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Oral History Interview with Hamilton McWhorter, January 6, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hamilton McWhorter. McWhorter was born in Athens, Georgia on 8 February 1921 and enrolled in a Civilian Pilot Training Program while in college. He enlisted in the Navy in June 1941 with a pilot’s license. He received his Aviator wings at Pensacola in February 1942. His first assignment was to Fighter Squadron Nine (VF-9) at Norfolk, Virginia. He was flying the much-maligned Brewster Buffalo (F2A-3) trainer when he had the only flight accident of his career at an airfield in Miami, Florida. His first combat flight was off the USS Ranger (CV-4) just off Morocco in support of the invasion of North Africa in November 1942. He was transferred to the USS Yorktown (CV-10) in August 1943. His combat missions in the Pacific consisted of strafing runs on islands and escorting bombers and torpedo planes over Wake Island during which he encountered his first Japanese Mitsubishi A6M (Zero). He shot down another Zero while making a strafing run on Wake Island. He also attacked Rabaul on 11 November 1943 while escorting American bombers. He remembers a strafing run on the Japanese heavy cruiser Mogami, and he shot down two Zeros during that action. McWhorter’s squadron was split up in March 1944 and he went to Fighter Squadron Twelve (VF-12) stationed on the USS Randolph (CV-15). He participated in several strafing runs near Tokyo and supported the Iwo Jima landings in February 1945. He spent most of April and May 1945 supporting the Okinawa invasion. McWhorter was in the United States on leave in August 1945 when the war ended. McWhorter ended the war as a fighter ace with twelve confirmed kills.
Oral History Interview with Hamilton McWhorter, January 6, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hamilton McWhorter. McWhorter was born in Athens, Georgia on 8 February 1921 and enrolled in a Civilian Pilot Training Program while in college. He enlisted in the Navy in June 1941 with a pilot’s license. He received his Aviator wings at Pensacola in February 1942. His first assignment was to Fighter Squadron Nine (VF-9) at Norfolk, Virginia. He was flying the much-maligned Brewster Buffalo (F2A-3) trainer when he had the only flight accident of his career at an airfield in Miami, Florida. His first combat flight was off the USS Ranger (CV-4) just off Morocco in support of the invasion of North Africa in November 1942. He was transferred to the USS Yorktown (CV-10) in August 1943. His combat missions in the Pacific consisted of strafing runs on islands and escorting bombers and torpedo planes over Wake Island during which he encountered his first Japanese Mitsubishi A6M (Zero). He shot down another Zero while making a strafing run on Wake Island. He also attacked Rabaul on 11 November 1943 while escorting American bombers. He remembers a strafing run on the Japanese heavy cruiser Mogami, and he shot down two Zeros during that action. McWhorter’s squadron was split up in March 1944 and he went to Fighter Squadron Twelve (VF-12) stationed on the USS Randolph (CV-15). He participated in several strafing runs near Tokyo and supported the Iwo Jima landings in February 1945. He spent most of April and May 1945 supporting the Okinawa invasion. McWhorter was in the United States on leave in August 1945 when the war ended. McWhorter ended the war as a fighter ace with twelve confirmed kills.
Oral History Interview with Harrison Gunter, January 7, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Harrison Gunter. Gunter joined the Navy in June, 1942 as an aviation cadet. He trained in Georgia and Texas before receiving his commission. He then opted to transfer to the Marine Corps. He was retained as a flight instructor. In January, 1945, Gunter was sent to Guam and flew C-47s hauling personnel all over the Pacific. His squadron was VMR-952. When the war ended, his unit went to occupation duty in Japan. Gunter was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Harrison Gunter, January 7, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Harrison Gunter. Gunter joined the Navy in June, 1942 as an aviation cadet. He trained in Georgia and Texas before receiving his commission. He then opted to transfer to the Marine Corps. He was retained as a flight instructor. In January, 1945, Gunter was sent to Guam and flew C-47s hauling personnel all over the Pacific. His squadron was VMR-952. When the war ended, his unit went to occupation duty in Japan. Gunter was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Boyd K. Miller, January 21, 2003
Interview with Boyd K. Miller, a draftsman and pilot during World War II. He discusses being drafted out of college and working as an artist and draftsman. Since he studied art in college, he worked on diagrams and charts. He then transferred to the Air Corps to become a pilot and trained in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, Georgia, Florida and Texas.
