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Commander Hal Lamar, USNR (Ret.) Remembers Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Transcript of an oral monologue with Hal Lamar. He reflects on Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz during his time serving as the Admiral's personal aide and secretary. He describes Nimitz's character and abilities as a leader. Lamar shares anecdotes about visiting wounded men and awarding Purple Heart medals, other officers coming to call, recreating, visiting Tarawa ,and activities at the new headquarters on Guam.
Oral History Interview with Herman Heinrich, February 1, 1989
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Herman Heinrich. Heinrich joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS South Dakota (BB-57) in August 1943. He worked in the lower handling room for the five-inch guns and felt only a shudder when the South Dakota was struck by a bomb at the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Heading toward Okinawa, he recalls an American observation plane being accidentally struck by a projectile from his ship. At Okinawa he witnessed the damage that the destroyers sustained from kamikaze attacks as his ship brought casualties aboard. At Tokyo Bay, his crew shared Admiral Halsey’s disappointment that the surrender ceremony would not be held on the South Dakota. He remembers Halsey as an easy-going leader who liked to mingle with the crew. Heinrich returned home and was discharged in February 1946.
Oral History Interview with Dale Fagg, February 28, 1990
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue of Dale Fagg. Fagg joined the Marine Corps in October of 1942. In Pearl Harbor he was assigned to the Marine Detachment of Admiral Chester Nimitz at Makalapa in Honolulu, and served as his personal chauffer, from 1942 to 1945. He shares numerous stories of his encounters with and work for the Admiral.
Oral History Interview with Barry Atkins, February 20, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barry Atkins. In 1928, Atkins was appointed to the Naval Academy and graduated in 1932 and was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43). He was aboard at Long Beach, California during the 1933 earthquake. After that, he was transferred to the USS New Mexico (BB-40). his next assignment took him aboard the USS Mahan (DD-364). In 1941, Atkins was assigned to the USS Parrott (DD-218) in Manila Bay. He was aboard the Parrott during the Battle of Balikpapan in January 1942. When Atkins returned to the US in August, 1942, he was assigned as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 8 and sent to New Caledonia that November. His squadron became operational in New Guinea in December. He recalls setting up the PT base at the Morobe River and several patrols and encounters with Japanese shipping. In late 1943, Atkins returned to the US and asked for a destroyer. In October 1944, Atkins was given command of the USS Melvin (DD-680) at Manus Island. From there, the Melvin escorted the Leyte landing forces to the Philippines, then took up station guarding the Surigao Strait. He made a torpedo attack on the Japanese fleet as it attempted to pass through the strait during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. From there, Atkins went with the Third Fleet to attack target on the Japanese home islands. When the war ended, the Melvin swept mines off the Japanese coast. When Atkins returned home, he was placed in command of the USS Holder (DD-819) for a six month cruise in the Mediterranean. He retired in 1959. In an addendum, Atkins discusses kamikaze attacks he witnessed while aboard the Melvin off Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
Oral History Interview with Edwin Dubose, February 21, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edwin Dubose. Dubose was born in Waxahachie, Texas on 8 August 1917 and after graduating from Texas A&M, received his commission as ensign in the Navy in 1941. He interviewed with Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley while at Midshipman School in Chicago and was selected for Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron School in Melville, Rhode Island. After training, Dubose was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 15. His squadron was the first to be sent to the Mediterranean in April 1943. The squadron was originally based in Algeria and Tunisia. Their mission was to interdict German and Italian boats leaving Sicily attempting to evacuate the Afrika Corps from the Tunisian Peninsula. His squadron’s role during the invasion of Sicily was keeping German fast attack boats, known as E-boats, away from the Allied landing craft. During the following year, his squadron was based at Bastia, Corsica and interdicted German barges, known as Flak-lighters, attempting to supply the German army fighting in Italy. Dubose’s squadron also supported the invasion at Salerno. During this time he met General George S. Patton. His squadron served as an anti-E-boat screen in the Nice-Cannes area during the invasions of Elba on 16 June and in Southern France on 15 August 1944. In early 1945 he assumed command of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 33, operating out of the Philippine Island of Panay. He describes a secret mission where he embarked General MacArthur and took him to Cebu City, Philippines just a few days after he returned to Leyte Island. He and his crew spent the day with MacArthur touring Cebu City. Finally, he describes being called back to active duty during the Korean War where he served for two years as executive officer aboard the destroyers USS …
Oral History Interview with Hugh Robinson, February 21, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hugh Robinson. Robinson was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on 31 January 1916 and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1938. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the USS Yorktown (CV-5). After a one year tour on the Yorktown he was transferred to the USS Bainbridge (DD-246) as a junior engineering officer. In March 1941 he was assigned to Motor Boat Submarine Chaser Squadron 1. He recalls after a three month testing of the boats, equipment and procedures, the squadron was disbanded and he was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2. Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor the squadron was sent to Panama, operating there until the end of the summer of 1942 at which time a number of the boats were assigned to newly formed Squadron 3 with Robinson as the executive officer. He arrived at Tulagi during October 1942 and was made squadron commander. He recalls various actions in which the squadron was involved until he was attached to the flotilla commander’s staff in February 1943. He served on the staff until July when he was sent to the Motor Torpedo Boat Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island as operations officer. In early 1944 he was assigned as air defense officer on the USS Wisconsin (BB-64). He tells of various actions in which the ship was involved including the bombardment of Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the home islands of Japan. He also recalls the experience of being in two typhoons, one of which resulted in the sinking of three destroyers. After the end of the war, he received orders to attend George Washington Law School from which he graduated in 1948. He concludes the interview with anecdotes of his naval career from 1948 until …
Oral History Interview with William Pleasants, February 21, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Pleasants. Pleasants was born in Canon City, Colorado in 1919. He graduated from the University of California in 1942 and enlisted in the United States Navy. After training, Pleasants applied for and received a commission. He was assigned to Patrol Torpedo Boat Squadron 22 (RON 22) based on the island of Corsica. He served as the executive officer aboard PT-309 [this boat is on display at the museum]. He tells of participating in 75 combat patrols during the period of April 1944 through May 1945 with the primary mission of attacking enemy shipping along the coasts of Italy and France. He transported French commandos to the shore two days before the invasion of Southern France where he was wounded by shell fire from German shore batteries. Pleasants also delivered General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny to a destroyer for a secret meeting. He also mentions participating in the capture of Italian MAS boats.
