on 19 Japanese prisoners. Deer remained on Guam until the war ended. He was issued a medical discharge in December of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Glen Cleckler. Cleckler was born in Roscoe, Texas. While a senior in high school, he and several friends, including Harlon Block, joined the US Marine Corps. After completing boot camp at San Diego, he was assigned to the 1st Defense Battalion, 5th Amphibious Corps. After spending nine months on Palmyra Atoll he was sent to the Marshall Islands to set up a radar site on Majuro Atoll. He then returned to Pearl Harbor where he was assigned to a pack howitzer unit of the 4th Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 14th Marines. On 18 December 1944 he boarded a troopship bound for Iwo Jima. He describes the conditions encountered when landing on the beach during the second day of the invasion. Cleckler recalls a DC-3 flew over the island spraying a pesticide to combat conditions caused by exposed corpses. He remembers American ships firing star shells throughout the nights in attempts to expose Japanese infiltrators and tells of seeing damaged B-29s landing on the air strip before the island was secured. Upon returning to the United States, Cleckler attended college followed by thirty-seven years in the teaching profession.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hobert Dempsey. Dempsey joined the Army in June 1943 and received antiaircraft training in the Mojave Desert. He came down with appendicitis just before his unit went overseas. After recovering, he was reassigned to the 232nd Infantry Regiment, Rainbow Division, as a combat infantryman. He arrived at Le Havre in December 1944, finding a port full of civilian casualties. He fought through France and into Belgium. He was shot in the leg and played dead until the Germans passed by. He was sent to a hospital three days later and returned to the front lines after four days of recuperation. After crossing the Rhine as a front-runner, he accidentally went behind German lines and was captured with five other Americans. He was sent to a prisoner-of-war camp that was unknown to the Americans, who strafed the camp at least once. Conditions were harsh, food was scarce, and the prisoners performed hard labor in cold weather. The camp was overtaken by Russians, who wouldn’t let American troops evacuate prisoners. Dempsey escaped on foot and was eventually rescued and smuggled past a Russian checkpoint by Americans. He weighed over 150 pounds when he was deployed and less than 100 pounds when he returned home.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hobert Dempsey. Dempsey joined the Army in June 1943 and received antiaircraft training in the Mojave Desert. He came down with appendicitis just before his unit went overseas. After recovering, he was reassigned to the 232nd Infantry Regiment, Rainbow Division, as a combat infantryman. He arrived at Le Havre in December 1944, finding a port full of civilian casualties. He fought through France and into Belgium. He was shot in the leg and played dead until the Germans passed by. He was sent to a hospital three days later and returned to the front lines after four days of recuperation. After crossing the Rhine as a front-runner, he accidentally went behind German lines and was captured with five other Americans. He was sent to a prisoner-of-war camp that was unknown to the Americans, who strafed the camp at least once. Conditions were harsh, food was scarce, and the prisoners performed hard labor in cold weather. The camp was overtaken by Russians, who wouldn’t let American troops evacuate prisoners. Dempsey escaped on foot and was eventually rescued and smuggled past a Russian checkpoint by Americans. He weighed over 150 pounds when he was deployed and less than 100 pounds when he returned home.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hugh Fuller. Fuller was born in Rogers, Texas 17 October 1924. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 and received his basic training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He recalls his time at boot camp and that he was assigned to the 69th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 69th Infantry Division upon completion. During training at Fort Knox, Kentucky he recalls meeting and speaking with President Roosevelt. Fuller was sent to England shortly after the Allied landing on D-Day. He landed in France from an LST, and then marched into Belgium and Germany. He describes several of the reconnaissance missions carried out by his unit while assigned to the First Army, including some during the Battle of the Bulge. He recalls the day his unit arrived at Buchenwald Concentration Camp and he remembers the horrific conditions encountered. He describes several USO shows while in Germany. Following the end of the war, he embarked on a troop ship in Le Havre, France and sailed back to the US where he was discharged.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hugh Fuller. Fuller was born in Rogers, Texas 17 October 1924. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 and received his basic training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. He recalls his time at boot camp and that he was assigned to the 69th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop (Mechanized), 69th Infantry Division upon completion. During training at Fort Knox, Kentucky he recalls meeting and speaking with President Roosevelt. Fuller was sent to England shortly after the Allied landing on D-Day. He landed in France from an LST, and then marched into Belgium and Germany. He describes several of the reconnaissance missions carried out by his unit while assigned to the First Army, including some during the Battle of the Bulge. He recalls the day his unit arrived at Buchenwald Concentration Camp and he remembers the horrific conditions encountered. He describes several USO shows while in Germany. Following the end of the war, he embarked on a troop ship in Le Havre, France and sailed back to the US where he was discharged.