Oral History Interview with Boyd K. Miller, January 21, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Boyd K. Miller. He discusses being drafted out of college, working as an artist/draftsman making diagrams and charts since he studied art in college, then transfering to the Air Corps to become a pilot, and the various training he went through in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, Georgia, Florida and Texas.
Oral History Interview with Boyd K. Miller, January 21, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Boyd K. Miller. He discusses being drafted out of college, working as an artist/draftsman making diagrams and charts since he studied art in college, then transfering to the Air Corps to become a pilot, and the various training he went through in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, Georgia, Florida and Texas.
Oral History Interview with Ernest Dege, January 26, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ernest Dege. Dege joined the Navy in 1940. He was stationed on Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Shortly after the attack, Dege was transferred to Philadelphia to complete schooling on super-heated boilers. Beginning April of 1944, he served as a Fireman aboard USS Wisconsin (BB-64). They traveled to Australia, Guadalcanal and Tulagi.
Oral History Interview with Ernest Dege, January 26, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ernest Dege. Dege joined the Navy in 1940. He was stationed on Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Shortly after the attack, Dege was transferred to Philadelphia to complete schooling on super-heated boilers. Beginning April of 1944, he served as a Fireman aboard USS Wisconsin (BB-64). They traveled to Australia, Guadalcanal and Tulagi.
Oral History Interview with Joe Parker, January 30, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joe Parker. Parker joined the Marine Corps on 8 December 1941. He traveled to New Zealand, practicing jungle warfare training. He participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign, was shot three times by October of 1942, and received three Purple Hearts. He was hospitalized on the island of Efate, where he personally met Eleanor Roosevelt. He ultimately returned to the US aboard the USS Mercy (AH-8). He never returned to combat due to his injuries, and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Joe Parker, January 30, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joe Parker. Parker joined the Marine Corps on 8 December 1941. He traveled to New Zealand, practicing jungle warfare training. He participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign, was shot three times by October of 1942, and received three Purple Hearts. He was hospitalized on the island of Efate, where he personally met Eleanor Roosevelt. He ultimately returned to the US aboard the USS Mercy (AH-8). He never returned to combat due to his injuries, and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Dana Green, January 31, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dana S. Green. Green joined the Army Air Forces in March, 1943. Ha made it through pilot training before switching to radio operator/gunner. Once Green arrived in England in October, 1944, he was assigned to the 305th Bomb Group in Chelveston, England. When the war in Europe ended, Green was shipped to California to await reassignment to a B-29 crew.
Oral History Interview with Dana Green, January 31, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dana S. Green. Green joined the Army Air Forces in March, 1943. Ha made it through pilot training before switching to radio operator/gunner. Once Green arrived in England in October, 1944, he was assigned to the 305th Bomb Group in Chelveston, England. When the war in Europe ended, Green was shipped to California to await reassignment to a B-29 crew.
Oral History Interview with Michael Tarnawski, February 4, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Michael Tarnawski. Tarnawski joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. He joined the Navy in the spring of 1940 and completed Aviation Radio School in July of 1941. He arrived at Pearl Harbor on 1 December 1941 and was working with Patrol Squadron 12 in Kaneohe when the Japanese attacked. Tarnawski served as a Radio Operator aboard PBYs during patrol and photoreconnaissance missions over Midway Island, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal and the Aleutian Islands. He was discharged in 1945.
Oral History Interview with Michael Tarnawski, February 4, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Michael Tarnawski. Tarnawski joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1939. He joined the Navy in the spring of 1940 and completed Aviation Radio School in July of 1941. He arrived at Pearl Harbor on 1 December 1941 and was working with Patrol Squadron 12 in Kaneohe when the Japanese attacked. Tarnawski served as a Radio Operator aboard PBYs during patrol and photoreconnaissance missions over Midway Island, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal and the Aleutian Islands. He was discharged in 1945.
