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Oral History Interview with Richard Matthews, January 7, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Matthews. Matthews was attending the University of Missouri when he joined the Navy in October 1941. He was called to active duty on 4 December and was trained as a dive bomber pilot. Upon arriving in Hawaii, he attended a party and was given a lift home by Admiral Nimitz. Matthews was assigned to Composite Squadron 26 (VC-26) on Guadalcanal, flying missions over Munda Point in a Dauntless SBD from land bases and from the USS Sangamon (CVE-26). After six months, he returned to the States and attended rocket school. He was then assigned to the West Coast as an instructor. There he flew a TBF but was still able to land on short runways, due to his precision carrier training. As a lieutenant, he treated his students as equals, sometimes flying them home to visit family. At his final station in Sand Point, the officer’s club was once visited by actor Robert Taylor, who introduced himself and sat down next to the prettiest girl in the room, Matthews’ wife. When the war ended, Matthews left the Navy, although he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the service.
Oral History Interview with Richard Matthews, January 7, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Matthews. Matthews was attending the University of Missouri when he joined the Navy in October 1941. He was called to active duty on 4 December and was trained as a dive bomber pilot. Upon arriving in Hawaii, he attended a party and was given a lift home by Admiral Nimitz. Matthews was assigned to Composite Squadron 26 (VC-26) on Guadalcanal, flying missions over Munda Point in a Dauntless SBD from land bases and from the USS Sangamon (CVE-26). After six months, he returned to the States and attended rocket school. He was then assigned to the West Coast as an instructor. There he flew a TBF but was still able to land on short runways, due to his precision carrier training. As a lieutenant, he treated his students as equals, sometimes flying them home to visit family. At his final station in Sand Point, the officer’s club was once visited by actor Robert Taylor, who introduced himself and sat down next to the prettiest girl in the room, Matthews’ wife. When the war ended, Matthews left the Navy, although he thoroughly enjoyed his time in the service.
Oral History Interview with Elmore Anglley, January 10, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Elmore Anglley. Anglley was drafted in the Navy in February of 1944. Beginning in June of 1944 he served as a machinist mate aboard USS LST-997. They completed several convoys to Italy. In August of 1944 they landed in Southern France. In July of 1945 they traveled to Guam, Saipan and Okinawa. They landed vehicles, equipment and soldiers for invasions. He provides some details of each of these invasions, their LST in general and their travels across the sea. Anglley was discharged in May of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Elmore Anglley, January 10, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Elmore Anglley. Anglley was drafted in the Navy in February of 1944. Beginning in June of 1944 he served as a machinist mate aboard USS LST-997. They completed several convoys to Italy. In August of 1944 they landed in Southern France. In July of 1945 they traveled to Guam, Saipan and Okinawa. They landed vehicles, equipment and soldiers for invasions. He provides some details of each of these invasions, their LST in general and their travels across the sea. Anglley was discharged in May of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Keifer Marshall, January 13, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Keifer Marshall. Marshall was born in Temple, Texas in 1926. After attending the University of Texas for one year, he joined the Marine Corps in 1944. After completing basic training in San Diego, he spent six weeks at Camp Pendleton receiving advanced training. He then embarked on the USS Rochambeau (AP-63) with 6,000 other troops in late October 1944. He describes some of his experiences during the transit. He remembers arriving in Guam in December in relief of the 3rd Marine Division. He landed at Iwo Jima a few days after the initial landing in February 1945, as a member of F Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. Marshall describes the intense fighting over the following three weeks as his company proceeded north up the island. They took heavy casualties and got cut off for 36 hours before being rescued by tanks called in by the one remaining officer in the company. He recalls seeing the iconic flag flying at the top of Mount Suribachi and recalls how it boosted the unit’s morale during the battle. His unit remained on the island for three more weeks cleaning up after the battle before returning to Guam to prepare for the invasion of Japan. He returned to the States in December 1945.