Oral History Interview with Iliff D. Richardson, February 22, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Iliff Richardson. Richardson was commissioned in the Navy in 1940 and assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 as the executive officer of PT-34. After the loss of his boat in April 1942, he joined a band of Filipino guerrillas. Richardson tells of setting up radio transmitters and of the unusual features of the operations and equipment used. At the request of General Douglas MacArthur he plotted the Japanese mine fields in Leyte Gulf and he gives the details on how this was accomplished. Upon returning to the Philippines, General MacArthur met with Richardson on the USS Nashville (CL-43) and he describes the discussion. After returning to the United States, he had a seven hour meeting with Admiral Ernest J. King concerning pending court martial charges against him and tells of the outcome of the meeting. Richardson joined the Industrial Incentive Division of the Navy and he comments on his travels and speeches given to industry workers. [A copy of the manuscript written by Richardson during the war describing PT boat operations in the Philippines is in the archives of The National Museum of the Pacific War and available for viewing online in the museum’s World War II Documents Collection.]
Oral History Interview with Richard Donley, February 22, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Donley. Donley was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, 7 October 1923. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy in 1942. He went to Fleet Torpedo School in San Diego following basic training. In September, he volunteered for PT boats and was sent to the Motor Torpedo Boat Training Center in Melville, Rhode Island. After training, he volunteered for assignment to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 15. He was assigned as a torpedoman to PT-202, which was loaded on a tanker and transported to Gibraltar. The boats were sent to Bone, Tunisia to augment the British Coastal Forces in North Africa. Their primary objective was to prevent movement of German forces by sea from North Africa to Sicily. Following the German surrender in North Africa, Donley’s squadron was engaged in screening Allied landing craft during the Sicily invasion. Later, while intercepting a convoy of eight German supply barges, Donley was wounded by shell fragments. He also describes the numerous shortcomings of the Mark VIII torpedo and his boat’s involvement in the invasion of Italy at Salerno. Donley also describes later operations out of Corsica, Elba and Naples while interdicting German F-lighters attempting to resupply Rome and Anzio. On several occasions he describes the importance of smoke screens to PT boats in evading enemy fire. He was relived in June 1944. His next assignment was as an instructor at Melville until February 1945 when he received orders to the Philippines. He was there at war’s end and returned in December 1945 and was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Frederick Rosen, February 27, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Frederick W. Rosen. Rosen was born in Kings County, New York 9 September 1917. Graduating from the University of Georgia in 1939 he entered the US Navy in 1941. In October 1942 he reported for duty at the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron Center, Melville, Rhode Island, where he met John F. Kennedy. Upon completion of the limited training he was assigned captain of PT-207 in Squadron 15. He tells of the boats being loaded onto the USS Housatonic (AO-35) and taken to Gibraltar. Rosen relates his experiences while based in Bizerte, Tunisia, Palermo, Sicily and Maddalena, Sardinia. He describes in detail participating in a multi-boat attack on a German convoy which resulted in damage to his boat. In May 1944, Rosen returned to the United States. He was then assigned as gunnery officer on the USS Randolph (CV-15) and he tells of the ship being hit by a kamikaze. His next assignment was to the USS Noble (APA-218), which participated in the invasion of Okinawa. Following the Japanese surrender, the ship was sent to Korea and China to pick up Allied prisoners of war and he relates several incidents regarding survivors that he met. Rosen was discharged upon returning to the United States in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Richard Keresey, February 27, 1997
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Keresey. Keresey was born in Delaware on 8 May 1916. Graduating from Dartmouth in 1938 he attended Columbia Law School. Upon joining the Navy, he reported for duty at Northwestern University Midshipman School in September, 1941. Upon completion of the four month course, he was assigned to torpedo school at Newport, Rhode Island. In January 1942 he volunteered for torpedo boat training at Melville, Rhode Island. Following eight weeks there, he was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 5. Two months later the squadron was sent to Panama, staying there until February 1943 at which time the PT boats were loaded on a tanker and taken to New Caledonia. Squadron 5 was based at Tulagi until June 1943 and they moved to Rendova in the New Georgia Islands. He describes actions against Japanese shipping involving his boat, USS PT-105. He recounts the experience of landing under fire on Choiseul with a marine force. He tells of being on board PT-59, which was captained by John F. Kennedy at the time and comments on his relationship with the future president. Leaving the combat zone in December 1943 he was assigned to work with Admiral Arleigh Burke. Keresey worked on operational coordination between destroyers and PT boasts. Returning to the United States in February 1945, he became an instructor at Melville, Rhode Island until September, at which time he went into the inactive reserve.