Oral History Interview with Jamie Davis, February 7, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jamie Davis. Davis joined the Marine Corps in July of 1944. He served with a replacement draft for the 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Regiment. They deployed in mid-December to Pavuvu Island in the Solomons. He completed additional training between Pavuvu and Guadalcanal via LSTs and LCVPs. They participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where Davis served as a forward observer, coordinating naval gunfire to enemy positions. After the war ended, they served as occupational troops in Tientsin, China, and returned to the US in December of 1945. Davis was discharged in July of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Jamie Davis, February 7, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jamie Davis. Davis joined the Marine Corps in July of 1944. He served with a replacement draft for the 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Regiment. They deployed in mid-December to Pavuvu Island in the Solomons. He completed additional training between Pavuvu and Guadalcanal via LSTs and LCVPs. They participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where Davis served as a forward observer, coordinating naval gunfire to enemy positions. After the war ended, they served as occupational troops in Tientsin, China, and returned to the US in December of 1945. Davis was discharged in July of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Chris Walker, February 11, 2003
Interview with Chris Walker, a carpenter during World War II. He discusses working as a carpenter in the Marines at Camp Pendleton and on Tinian and Saipan. He was present at Okinawa and in Nagasaki after Japan surrendered. He also tells stories about generals, his colonel, rations, and friendly fire. He describes some of the memorabilia he kept.
Oral History Interview with Chris Walker, February 11, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chris Walker. He discusses working as a carpenter in the Marines at Camp Pendleton and on Tinian and Saipan and being on Okinawa and in Nagasaki after Japan surrendered. He also ancedotes on Generals and his Colonel, rations, friendly fire and describes some of the memoriabilia he kept.
Oral History Interview with Chris Walker, February 11, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chris Walker. He discusses working as a carpenter in the Marines at Camp Pendleton and on Tinian and Saipan and being on Okinawa and in Nagasaki after Japan surrendered. He also ancedotes on Generals and his Colonel, rations, friendly fire and describes some of the memoriabilia he kept.
Oral History Interview with James Causey, February 13, 2003
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.
Oral History Interview with James Causey, February 13, 2003
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.
Oral History Interview with William Finnegan, February 21, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Finnegan. Finnegan joined the Marine Corps without finishing high school right after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He went to Parris Island to train in February 1942. At New River, North Carolina, Finnegan was assigned to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, First Marine Division. Finnegan was among the first Marines to arrive on Guadalcanal in August, 1942. He participated in the Battle of the Tenaru River. After leaving Guadalcanal, Finnegan went to Melbourne, Australia with the rest of the First Marine Division. From there, he landed on Cape Gloucester and recalls an engagement with the Japanese. After that, he went to Pavuvu prior to landing on Peleliu. He describes landing on Peleliu and his experiences in combat there. Finnegan was wounded and evacuated after a week on Peleliu. He spent time at a hospital on Manus and then was returned to the US in November, 1944. Upon recovery, he was sent to an ammunition station in Indiana to perform guard duty. The war ended and he was discharged in November, 1945. He re-enlisted in 1948 and was on hand to go to Korea.
Oral History Interview with William Finnegan, February 21, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Finnegan. Finnegan joined the Marine Corps without finishing high school right after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He went to Parris Island to train in February 1942. At New River, North Carolina, Finnegan was assigned to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, First Marine Division. Finnegan was among the first Marines to arrive on Guadalcanal in August, 1942. He participated in the Battle of the Tenaru River. After leaving Guadalcanal, Finnegan went to Melbourne, Australia with the rest of the First Marine Division. From there, he landed on Cape Gloucester and recalls an engagement with the Japanese. After that, he went to Pavuvu prior to landing on Peleliu. He describes landing on Peleliu and his experiences in combat there. Finnegan was wounded and evacuated after a week on Peleliu. He spent time at a hospital on Manus and then was returned to the US in November, 1944. Upon recovery, he was sent to an ammunition station in Indiana to perform guard duty. The war ended and he was discharged in November, 1945. He re-enlisted in 1948 and was on hand to go to Korea.