Oral History Interview with William Turley, January 15, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Turley. Turley joined the Army Air Forces in May 1943 and received basic training at Sheppard Field. He received gunnery training in Las Vegas. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 526th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group, where he served as a ball turret gunner of a B-17. During his first mission, in Brest, the plane nearest him went down in flames while another went into a flat spin. When he returned to base, he found that his tail gunner had been killed by a piece of flak. Turley flew 32 missions, finishing in January 1945. Turley returned home and was discharged as a staff sergeant. After attending school at Tulane, he rejoined the military. As part of his duty he earned a master’s degree in political science. In 1962 he was part of a small unit assigned to help arm India along its northern border. Turley retired in 1973 as a full colonel.
Oral History Interview with William Turley, January 15, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Turley. Turley joined the Army Air Forces in May 1943 and received basic training at Sheppard Field. He received gunnery training in Las Vegas. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 526th Bomb Squadron, 379th Bombardment Group, where he served as a ball turret gunner of a B-17. During his first mission, in Brest, the plane nearest him went down in flames while another went into a flat spin. When he returned to base, he found that his tail gunner had been killed by a piece of flak. Turley flew 32 missions, finishing in January 1945. Turley returned home and was discharged as a staff sergeant. After attending school at Tulane, he rejoined the military. As part of his duty he earned a master’s degree in political science. In 1962 he was part of a small unit assigned to help arm India along its northern border. Turley retired in 1973 as a full colonel.
Oral History Interview with Arles Cole, January 16, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arles Cole. Cole joined the Navy in December of 1940. He provides details of his boot camp experiences. He completed communications school and became a signalman. In August of 1941 he served aboard the USS West Virginia (BB-48). Cole was on board during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. Cole provides vivid details leading up to, during and after the battle. He then served aboard a tugboat, the USS Turkey (AT-13), beginning in March of 1942. It doubled as a minesweeper and a tugboat. They traveled to the South Pacific around the Samoan Islands and the trade routes, where he became proficient in handling a line towing the vanes for mine sweeping and towing a barge with food and supplies for the Marines. In January of 1944 he began serving aboard the USS Pritchett (DD-561). They traveled to the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He provides great detail of his travels aboard the Pritchett and their participation in various battles. He was discharged in January of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Arles Cole, January 16, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arles Cole. Cole joined the Navy in December of 1940. He provides details of his boot camp experiences. He completed communications school and became a signalman. In August of 1941 he served aboard the USS West Virginia (BB-48). Cole was on board during the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. Cole provides vivid details leading up to, during and after the battle. He then served aboard a tugboat, the USS Turkey (AT-13), beginning in March of 1942. It doubled as a minesweeper and a tugboat. They traveled to the South Pacific around the Samoan Islands and the trade routes, where he became proficient in handling a line towing the vanes for mine sweeping and towing a barge with food and supplies for the Marines. In January of 1944 he began serving aboard the USS Pritchett (DD-561). They traveled to the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, Guam, Okinawa and Iwo Jima. He provides great detail of his travels aboard the Pritchett and their participation in various battles. He was discharged in January of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Paul Bragg, January 16, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Paul Bragg. Bragg joined the Army Air Forces in 1942 and trained as a spotter pilot for the field artillery. He also completed radio mechanic school. He was sent to England and joined the 482nd Bomb Group. He served with a ground radar unit called Mickey and Minnie, directing planes to their targets for bombing. He provides some details of his work with the unit. In July of 1944 he traveled to Belgium and then Germany. He was discharged in October of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Paul Bragg, January 16, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Paul Bragg. Bragg joined the Army Air Forces in 1942 and trained as a spotter pilot for the field artillery. He also completed radio mechanic school. He was sent to England and joined the 482nd Bomb Group. He served with a ground radar unit called Mickey and Minnie, directing planes to their targets for bombing. He provides some details of his work with the unit. In July of 1944 he traveled to Belgium and then Germany. He was discharged in October of 1945.
Oral History Interview with David Rust, January 20, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Rust. Rust joined the Army Air Forces on his eighteenth birthday. He was trained as an aerial gunner and then was sent to flight school to become a pilot. Rust was sent to the 23rd Fighter Group in China and flew P-40s. He flew bomber escort and ground support missions. Rust describes the differences between P-40s and P-51s. He rotated back to the US after completing 100 missions. Rust became a member of the reserves after the war and volunteered for duty in the Korean War. He describes being shot-down on his 43rd mission and nearly drowning in a river. Rust remained on active duty for several more years and eventually became a jet pilot.