Oral History Interview with John Brush, February 3, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John B. Brush. Brush graduated from Cornell in 1934 and went to work for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. In April, 1941, he took a position as chief engineer for P&G's Philippine operation in Manila. He mentions how unprepared he was for the Japanese invasion in December, 1941, and how unaware he was of any Japanese military intentions. He and his wife were caught in the invasion and captured in Manila and sent to the internment camp at Santo Tomas. Brush describes the establishment of the internment camp and its function. He also recalls various aspect of life within its confines: daily routine, cleaning rice, building shanties, etc. In June 1943, Brush was relocated to Los Banos. He was liberated from there in April 1945, returned to Cincinnati and resumed working for P&G.
Oral History Interview with Ray Brashear, February 6, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ray Brashear. Upon completion of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP), Brashear joined the Army Air Corps and earned his wings in 1941. He then spent three years at Merced Army Flying Field as a flight instructor and was promoted to director of training. He joined the 499th Bomb Group, 878th Bomb Squadron in 1944 as a B-29 pilot. In June 1945, he led 500 planes on a raid over Kobe. His horizontal stabilizer was shot by a Gekko, and the plane limped seven hours back to Saipan as the Iwo Jima strip was overcrowded. He participated in the first incendiary raids on Japan. Upon returning, his plane was covered in soot and he smelled of burning flesh. Rotated out before the war ended, Brashear was in Honolulu on V-J Day. Discharged into the reserves, he flew a crop duster for a few years before returning to active duty with the Air Force, performing weather reconnaissance in the Korean War and radar bomb scoring during the Cold War.
Oral History Interview with Felipe Rauk, February 26, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Felipe Rauk. Rauk’s father was born on Truk and brought to Saipan as a laborer for the Japanese. At school, Rauk faced harsh punishment and was forced to pray at a Japanese shrine. Due to the war, the school closed before he finished the second grade. After the military seized their house, his family stayed with friends on a farm and his father was sent to a labor camp. Rauk sought refuge in a cave during bombardments, living off of whatever they could forage or hunt, drinking rainwater, and chewing on sugarcane to alleviate hunger. Rauk’s father was beaten for staying out too long after an air raid, succumbing to his injuries just one day before Americans landed. When Marines engaged Japanese forces above Rauk's cave, his sister was fatally wounded. Taken to Camp Susupe, they were given immunizations and survived ongoing Japanese attacks. After the war, Rauk worked for the military government as part of the Naval Technical Training Unit and transitioned into a radio broadcast career. He later dedicated himself to preserving the traditional art of Carolinian dance.
Oral History Interview with Tom Peays, February 6, 1999
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Tom Peays. Peays served as a pilot with the Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. He joined the Civilian Pilot Training Program in Lubbock, Texas in 1940. He received his commercial pilot’s license and joined the Army Air Forces primary training program in 1941. He received his instructor’s rating and served as a flight instructor for aviation cadets in 1942. He went to the Air Transport Command in Dallas and took a civilian job flying military airplanes throughout the US. In 1943 Peays was commissioned as a flight officer. He flew B-24s, B-25s, C-54s, C-87s. He received his training in Homestead, Florida. In December of 1943 he was sent to Calcutta with a C-54 crew. He shares details of his travels, flying through various weather conditions, hauling high-octane aviation fuel. He traveled across the Himalayas and Burma where he encountered Japanese Zeros. He served in the China-Burma-India Theater as a pilot from 1944 through 1945, and was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Mrs. Robinson, February 8, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mrs. Robinson. Robinson joined the Navy in June 1944 and received training at the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland in February 1945. There she tended to both psychiatric patients and amputees and participated on the medical advisory board as to whether a patient should be discharged or returned to duty. She sold tickets at a movie theater in her spare time and recalls the day when one of her patients reached into his pocket and proudly presented her with a dime, made possible by his prosthetics. She also describes treatment given to psychiatric patients whose experiences at war triggered psychotic breaks, particularly schizophrenia. One of the patients at the hospital had been injured while aboard USS Birmingham (CL-62), fighting the fire on USS Princeton (CVL-23). He came to the hospital and received psychological treatment for stress resulting from his experience aboard ship. After he recovered, he was discharged but remained at the hospital as a civilian employee. There he met and married Robinson, who upon discharge also remained at the hospital as a civilian employee.