Oral History Interview with James E. Wilson, February 24, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James E. Wilson. Wilson was born in Walker County, Alabama on 31 December 1920 and enlisted in the Marine Corps on 5 January 1942. He was sent to boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He describes in detail his experiences and the conditions at Parris Island, and later, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he was assigned to a Rifle Platoon in the 2nd Battalion, First Marines, G Company. He then boarded the USS George F. Elliott (AP-105) and sailed to Wellington, New Zealand in June 1942. There they spent a month practicing disembarking into landing craft, before sailing to Guadalcanal and participating in the invasion in August 1942. He recalls defending the airstrip being shelled day and night before his platoon moved to meet Japanese infantry coming to take back the airfield. During the encounter, he describes his helmet being hit by a shell and throwing off shrapnel that lodged into his back, paralyzing him from the waist down. He recalls being evacuated on a stretcher down to the beach and onto a waiting ship, which then sailed to a hospital at Espiritu Santo. He regained feeling in his legs after four days and was evacuated to New Zealand to recover. He returned to his unit on Guadalcanal on 10 November 1942 before his regiment withdrew to Melbourne, Australia. He describes living with an Australian farm family and the First Marines parading before the people in Melbourne. Following further training in New Guinea, the 2nd Battalion landed on Cape Gloucester on Christmas Day, 1943, remaining there until they were moved to Pavuvu to train for the invasion of Peleliu. He recalls landing on Peleliu on 15 September 1944 and describes the following weeks and ferocious fighting. He …
Oral History Interview with James E. Wilson, February 24, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James E. Wilson. Wilson was born in Walker County, Alabama on 31 December 1920 and enlisted in the Marine Corps on 5 January 1942. He was sent to boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He describes in detail his experiences and the conditions at Parris Island, and later, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he was assigned to a Rifle Platoon in the 2nd Battalion, First Marines, G Company. He then boarded the USS George F. Elliott (AP-105) and sailed to Wellington, New Zealand in June 1942. There they spent a month practicing disembarking into landing craft, before sailing to Guadalcanal and participating in the invasion in August 1942. He recalls defending the airstrip being shelled day and night before his platoon moved to meet Japanese infantry coming to take back the airfield. During the encounter, he describes his helmet being hit by a shell and throwing off shrapnel that lodged into his back, paralyzing him from the waist down. He recalls being evacuated on a stretcher down to the beach and onto a waiting ship, which then sailed to a hospital at Espiritu Santo. He regained feeling in his legs after four days and was evacuated to New Zealand to recover. He returned to his unit on Guadalcanal on 10 November 1942 before his regiment withdrew to Melbourne, Australia. He describes living with an Australian farm family and the First Marines parading before the people in Melbourne. Following further training in New Guinea, the 2nd Battalion landed on Cape Gloucester on Christmas Day, 1943, remaining there until they were moved to Pavuvu to train for the invasion of Peleliu. He recalls landing on Peleliu on 15 September 1944 and describes the following weeks and ferocious fighting. He …
Oral History Interview with Louis Imfeld, February 27, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Louis Imfeld. Imfeld joined the Marines in January of 1942. He served as a machine gunner on the 30-caliber light machine gun with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. In June he traveled to New Zealand for additional training, and participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Battle of Cape Gloucester and the Battle of Peleliu. In late 1944 he returned to the US and served as a math instructor at the Marine Corps Institute.
Oral History Interview with Louis Imfeld, February 27, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Louis Imfeld. Imfeld joined the Marines in January of 1942. He served as a machine gunner on the 30-caliber light machine gun with G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. In June he traveled to New Zealand for additional training, and participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign, the Battle of Cape Gloucester and the Battle of Peleliu. In late 1944 he returned to the US and served as a math instructor at the Marine Corps Institute.