Oral History Interview with David Rust, January 20, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Rust. Rust joined the Army Air Forces on his eighteenth birthday. He was trained as an aerial gunner and then was sent to flight school to become a pilot. Rust was sent to the 23rd Fighter Group in China and flew P-40s. He flew bomber escort and ground support missions. Rust describes the differences between P-40s and P-51s. He rotated back to the US after completing 100 missions. Rust became a member of the reserves after the war and volunteered for duty in the Korean War. He describes being shot-down on his 43rd mission and nearly drowning in a river. Rust remained on active duty for several more years and eventually became a jet pilot.
Oral History Interview with Charles Hawkins, January 23, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Hawkins. Hawkins joined the Marine Corps in June of 1943. He provides details of boot camp. He completed sea school in San Diego, learning how to live and work aboard a ship. He also completed Naval gunnery school. He was sent to Pearl Harbor in a replacement pool. He and 4 other Marines were then assigned to CINCPAC, serving with Admiral Nimitz???s Marine Detachment. He performed guard duty around the headquarters. Hawkins worked his way up to the Admiral???s office orderly and later served as his personal orderly, traveling with him around the island ensuring his safety and transporting classified information. In January 1945, Nimitz moved the headquarters of the Pacific Fleet forward from Pearl Harbor to Guam. Hawkins provides many intimate details of his work for Admiral Nimitz, including a day where he swam for recreation alongside Nimitz and Halsey. He shares stories of their time working, hiking, swimming and more in Guam. Hawkins??? last day with Admiral Nimitz was at the signing of the treaty aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63). He was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Hawkins, January 23, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Hawkins. Hawkins joined the Marine Corps in June of 1943. He provides details of boot camp. He completed sea school in San Diego, learning how to live and work aboard a ship. He also completed Naval gunnery school. He was sent to Pearl Harbor in a replacement pool. He and 4 other Marines were then assigned to CINCPAC, serving with Admiral Nimitz???s Marine Detachment. He performed guard duty around the headquarters. Hawkins worked his way up to the Admiral???s office orderly and later served as his personal orderly, traveling with him around the island ensuring his safety and transporting classified information. In January 1945, Nimitz moved the headquarters of the Pacific Fleet forward from Pearl Harbor to Guam. Hawkins provides many intimate details of his work for Admiral Nimitz, including a day where he swam for recreation alongside Nimitz and Halsey. He shares stories of their time working, hiking, swimming and more in Guam. Hawkins??? last day with Admiral Nimitz was at the signing of the treaty aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63). He was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Archie Norman, January 26, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Archie Norman. Norman was drafted into the Army soon after high school. He was sent to the 32nd Infantry Division and traveled to New Guinea. Norman then took part in battle for Leyte and describes surviving a nearby explosion and a time when he shot a Japanese soldier. He also discusses how he was wounded when a rifle was accidently discharged in camp. Norman describes his treatment and evacuation back to the US. He was discharged after his recovery in December 1946.
Oral History Interview with Archie Norman, January 26, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Archie Norman. Norman was drafted into the Army soon after high school. He was sent to the 32nd Infantry Division and traveled to New Guinea. Norman then took part in battle for Leyte and describes surviving a nearby explosion and a time when he shot a Japanese soldier. He also discusses how he was wounded when a rifle was accidently discharged in camp. Norman describes his treatment and evacuation back to the US. He was discharged after his recovery in December 1946.