Oral History Interview with LC Eaton, February 19, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with L C Eaton. Eaton joined the Navy in 1937 and received basic training in Norfolk, Virginia. He was sent to San Diego, California, for hospital corps training. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Savannah (CL-42) and transferred to the USS Boise (CL-47) to complete his first enlistment. He re-enlisted in the Navy to avoid the Army draft and was assigned to the USS Republic (AP-33). On 6 December 1941 the Republic moved from Pearl Harbor to the Aloha Dock in Honolulu. The Republic left immediately after the attack and wandered aimlessly until receiving orders in Fiji to unload in Australia. He was assigned to the Normandy invasion on the USS Burnett County (USS LST-512), which sank en route. Eaton was reassigned to the USS Emmons (DMS-22) and sent to Ulithi Atoll. He gives a detailed account of a five-plane kamikaze attack at Ie Shima in which he was severely wounded. He eventually had both legs amputated as a result of his injuries. Before being fitted with prosthetics at Mare Island, he describes the challenge of navigating public places in a wheelchair. He was discharged as a pharmacist’s mate and created an opportunity to re-enlist with a post at the ship yard dispensary, which was almost unprecedented given his disabilities. He was given a medical retirement in 1958. Eaton retired as the chief pharmacist mate at the Naval Reserve training center in Vallejo.
Oral History Interview with Samuel W. Smith, February 1, 2001
Transcript of an oral interview with Samuel Smith. When he turned 18, Smith joined the Air Corps and was sworn in on December 7, 1942. He received his orders to report to active duty on April 6, 1942 in Fort Worth, Texas as an aviation cadet. He graduated from flight school June 27, 1944. Smith provides good detail of what he did in each phase of his training from pre-flight and classification to primary, basic and advanced. He then went to B-17 transition training in Roswell, New Mexico. From Roswell, he was sent to Lincoln, Nebraska where he picked up his combat crew and then to Sioux City, Iowa for combat crew training. When they finished their training, they were issued European type flying gear and put on a train for New York, their port of embarkation. They went to Europe on the converted liner USS Manhattan (renamed the USS Wakefield), docking in Liverpool. They were a replacement crew and assigned to the 303rd Bomb Group which was in Molesworth, England. His first mission was a synthetic fuel plant in Hamburg. After completing seven mission, his crew was made a lead crew. His next mission was to Friedrichshafen. Half of the Group bombed a target on the German side of the lake and the other half a ball bearing plant in Switzerland. The Swiss were selling ball bearings to the Germans. Their toughest mission was number ten, Hamburg; bombing the submarine pens or a synthetic fuel plant. He lost his right wingman and then looked around and saw a bomber explode here and one there. Smith talks about a ME-262 coming straight at them during this mission; he decides to dump his airplanes, pulling the throttles all the way back and pushing the stick forward. That was the first fighter …
Oral History Interview with Henry Kalinofsky, February 17, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Henry Kalinofsky. Kalinofsky grew up in Pennsylvania and joined the Navy in 1941. After training, he joined the destroyer DE 581 McNulty and took several convoys into the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. The destroyer took convoys for the invasion of Normandy. Kalinofsky was a captain on a twin mount 40 mm. He was next on the ship USS LSM (R) 198. He describes being in a truck with German prisoners of war and sharing his cigarettes. Kalinofsky was then transferred into amphibious forces and sent to the Pacific Theater. He was a gunners mate 3rd class. He was involved in action at Le Shima. Next, his ship went to Okinawa. Kalinofsky describes targeting and being targeted by kamikazes. He also saw Baka bombs. After the atomic bombs were dropped, he returned to Guam, Pearl Harbor, and then the United States where he was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Henry Kalinofsky, February 17, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Henry Kalinofsky of Annapolis, Maryland. He discusses when he was first inducted into the Navy and being a plank owner aboard DE 581. USS MCNULTY. He also discusses his time aboard the USS LSM(R) 198 manning the 40mm Twin Mount and loading rockets in Okinawa, Japan, after the invasion of Normandy. Mr. Kalinofsky describes an attack he was involved in off the coast of Okinawa.
Oral History Interview with Charles Screws, February 21, 2001
Transcript of an oral interview with Charles Screws. He was born in Sipe Springs, Texas on December 7, 1921. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1941. He recalls his assignment to Gunter Field, Alabama training American and British cadets in the BT-13 aircraft. He recounts graduation from Flight School as as a Flight Officer in November 1942, with the rank of Warrant Officer junior grade. He sailed aboard the SS Queen Elizabeth in November 1943. He recalls escorting bombers over occupied France in Janurary 1944, when he crash landed in a farmer's field near Dunkirk. He recalls being aided by a French farmer's family, where he was hidden in a hay stack for three days, and then being escorted by a farmer's wife on a train to Paris. In Paris he stayed for several weeks with a French family. He met up with ten other Americans and all boarded a train to a village in southern France where he shared a tiny hotel room with eighteen other evaders. He recalls his experiences in Pau, France including several instances in which he was almost caught by the Germans. He and another German evaders were driven to the foothills of the Pyrenees from where they hiked over the mountains into Spain and arrived eventually in Gibraltar. He was flown from Gibraltar to England arriving exactly four months from the date of his crash landing. On June 19, 1944 he was flown back to the United States, spent thirty years in the Air Force and then retired.