Oral History Interview with Glenn Dugger, March 2, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Glenn Dugger. Dugger was born in Mazie, Oklahoma 6 September 1924 and joined the Navy in 1943. After finishing boot camp at the San Diego Naval Training Station he went to machinist school. Upon completing that training, he volunteered for the submarine service. He tells of going aboard the USS S-23 for training. Upon conclusion of his training he served as an instructor on the boat for 16 months. He describes being on a submarine and the requirement that each crewman learn the various jobs on the boat. Dugger made around 600 training dives aboard the S-23 before being transferred to Submarine Division 104 at Pearl Harbor. There he participated in the overhaul of the USS Sea Dog (SS-401), the USS Sea Poacher (SS-406) and the USS Gar (SS-206). He describes in detail the overhaul process. Dugger returned to the United States in 1945 and was assigned to the USS Vermillion (AKA-107). After a short but uneventful tour on the ship he was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Glenn Dugger, March 2, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Glenn Dugger. Dugger was born in Mazie, Oklahoma 6 September 1924 and joined the Navy in 1943. After finishing boot camp at the San Diego Naval Training Station he went to machinist school. Upon completing that training, he volunteered for the submarine service. He tells of going aboard the USS S-23 for training. Upon conclusion of his training he served as an instructor on the boat for 16 months. He describes being on a submarine and the requirement that each crewman learn the various jobs on the boat. Dugger made around 600 training dives aboard the S-23 before being transferred to Submarine Division 104 at Pearl Harbor. There he participated in the overhaul of the USS Sea Dog (SS-401), the USS Sea Poacher (SS-406) and the USS Gar (SS-206). He describes in detail the overhaul process. Dugger returned to the United States in 1945 and was assigned to the USS Vermillion (AKA-107). After a short but uneventful tour on the ship he was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Sterling Maresch, March 3, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Sterling Maresch. Maresch went into the Army in October, 1943. In May, 1944, he shipped overseas to a staging area in New Guinea and was assigned to the 470th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. From there, they moved to the Philippines for the invasion of Luzon. When the war ended, Maresch re-enlisted and transferred to the Army Air Forces. After some training in aircraft instrument repair, he was sent to Germany.
Oral History Interview with Sterling Maresch, March 3, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Sterling Maresch. Maresch went into the Army in October, 1943. In May, 1944, he shipped overseas to a staging area in New Guinea and was assigned to the 470th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. From there, they moved to the Philippines for the invasion of Luzon. When the war ended, Maresch re-enlisted and transferred to the Army Air Forces. After some training in aircraft instrument repair, he was sent to Germany.
Oral History Interview with John Hejl, March 5, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Hejl. Hejl joined the Navy in September of 1942. He volunteered for the Submarine Service and completed Underwater Sound School and Radar School. Beginning January of 1945, Hejl served USS Moray (SS-300). They conducted lifeguard duty off the coast of Saipan, Midway and Japan, attacking a Japanese convoy off Kinkazan, Honshū. Hejl returned to the US and was discharged in early 1946.
Oral History Interview with John Hejl, March 5, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Hejl. Hejl joined the Navy in September of 1942. He volunteered for the Submarine Service and completed Underwater Sound School and Radar School. Beginning January of 1945, Hejl served USS Moray (SS-300). They conducted lifeguard duty off the coast of Saipan, Midway and Japan, attacking a Japanese convoy off Kinkazan, Honshū. Hejl returned to the US and was discharged in early 1946.
Oral History Interview with John Starkey, March 5, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John P. Starkey. Starkey was born in Kansas City, Missouri 8 March 1925 and graduated from high school in 1941. He enlisted in the Navy and went to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois for six weeks of boot training. After graduation, he attended fire control school for four months. Upon completion of the training, he was assigned to the USS Wyoming (BB-32). In April 1943, he was assigned to the USS Boise (CL-47). During July 1943 the ship provided fire support for the invasion of Sicily. When the Boise returned to Philadelphia, Starkey was selected to attend submarine school at New London, Connecticut. Following eight weeks of basics, four weeks of battery and gyro school and six weeks of specialized training he reported aboard the USS Mackerel (SS-204) at New London. In 1944 he was accepted into the V-12 program at Park University, Missouri. His father, at age forty-four, joined the US Coast Guard. Starkey lost his brother, killed in action in Europe. The V-12 program was terminated and Starkey was assigned temporarily to the USS Texas (BB-35). He was then assigned to the USS Pargo (SS-264) during September 1945. He recalls the Pargo being part of a sixteen boat squadron that returned to San Francisco January 1946 and describes the crowds that greeted the flotilla. Starkey was discharged 11 March 1946.
Oral History Interview with Robert Haskett, March 10, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Haskett. Haskett joined the Navy in 1938. He served as a gunner on PT-155 in the Solomon Islands. Haskett describes PT boat operations, armament, and combat in general. He also details how the early torpedo tubes were activated with a mallet.