Transcript of an oral interview with Jack Puryear. Puryear went into the Navy in 1943 and wound up in aerial photography, training at Pensacola, Florida. Upon completing training, Puryear shipped out to Guadalcanal and joined Fleet Aerial Photo Squadron One. He describes photographing Guam, Tinian and Saipan prior to the invasion of the Mariana Islands. He relates a stroy in which Admiral Halsey gave him a ride on Guadalcanal. Puryear tells a story also about photographing the Palau Islands prior to the invasion. His unit was recalled back to the US for refitting, and when they returned to the Pacific Theater of Operations, they were stationed at Guam. Once the airfield at Okinawa was secure, elements of Puryears photo reconnaisance squadron moved there to photograph the main Japanese Islands in advance of the planned invasion. He also tells about flying out of Okinawa ahead of a typhoon and getting caught in it on their way to Guam. Puryear went back to the US in March, 1946 and went into the Naval Reserve. He was commissioned and served as a supply officer and was recalled for the war in Korea. He then went to supply school in New Jersey before serving in Korea aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) and the destroyer USS Brush (DD-745). Puryear also tells stories about being the disbursement officer while he was in the reserves.
Transcript of an oral interview with Jack Puryear. Puryear went into the Navy in 1943 and wound up in aerial photography, training at Pensacola, Florida. Upon completing training, Puryear shipped out to Guadalcanal and joined Fleet Aerial Photo Squadron One. He describes photographing Guam, Tinian and Saipan prior to the invasion of the Mariana Islands. He relates a stroy in which Admiral Halsey gave him a ride on Guadalcanal. Puryear tells a story also about photographing the Palau Islands prior to the invasion. His unit was recalled back to the US for refitting, and when they returned to the Pacific Theater of Operations, they were stationed at Guam. Once the airfield at Okinawa was secure, elements of Puryears photo reconnaisance squadron moved there to photograph the main Japanese Islands in advance of the planned invasion. He also tells about flying out of Okinawa ahead of a typhoon and getting caught in it on their way to Guam. Puryear went back to the US in March, 1946 and went into the Naval Reserve. He was commissioned and served as a supply officer and was recalled for the war in Korea. He then went to supply school in New Jersey before serving in Korea aboard the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea (CV-47) and the destroyer USS Brush (DD-745). Puryear also tells stories about being the disbursement officer while he was in the reserves.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Boston. Boston was born 17 April 1924 in Philadelphia and joined the Marines 15 January 1942. After completing boot and advanced training, he boarded the USS George F. Elliott (AP-105) as a member of the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion to participate in the invasion of Guadalcanal. He describes boot training, advanced training and combat scenarios encountered during the invasion of Guadalcanal. He also details the Japanese night attack at the Tenaru River. He lists by name those of company G that were killed during the action. Upon contracting malaria, he was sent to the 4th General hospital in Melbourne, Australia followed by stay in the Oakland Naval Hospital and the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. In August 1945 he was sent to Guam where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. In November 1945, he returned to the United States and received his discharge.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Boston. Boston was born 17 April 1924 in Philadelphia and joined the Marines 15 January 1942. After completing boot and advanced training, he boarded the USS George F. Elliott (AP-105) as a member of the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Battalion to participate in the invasion of Guadalcanal. He describes boot training, advanced training and combat scenarios encountered during the invasion of Guadalcanal. He also details the Japanese night attack at the Tenaru River. He lists by name those of company G that were killed during the action. Upon contracting malaria, he was sent to the 4th General hospital in Melbourne, Australia followed by stay in the Oakland Naval Hospital and the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. In August 1945 he was sent to Guam where he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines. In November 1945, he returned to the United States and received his discharge.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Causey. Causey was born in Mississippi and was drafted into the Army right after he finished high school in 1944. Causey shares a few stories about basic training in Florida. Causey went overseas aboard the USS General M.M. Patrcik (AP-150) from Seattle to Hawaii in February, 1945. Causey describes more training he received on Hawaii before shipping out to Saipan in April. On 1 May, Causey arrived as a replacement o nOkinawa. He was assigned to C Company, 1st battalion, 381st Regiment, 96th Infantry Division. Causey then describes his impressions and experiences fighting on Okinawa. Causey was eventually wounded by shell fragments and evacuated to a hospital near the beach. After treatment, he was able to rejoin his unit on Okinawa. When the war ended, Causey was aboard an LST bound for the Philippines and more training in anticipation of the invasion of Japan.