Oral History Interview with ETO Pilots group discussion, February 21, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a group oral interview with Charlie Screws, Todd Gerald, Henry Castle, Willie Walker and Sam Smith. These veterans speak about flying combat operations over Europe. Some served as fighter pilots and others as crewmembers aboard bombers. One mentions getting shot down and becoming a prisoner of war. Another mentions being shot down and evading capture. He managed to locate the French Resistance and escape to Spain. He was able to rejoin his unit in time for the Normandy invasion. Others mention aerial combat and flying bomber missions. Each veteran relates personal experiences and shares anecdotes about flying in formation, making attacks and flying in poor weather conditions.
Oral History Interview with Henry Castle, February 21, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Henry Castle. He was born in Abilene, Texas in 1923. He enlisted into the Army Air Corps on December 27, 1942 with orders to Aviation Cadet Flight Training. After extensive training, he was transferred to the Eighth Air Force in England in October 1944. Initially he flew P-47 Thunderbolts escorting B-17s and B-24s and later he flew P-51 Mustangs escorting B-25s and B-26s. He recalls many details of those aircraft and his various missions including dive bomb attacks to support Patton’s armor and infantry in the “Battle of the Bulge.” Castle recalls one crash landing on the English coast upon return from a mission. He describes the first time he shot down an enemy aircraft, a Messerschmitt 109E over Belgium, as well as several instances where he observed American bombers shot out of the sky nearby. He recalls that after the war ended he volunteered for the 9th Air Force as they were setting up the Occupational Air Force of Germany where he was assigned to a Mustang Fighter Group at a well-known Luftwaffe Fighter Air Field near Nuremburg. In late April 1946, he crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary to New York and was discharged at Fort Sam Houston on 21 April 1946.
Oral History Interview with Todd Gerald, February 21, 2001
Transcript of an oral interview with Todd Gerald. He was born in Star, Texas on January 19, 1924. He joined the Aviation Cadets in July, 1942 and had flight training in PT-13's, PT-17's, AT-6's, AT-9's, RP-322's, P-38's and P-39's. He was transferred to Goxhill, England in June 1944 to train pilots and to Wormingford Air Field. He recalls flying fighter support in a P-51 during the D-Day invasion over the English Channel and several incidents during bomber escort duty over the North Sea. He recalls crash landing during one of his missions behind enemy lines in France. He was taken to a German POW camp in Alencon, France and then in a Convent in Chartres. He recalls several experiences at the two camps and then being taken to Paris. He boarded a train and was taken to Hamburg, Germany and then to Stalag Luft III in southeast Germany near the border with Poland. He was confined in the North Compound, where the Great Escape had occurred a year earlier. He recalls many details of captivity in the Stalag and eventually being marched from there to Musberg, Germany, where the prisoners were liberated by General Mark Clark of Patton's 7th Army in May 1945. He recalls that soon after, he was sent back to the US and was discharged in December 1946.
Oral History Interview with Willie Walker, February 21, 2001
Transcript of an oral interview with Willie Walker. He was born in Stephens County, Texas on February 5, 1920. After completing two years at Los Angeles City College, he was accepted into the Army Air Force. He completed cadet training in June 1942 and was transferred to the 81st Fighter Group at Muroc Army Air Force Base where he trained cadets flying P-39s. He sailed on the Queen Mary to England in October 1942. His squadron was sent to Tunisia in January 1943, to support General Patton in North Africa. He describes patrol missions, ground support and strafing runs. He recalls that the fighting in North Africa was over by May 1943, when his squadron began flying out of Tunisia in support of Allied shipping. After the Allied invasion of Sicily, his unit flew several missions from Sicily into the Balkans without experiencing much action. After the Allied invasion at Anzio, the 81st Fighter Group was pulled from Africa and sent into the Chinese theater. He states that since he had completed 251 combat missions in P-39s, he returned to the United States in March 1944 as an Instructor Pilot in P-47s, out of Camp Barkley in Abilene, Texas. His final assignment was with Strategic Air Command (SAC) at Lincoln, Nebraska, flying B-47's, until his retirement in 1963.
Oral History Interview with Lyman Mereness, February 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Lyman Mereness. Mereness joined the Navy in May of 1942. He received his wings in March of 1943. He served with the 8th Bomb Squadron. Beginning August of 1943, they served as the air group aboard the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Mereness supported the invasion of Hollandia and the Philippines Campaign, completing 39 combat missions. He was discharged in September of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Abe Santos, February 24, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Abe Santos. Santos joined the Navy in November of 1939. He served as a Fireman aboard the USS Astoria (CA-34). They participated in the battles of the Coral Sea, Midway and Savo Island, where the ship was sunk. He traveled back to Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Wharton (AP-7). Santos was placed on tugboat duty for six months, then transferred to Johnston Island as a Second-Class Machinist’s Mate. He assisted with airstrip construction. He later transferred back to headquarters at Pearl Harbor, and worked on staff for Admiral Robert L. Ghormley. He continued his service after the war ended.