Oral History Interview with Robert Haskett, March 10, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Haskett. Haskett joined the Navy in 1938. He served as a gunner on PT-155 in the Solomon Islands. Haskett describes PT boat operations, armament, and combat in general. He also details how the early torpedo tubes were activated with a mallet.
Oral History Interview with John Hausladen, March 11, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Hausladen. Hausladen joined the Marine Corps in 1939 after two years of college. After boot camp came sea school, after which Hausladen went aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB-37). He was aboard when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and recalls being in a 5-inch gun compartment when the ship rolled. He escaped and was rescued by a whaleboat. In April, 1942, he was sent to VMF-223 as an armory technician. He travelled with them to Guadalcanal, arriving in August, 1942. His unit returned to the US in October. He went to Bougainville briefly and was in the US training when the war ended. Hausladen was discharged in December, 1945.
Oral History Interview with John Hausladen, March 11, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Hausladen. Hausladen joined the Marine Corps in 1939 after two years of college. After boot camp came sea school, after which Hausladen went aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB-37). He was aboard when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and recalls being in a 5-inch gun compartment when the ship rolled. He escaped and was rescued by a whaleboat. In April, 1942, he was sent to VMF-223 as an armory technician. He travelled with them to Guadalcanal, arriving in August, 1942. His unit returned to the US in October. He went to Bougainville briefly and was in the US training when the war ended. Hausladen was discharged in December, 1945.
Oral History Interview with Theodore E. Gruhn, March 13, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Theodore Gruhn. Gruhn joined the Navy in September 1941 after working as a carpenter. He was en route to Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Once at Hawaii, Gruhn did shore patrol for a year until he was assigned to the USS Farenholt (DD-491) as a carpenter's mate in December 1942. In May, 1944, Gruhn transferred to the USS Abercrombie (DE-343). When the war ended, Gruhn had enough points to be discharged in October, 1945.
Oral History Interview with Theodore E. Gruhn, March 13, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Theodore Gruhn. Gruhn joined the Navy in September 1941 after working as a carpenter. He was en route to Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Once at Hawaii, Gruhn did shore patrol for a year until he was assigned to the USS Farenholt (DD-491) as a carpenter's mate in December 1942. In May, 1944, Gruhn transferred to the USS Abercrombie (DE-343). When the war ended, Gruhn had enough points to be discharged in October, 1945.
Oral History Interview with Abelino Alviar, March 14, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Abelino Alviar. Alviar joined the Army in May of 1944. In early 1945, he joined the 778th Anti-aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. They deployed to Le Havre, France, and traveled to Munich, Germany, arriving after the Battle of the Ardennes. Alviar provided guard duty, and served as a gunner on the half-track supporting the 1st Infantry Division as they fought into Germany. He also worked as a translator and helped transport supplies to the front line. He returned home and was discharged in May of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Abelino Alviar, March 14, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Abelino Alviar. Alviar joined the Army in May of 1944. In early 1945, he joined the 778th Anti-aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. They deployed to Le Havre, France, and traveled to Munich, Germany, arriving after the Battle of the Ardennes. Alviar provided guard duty, and served as a gunner on the half-track supporting the 1st Infantry Division as they fought into Germany. He also worked as a translator and helped transport supplies to the front line. He returned home and was discharged in May of 1946.
Oral History Interview with James McClelland, March 20, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James McClelland. McClelland joined the Navy in 1939 and after training was assigned to the USS Helena (CL-50). He cruised with the ship to South America before heading for Pearl Harbor. He was aboard during the Japanese attack and was burned badly enough to be evacuated to the hospital on shore. He was returned to the US and after recovering, began training people in fire control. McClelland was discharged in September, 1945.
Oral History Interview with James McClelland, March 20, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James McClelland. McClelland joined the Navy in 1939 and after training was assigned to the USS Helena (CL-50). He cruised with the ship to South America before heading for Pearl Harbor. He was aboard during the Japanese attack and was burned badly enough to be evacuated to the hospital on shore. He was returned to the US and after recovering, began training people in fire control. McClelland was discharged in September, 1945.