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Causey. Causey was born in Mississippi and was drafted into the Army right after he finished high school in 1944. Causey shares a few stories about basic training in Florida. Causey went overseas aboard the USS General M.M. Patrcik (AP-150) from Seattle to Hawaii in February, 1945. Causey describes more training he received on Hawaii before shipping out to Saipan in April. On 1 May, Causey arrived as a replacement o nOkinawa. He was assigned to C Company, 1st battalion, 381st Regiment, 96th Infantry Division. Causey then describes his impressions and experiences fighting on Okinawa. Causey was eventually wounded by shell fragments and evacuated to a hospital near the beach. After treatment, he was able to rejoin his unit on Okinawa. When the war ended, Causey was aboard an LST bound for the Philippines and more training in anticipation of the invasion of Japan.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Doig. Doig joined the Navy in December of 1942. He completed Diesel School, repairing landing craft engines. Beginning August of 1943, Doig served in the fire room aboard USS Ashland (LSD-1). While he was aboard, the Ashland participated in the assaults on Kwajalein and Eniwetok. In the late 1944, Doig was transferred to USS Kenton (APA-122). They transported troops to the Philippines and participated in the Okinawa invasion. Doig was discharged in February of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Doig. Doig joined the Navy in December of 1942. He completed Diesel School, repairing landing craft engines. Beginning August of 1943, Doig served in the fire room aboard USS Ashland (LSD-1). While he was aboard, the Ashland participated in the assaults on Kwajalein and Eniwetok. In the late 1944, Doig was transferred to USS Kenton (APA-122). They transported troops to the Philippines and participated in the Okinawa invasion. Doig was discharged in February of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Walsh. Walsh was born in Wheeler, Indiana on 19 October 1926. He quit high school in 1944 and joined the Navy. He went to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois for six weeks of boot training followed by six months of amphibious training and gunnery training at Norfolk, Virginia. Upon completion of the training he went by troop train to Portland, Oregon. In September 1944 he went aboard Landing Craft Support vessel USS LCS(L)(3)-51. He describes the ship’s heavy armaments. In November 1944, Group 7, consisting of Walsh’s LCS and five other sister ships, sailed to Saipan before going to Leyte. They remained at Leyte until 19 February 1945 before participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima. Walsh led the first wave of Marine onto the beach and describes clearing the beach of disabled landing craft. The ship then participated in the invasion of Okinawa. Walsh tells of the ship being on picket duty and being attacked by kamikaze aircraft. Walsh saw the USS Laffey (DD-724) hit by several suicide aircraft while LCS-51 sustained damage caused by debris from a plane they shot down. The ship put in to Kerama Retto for repairs before proceeding to Leyte. While there Japan surrendered. Shortly thereafter, the ship went to Wakayama, Japan. Walsh describes his observations and the attitude of the Japanese people. During October 1945, after visiting Korea and China, LCS-51 returned to the United States and Walsh was discharged several months later.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Walsh. Walsh was born in Wheeler, Indiana on 19 October 1926. He quit high school in 1944 and joined the Navy. He went to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in Illinois for six weeks of boot training followed by six months of amphibious training and gunnery training at Norfolk, Virginia. Upon completion of the training he went by troop train to Portland, Oregon. In September 1944 he went aboard Landing Craft Support vessel USS LCS(L)(3)-51. He describes the ship’s heavy armaments. In November 1944, Group 7, consisting of Walsh’s LCS and five other sister ships, sailed to Saipan before going to Leyte. They remained at Leyte until 19 February 1945 before participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima. Walsh led the first wave of Marine onto the beach and describes clearing the beach of disabled landing craft. The ship then participated in the invasion of Okinawa. Walsh tells of the ship being on picket duty and being attacked by kamikaze aircraft. Walsh saw the USS Laffey (DD-724) hit by several suicide aircraft while LCS-51 sustained damage caused by debris from a plane they shot down. The ship put in to Kerama Retto for repairs before proceeding to Leyte. While there Japan surrendered. Shortly thereafter, the ship went to Wakayama, Japan. Walsh describes his observations and the attitude of the Japanese people. During October 1945, after visiting Korea and China, LCS-51 returned to the United States and Walsh was discharged several months later.