Oral History Interview with Christine Adler, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Christine Adler. Adler was born in New York City in 1931 to Filipino and American parents. She tells of living in an orphanage until 1938 at which time she went to the Philippines to live with her father. Upon arriving in the Philippines she attended private schools. She recalls December 1941 when she was awakened by the sound of tanks and Japanese soldiers entering homes and taking anything of value. As her father worked with a guerilla group they left their home. Adler tells of fleeing with no shoes, few clothes and very little personal belongings and moving place to place to avoid detection. She recounts an incident where Japanese soldiers picked her up and took her to Fort Santiago. She and her father were later released. She describes seeing piles of bodies and witnessing torture being done by the Japanese during the occupation and of seeing the fires as Manila was set ablaze. She tells of the joy felt by the population upon seeing the American tanks and soldiers roll into the city and of the return of her and her father to the United States aboard the USS Admiral E. Eberle (AP-123).
Oral History Interview with Edward Cadwallader, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edward Cadwallader. Cadwallader was born in Manila, Philippines in 1938. His parents were of American and Australian descent, and managed an apartment complex inherited by their family in 1930. Cadwallader was 3 years old when he and his family were taken as prisoners to Santo Tomas Internment Camp in Manila. From such a young age, he recalls the deprivation they had living in the camp, Japanese and American planes fighting overhead, shells exploding, picking up shrapnel, interactions with the guards, taking first communion in the animal husbandry museum of the main building, his schooling, American fatalities and vivid details of their liberation from the camp. After liberation they moved back to their apartment complex for 6 months, then on Cadwallader’s seventh birthday, they relocated to the United States.
Oral History Interview with Elaine Graydon, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Elaine Graydon. Graydon was born in Manila, Philippines in 1937. Her mother was a native and her father was born in Spokane, Washington. He worked as a mining engineer. When the war began, Graydon was only 4 and ½ years old. She recalls when the Japanese invaded, and she and her family seeking refuge. In early 1942, she and her family were sent to Santo Tomas Internment Camp, where they lived in a shanty. Graydon provides vivid details of her experiences in the camp as a child, including schooling, food and living accommodations, interactions with the Japanese guards, their daily work and tasks and liberation from the camp in February of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Frank Stagner, February 1, 2002
Transcript of an oral interview with Frank Stagner. Stagner was a nine-year-old child living in Manila with his family when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. His father was a radio broadcaster and was asked to keep his station working during the invasion. When the station was destroyed, Stagner's father took the family into the hills where they were eventually captured by the Japanese. He relates the experiences he had just after being captured: getting back to Manila, being paraded through the streets by the Japanese, being interned at Fort Santiago where his father was interrogated, and being interned at Santo Tomas. He provides very few details of day to day life in the camp, but describes being liberated.
Oral History Interview with Georgia Payne, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Georgia Payne. Payne was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1929. Her father, who as an American citizen, was born in Manila, Philippines. In 1934 their family moved back to Manila to work and be close to her father’s mother. They were living there in 1941 when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. She and her family were taken to Santo Tomas Internment Camp, where they resided for 37 months. Around early 1945 Payne and her family were shipped back to the US. She provides vivid recollections of her time in the camp, their liberation and their acclimatization back in the States.
Oral History Interview with Jay Bollman, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jay Bollman. Bollman was born in Manila, Philippines on 15 December 1935. He and his family were taken to Santo Tomas Internment Camp, and later Los Baños Internment Camp as prisoners of war. At a tender age of 6, Bollman recalls civilians getting strafed by the Japanese, air raids, bombings, their living and food accommodations, interactions with the Japanese guards, illnesses and diseases suffered throughout the camp and their liberation in February of 1945. They returned to the US in May of that same year. Bollman shares his family’s experiences through the prison camps and getting acclimated into life in the States.
Oral History Interview with Paul Shafer, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Paul Shafer. Shafer moved from the States to Baguio in 1937 after his father was offered a job with the Benguet Consolidated Mining Company. They lived extravagantly there, and Shafer attended a private school. As Japanese aggression heightened in China, American civilians asked the State Department whether they ought to return to home. Despite having evacuated military families in 1941, the civilians were asked to stay in the Philippines so as not to alarm locals. On 6 December 1941, Shafer survived an air raid and was evacuated to Manila. On 3 January 1942, Japanese invaded the city and Shafer was taken to Santo Tomas University. Apart from food shortages, his time at the internment camp was relatively normal, complete with a classroom education and recreational sports. Shafer remembers cozy homemade shanties and warm evening strolls. By 1944, however, internees began to die of starvation. Shafer and his family survived until liberation and returned to the States in February 1945.
Oral History Interview with Terry Santos, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Terry Santos. Santos was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on 10 October 1921. Upon joining the Army, he underwent basic training at Fort Ord, California. Upon completing basic he volunteered for paratrooper training. After graduating from jump school he volunteered for special warfare training which comprised training in special weapons, Morse code, semaphore and sailing. Completing the course, he reported to Ft. Benning, Georgia where he was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division. He then volunteered to serve with the Alamo Scouts and received jungle training, hand-to-hand combat training and all infantry weapons training. He then rejoined the 11th Airborne Division. Santos relates in detail an intriguing tale of the operation to liberate Allied internees from the Los Banos internment camp.