Oral History Interview with John Tucker, March 25, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Tucker. Tucker joined the Navy in January of 1945. Beginning in the spring, he served as Storekeeper Third-Class aboard USS Remey (DD-688). They went through a typhoon close to Okinawa and provided shore bombardment in Alaska. They were docked on the coast of Japan when the Japanese surrendered. Tucker recalls Japanese officials from the city of Ōminatoa surrendering aboard the destroyer, and signing a peace treaty. They returned to the US in October of 1945, and Tucker was discharged in mid-1946.
Oral History Interview with John Tucker, March 25, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Tucker. Tucker joined the Navy in January of 1945. Beginning in the spring, he served as Storekeeper Third-Class aboard USS Remey (DD-688). They went through a typhoon close to Okinawa and provided shore bombardment in Alaska. They were docked on the coast of Japan when the Japanese surrendered. Tucker recalls Japanese officials from the city of Ōminatoa surrendering aboard the destroyer, and signing a peace treaty. They returned to the US in October of 1945, and Tucker was discharged in mid-1946.
Oral History Interview with Hulen Hammock, March 27, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hulen Hammock. Born in Bentonville, Texas on 5 November 1917, Hammock graduated from William Adams High School in Alice, Texas in 1932. Upon joining the Army Air Corps in December 1941, he was sent to Shepherd Field, Wichita Falls, Texas for basic training. After basic, Hammock went to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he studied aircraft maintenance for six weeks. He was then sent to Barksdale Field, Shreveport, Louisiana where he was assigned to the 319th Bomb Group, 440th Bomb Squadron and began working on B-26A bombers. Later, he was sent to Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana for advanced training. From there he boarded RMS Queen Mary at New Jersey and recalls an incident in which the ship collided with HMS Curacoa (D41), which was cut in half. Hammock noted that the ship did not slow down or attempt to save survivors. Landing at Gurrock, Scotland he proceeded to Norwich, England. He recalls boarding RMS Mooltan on 27 October 1942 and landing at Algeria. He shares an anecdote involving himself and General Jimmy Doolittle in a B-26. He also tells of servicing a DH98 de Havilland Mosquito aircraft flown by Elliott Roosevelt. Recalling when his unit replaced their B-26 bombers with B-25 bombers, Hammock expresses his dislike of the B-25. He returned to the United States as a staff sergeant and received his discharge 10 September 1945.
Oral History Interview with Hulen Hammock, March 27, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hulen Hammock. Born in Bentonville, Texas on 5 November 1917, Hammock graduated from William Adams High School in Alice, Texas in 1932. Upon joining the Army Air Corps in December 1941, he was sent to Shepherd Field, Wichita Falls, Texas for basic training. After basic, Hammock went to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he studied aircraft maintenance for six weeks. He was then sent to Barksdale Field, Shreveport, Louisiana where he was assigned to the 319th Bomb Group, 440th Bomb Squadron and began working on B-26A bombers. Later, he was sent to Harding Field, Baton Rouge, Louisiana for advanced training. From there he boarded RMS Queen Mary at New Jersey and recalls an incident in which the ship collided with HMS Curacoa (D41), which was cut in half. Hammock noted that the ship did not slow down or attempt to save survivors. Landing at Gurrock, Scotland he proceeded to Norwich, England. He recalls boarding RMS Mooltan on 27 October 1942 and landing at Algeria. He shares an anecdote involving himself and General Jimmy Doolittle in a B-26. He also tells of servicing a DH98 de Havilland Mosquito aircraft flown by Elliott Roosevelt. Recalling when his unit replaced their B-26 bombers with B-25 bombers, Hammock expresses his dislike of the B-25. He returned to the United States as a staff sergeant and received his discharge 10 September 1945.
Oral History Interview with John Wesolowski, March 28, 2003
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Wesolowski. Wesolowski joined the Navy in January 1941 after 2 years of college. He began flight training immediately and finished at Pensacola with a commission in September, 1941. Just after the war started, he was assigned to the USS Wasp (CV-7). Later, he went to Pearl Harbor and rode out on the Saratoga (CV-3) to the Solomon Islands. His squadron landed on Guadalcanal and joined the Cactus Air Force. After 36 days on Guadalcanal, Wesolowski returned to the US to train other pilots. In 1944, he joined VBF-9 on the USS Lexington (CV-16) for fighter raids on Tokyo.
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