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jimmy Bennett. Bennett was born in Munda, New Georgia, Western Province, Solomon Islands in May of 1922. He recalls the Japanese invading in 1942, the Americans arriving in 1943, and his family hiding in the bush. Bennet, and a number of other natives, joined the American Army’s 118th Engineer Battalion, 43rd Infantry Division. He served as a scout for the island, and led the troops on Baanga Island, through the New Georgia Campaign, and until the end of the war. Reference Alfred Bisili’s oral history, a native friend of Bennett, who participated with him during the war.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jimmy Bennett. Bennett was born in Munda, New Georgia, Western Province, Solomon Islands in May of 1922. He recalls the Japanese invading in 1942, the Americans arriving in 1943, and his family hiding in the bush. Bennet, and a number of other natives, joined the American Army’s 118th Engineer Battalion, 43rd Infantry Division. He served as a scout for the island, and led the troops on Baanga Island, through the New Georgia Campaign, and until the end of the war. Reference Alfred Bisili’s oral history, a native friend of Bennett, who participated with him during the war.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Harold Ryan. Ryan joined the Army in September of 1944. He served with the 96th Infantry Division. He worked with and trained fellow servicemen on the M1 rifle. Ryan participated in the Battle of Okinawa. He was discharged in September of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Harold Ryan. Ryan joined the Army in September of 1944. He served with the 96th Infantry Division. He worked with and trained fellow servicemen on the M1 rifle. Ryan participated in the Battle of Okinawa. He was discharged in September of 1946.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John J. Clemens. He discusses his childhood and family and what led him to join the US Navy. He describes his experiences fighting in both the Pacific and European theatres of World War Two.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr John McCall. After one college semester, McCall was drafted into the military and volunteered for a meteorology program. He took basic training at Keesler Field, Mississippi and in May 1943 began his academic training at the University of Chicago. After less than six months, his class got cancelled. Someone decided they didn't need as many weather forecasters as originally planned. McCall went to take basic training again, at Jefferson Barracks in St Louis, Missouri. Still hoping to learn a trade rather than just simply going to the trenches, McCall re-tested and re-classified and was given a choice between several program; he choose weather observing. He was sent to Chanute Field, Illinois for training and then to Rattlesnake Army Air Base in Pyote, Texas where he served as a weather observer for just over one year. McCall describes in detail his activities as a weather observer during his time at the base. Eventually, about half of the weather observers at the station were sent overseas and McCall was on a ship sailing for Hawaii when the war with Japan ended. Someone decided to send all the replacements to various weather stations throughout the Pacific; McCall volunteered to go to Okinawa. He was sent to Kadena Air Base and describes having to rebuild the weather station there after a severe typhoon hit the island. On one of his trips to Japan, McCall flew over Nagasaki and describes the devastation there.
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr John McCall. After one college semester, McCall was drafted into the military and volunteered for a meteorology program. He took basic training at Keesler Field, Mississippi and in May 1943 began his academic training at the University of Chicago. After less than six months, his class got cancelled. Someone decided they didn't need as many weather forecasters as originally planned. McCall went to take basic training again, at Jefferson Barracks in St Louis, Missouri. Still hoping to learn a trade rather than just simply going to the trenches, McCall re-tested and re-classified and was given a choice between several program; he choose weather observing. He was sent to Chanute Field, Illinois for training and then to Rattlesnake Army Air Base in Pyote, Texas where he served as a weather observer for just over one year. McCall describes in detail his activities as a weather observer during his time at the base. Eventually, about half of the weather observers at the station were sent overseas and McCall was on a ship sailing for Hawaii when the war with Japan ended. Someone decided to send all the replacements to various weather stations throughout the Pacific; McCall volunteered to go to Okinawa. He was sent to Kadena Air Base and describes having to rebuild the weather station there after a severe typhoon hit the island. On one of his trips to Japan, McCall flew over Nagasaki and describes the devastation there.
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