Oral History Interview with Walter Riley, February 1, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Walter Riley. Riley was born in 1932 in Cavite, Philippines. His father was a Navy man who traveled to the Philippines and married his mother who was a Japanese American. They raised eight children, Riley was the youngest. They moved to Manila and were living there when the Japanese invaded the Philippines. Their entire family was interned at Santo Tomas Internment Camp. They were there from early 1942 until February of 1945. Riley shares vivid details of the occupation of Manila by the Japanese, the living quarters at the camp, their room and board arrangements, their work assignments, battling illnesses, their communication with the Japanese guards and their liberation in 1945. Riley served in the Navy during the Korean War.
Oral History Interview with John Ream, February 2, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Ream. Ream was born in the Philippines on 28 November 1943. His parents and three older sisters were originally from the United States, but his father had previously taught in agricultural schools in the Philippines and eventually returned and moved his family there, working near Baguio as a manager of a bus and taxi company, as well as a mining-equipment salesman. On Christmas Day in 1941, after the Japanese invaded the Philippines, Ream and his family were taken to various camps, including Camp Holmes, Old Bilibid Prison and Santo Tomas. They remained imprisoned from late 1941 through their liberation in February of 1945. After the war, their family traveled to San Francisco and established life in the United States.
Oral History Interview with Rose Steinman, February 4, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Rose Steinman. Steinman was living in Fort Worth, Texas when World War II began. She worked as an inspector at the Texas Steel Manufacturing Company, making 81mm and 60mm shells. She also worked with the Knights of Columbus organizing U.S.O. dances for the servicemen. She recalls rationing books, gasoline, coffee and sugar. Her husband was stationed at the Fort Worth Army Airfield, and she had a number of family members who served in the war. Steinman shares details of her individual family members and their unique service in the war, including brothers, uncles and her husband. She also speaks overall how her large family worked together and supported one another throughout war time.
Oral History Interview with Carrie Milan, February 6, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Carrie Milan. Milan’s husband Joe served with the Army Engineers during World War II from around 1940 to 1945. He served in both the European and Pacific theaters, and was stationed in England, North Africa, Sicily, Corsica, Italy, Okinawa and Iwo Jima during his service. Milan shares that Joe was a Staff Sergeant in charge of supplies. Milan shares a number of Joe’s experiences while on Iwo Jima, including his work with fellow servicemen, casualties and attacks made by the Japanese. She speaks on how their mail correspondence between the two of them was censored, how Joe actively participated in combat throughout his service and his work procuring and dispersing supplies. Joe passed away on 3 August 2000 and Milan provides information about their children and grandchildren.
Oral History Interview with Servando Lopez, February 8, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Servando Lopez. Lopez was born in Lara, Texas on 8 April 1925 and attended school until the 8th grade. He was drafted into the Army and sent to Camp Wolters near Mineral Wells, Texas for 18 weeks of basic training. Completing training he was sent to New York City for debarkation. After arriving in South Hampton, England, he was assigned to the 29th Infantry Division, Company K, 175th Infantry. Lopez tells of the unit undergoing amphibious training daily for several weeks. He recounts being in the third wave attacking Omaha Beach on 6 June 1944. On 8 September, while leading a combat patrol, he was wounded and sent to England for recovery. He was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart. He tells of returning to his platoon in December 1944 and soon after crossing the Ruhr River, he was wounded again and treated at an aid station. The unit advanced to the Rhine River and stopped. He relates that massive numbers of German soldiers were surrendering to the US troops to avoid being captured by the advancing Russian Army. In October 1945, Lopez returned to the United States and was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Jack Whetsel, February 11, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jack Whetsel. Whetsel graduated from Baylor in 1941, volunteered for the Navy and went into the V-7 Program. He trained at Northwestern University, received his commission after 90 days, and reported to Newport, Rhode Island Naval Operating Base. Their mission was to protect the ships coming out of New York on their way to Boston to from a convoy to England. After almost 18 months at Newport, he got orders to go to Amphibious Forces Pacific Fleet. From there he went to San Francisco, went aboard the USS Enterprise which sailed to Pearl Harbor at which time Whetsel reported to Commander Amphibious Forces Pacific Fleet, Adm Turner. Whetsel was on his staff from Tarawa through the end of the war. He talks about the smoke generators on the ship which they used to cover the fleet when the Japanese planes came over. Adm Turner's flagship was originally the USS Pennsylvania and then it switched to the USS Eldorado, an AGC. Whetsel also discusses the staff's move from Pearl Harbor to Guam. He was in Manila Bay when the atomic bombs were dropped. Whetsel talks very highly of Adm Turner throughout his interview and feels that the admiral deserves a lot of the credit for what the Navy accomplished in the Pacific during the war.
Oral History Interview with Marvin Prochnow, February 12, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Marvin Prochnow. Prochnow joined the Aviation Cadet Program in February of 1943. He graduated, received his wings and was commissioned in February of 1944. He completed additional training in the B-17 and joined the 8th Air Force, 385th Bomb Group. From their base in England, he completed 35 missions over London, Germany and France, beginning August of 1944 through May of 1945. Prochnow then served in the Air Force for 27 years, retiring around 1971.
Oral History Interview with Tom Stephens, February 13, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Tom Stephens. Stephens was born 17 August 1916. He joined the Army and was assigned into the 33rd Infantry Division. After being a machine gun instructor, Stephens was selected for officer training. After receiving his commission at Fort Benning, Georgia he was assigned as a rifle platoon leader. He tells of the division arriving on Morotai, Indonesia on 18 December 1945 and although they conducted aggressive patrols, very little resistance was encountered. During February 1945 the division landed at Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. Stephens describes an incident of combat in which he received wounds that required hospitalization and two months of recovery. On 25 September the division landed on Honshu Island, Japan and after three months occupational duty he returned to the United States and was discharged.
Oral History Interview with William Massey, February 15, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with William Massey. Massey joined the Marine Corps in the spring of 1943. He completed Aviation Administrative School. He served as the Administrative Chief with Marine Aircraft Group 45, and was responsible for personnel reports for their service squadron. They traveled aboard the SS Dashing Wave to Falalop in Ulithi, where they were stationed. Massey returned with his squadron to the US and was discharged.
Oral History Interview with V. P. Johansen, February 17, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with V.P. Johansen. Johansen joined the Navy soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He became a Seabee and spent 18 months working on new construction at the submarine base at Pearl Harbor. His unit was then shifted to heavy equipment for airstrip work. Johansen landed on Iwo Jima on the fourth day of the battle. His battalion began repairing Airfield #1. Johansen details the damaged planes landing on the field and the ongoing maintenance the airfield required. He was sent back to the States that summer where he served until his discharge in December of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Vestine Schroeder, February 21, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Vestine Schroeder. Schroeder joined the Marines in October of 1942. After boot camp he was assigned to guard duty on North Island in California. He received additional training in the supply room, and was transferred to the Marine base in El Centro, California with Air Group 35. Schroeder worked on the instruments aboard the planes at the base. He did not go overseas, and remained in California for the duration of the war. He was discharged in May of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Clarence Schilperoort, February 28, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Clarence Schilperoot. Schilperoot joined the Navy in May of 1936. He served as an Electrician’s Mate and joined the Asiatic Fleet in 1940. He was assigned to USS Houston (CA-30). After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Houston joined the American-British-Dutch-Australian (ABDA) naval force at Surabaya. Schilperoot worked aboard the ship until it sank in March of 1942 during the Battle of Sunda Strait. He was captured by the Japanese, and traveled to Surabaya, Singapore and Burma, where he worked on the Thai-Burma Railroad. He remained a prisoner-of war until his liberation in September of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Dallas R. Clark, February 28, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dallas Clark. Clark enlisted in the Navy in January 1931 in Ashville, North Carolina. He was sent to Norfolk, Virginia for boot camp and after boot camp he went to mechanical school there for about a year. He requested and got duty on the USS Texas where he spent the next six years as a machinist. Clark reenlisted in 1936 and was assigned to the USS Yorktown, being built in Newport News, Virginia. After two years on the Yorktown, he went to optical school in Washington, DC for a year. After finishing school, Clark went back to the Yorktown which was on the west coast at the time. He transferred to the USS Houston when he heard they needed 500-600 men; joining her in Manila. For Moore's first year on board, the Houston cruised in Philippine waters. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, the Houston escorted ships south to the Java Sea area and became part of the naval forces of the joint American, British, Dutch, Australian Command (ABDACOM). Clark talks about the USS Marblehead getting hit while waiting to be refueled off the east coast of Borneo. The Houston went to Darwin, Australia and picked up a troop ship with the 'Lost Battalion' onboard. Clark gives a good description of the Houston being hit and what he was doing during this time. He went over the side in his underwear when the abandon ship order was given. He tells of going from one life raft to another and eventually landing on the west coast of Java where some natives climbed a coconut tree and gave them their first drink in about two days. They were moved from a native prison to the Bicycle Camp (near Batavia), working there …
Oral History Interview with Eugene Crispi, February 28, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Crispi. Crispi joined the Navy in February of 1940. He served aboard USS Houston (CA-30). Crispi worked aboard the ship until it sank in March of 1942 during the Battle of Sunda Strait. He swam ashore on Java Island and was captured by the Japanese. Crispi was taken to a POW Camp in Serang, Java, and later to a camp in Jakarta. After 3 years of imprisonment, he was placed into an Army hospital. He returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Eugene Wilkinson, February 28, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Wilkinson. Wilkinson joined the Navy in 1940. He served in the Fire Control Division aboard the USS Chicago (CA-29). After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Wilkinson transferred to the USS Houston (CA-30), where he served as the Forward Rangefinder Operator. They completed convoy duty, transporting American soldiers to various locations in the Pacific. In February of 1942, Wilkinson describes Japanese attacks while escorting a convoy to Timor and participating in the Battle of the Java Sea. On 1 March 1942 during the Battle of Sunda Strait, the Houston was fatefully damaged and sank. Wilkinson was one of the survivors of this attack and sinking, was captured by the Japanese, imprisoned and forced into labor building the Burma railroad. He returned home in November of 1945.
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