Oral History Interview with Joseph Gunterman, January 27, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Gunterman. Gunterman joined the Navy in November of 1942. He completed Sound School, learning how to operate sound equipment on ships to detect underwater activity. In early 1943 he traveled to New Caledonia. From there he was assigned to the USS Zane (DMS-14), a high-speed mine sweeper. He provides some details of the ship, including weaponry aboard. They traveled to Tulagi, Suva, Fiji, provided escort duty and participated in the Battle of Munda Point in the Solomon Islands. They also participated in the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Guam, by sweeping mines. The Zane was the model for the stories in The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. Wouk served aboard the Zane with Gunterman. Gunterman was discharged in December of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Joseph Gunterman, January 27, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Gunterman. Gunterman joined the Navy in November of 1942. He completed Sound School, learning how to operate sound equipment on ships to detect underwater activity. In early 1943 he traveled to New Caledonia. From there he was assigned to the USS Zane (DMS-14), a high-speed mine sweeper. He provides some details of the ship, including weaponry aboard. They traveled to Tulagi, Suva, Fiji, provided escort duty and participated in the Battle of Munda Point in the Solomon Islands. They also participated in the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Guam, by sweeping mines. The Zane was the model for the stories in The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk. Wouk served aboard the Zane with Gunterman. Gunterman was discharged in December of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Russell Barager, January 28, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Russell Barager. Barager joined the Navy in October of 1944 after spending a year in the Merchant Marine. He was assigned to USS LSM-326 and served in the deck department. Barager mentions delivering supplies to Saipan and the Philippines. He discusses landing Marines in the eleventh wave on Okinawa. Barager describes feeling the impact of a kamikaze landing in the water nearby and firing on another that hit a cruiser. His ship was caught in a major typhoon when it was headed to Japan after the war. He was discharged in June of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Russell Barager, January 28, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Russell Barager. Barager joined the Navy in October of 1944 after spending a year in the Merchant Marine. He was assigned to USS LSM-326 and served in the deck department. Barager mentions delivering supplies to Saipan and the Philippines. He discusses landing Marines in the eleventh wave on Okinawa. Barager describes feeling the impact of a kamikaze landing in the water nearby and firing on another that hit a cruiser. His ship was caught in a major typhoon when it was headed to Japan after the war. He was discharged in June of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Wilbert Shanks, January 30, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Wilbert Shanks. Shanks joined the Navy in December of 1940. He completed communication school, and became a signalman, operating Morse Code and semaphore flags. He served aboard the USS Helena (CL-50). His battle station was at emergency radio, providing communication within the ship. They were stationed at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, and Shanks describes his experiences before, during and after the attack, including the ship getting hit with a torpedo. After repairs were made to the Helena, they traveled to the Coral Sea where they assisted survivors of the sunken USS Wasp (CV-7). They participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. In July of 1943 they provided artillery for the Marines at Kula Gulf, where the Helena was sunk. In February of 1944 Shanks was assigned to the USS Major (DE-796), running escort duty between Norfolk and Trinidad. He was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender in September of 1945 and was discharged in December of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Wilbert Shanks, January 30, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Wilbert Shanks. Shanks joined the Navy in December of 1940. He completed communication school, and became a signalman, operating Morse Code and semaphore flags. He served aboard the USS Helena (CL-50). His battle station was at emergency radio, providing communication within the ship. They were stationed at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, and Shanks describes his experiences before, during and after the attack, including the ship getting hit with a torpedo. After repairs were made to the Helena, they traveled to the Coral Sea where they assisted survivors of the sunken USS Wasp (CV-7). They participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. In July of 1943 they provided artillery for the Marines at Kula Gulf, where the Helena was sunk. In February of 1944 Shanks was assigned to the USS Major (DE-796), running escort duty between Norfolk and Trinidad. He was in Tokyo Bay during the surrender in September of 1945 and was discharged in December of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Erwin Schilling, February 1, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Erwin Schilling. Schilling joined the Navy in 1939 with only an eighth-grade education, his family having been too poor to provide him transportation to the nearest high school. Upon completion of basic training in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Twiggs (DD-127), on escort duty in the Atlantic. The water was particularly rough in the wintertime, and Schilling remembers the ship rolling 56 degrees. After about a year, he was reassigned to the USS Sturtevant (DD-240), which later sank off of Florida. While he was in a lifeboat, he saw enginemen covered in oil waiting in vain for rescue. Schilling was transferred to the USS Buchanan (DD-484) as a gunner’s mate. He was slightly sounded in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Schilling was sent to gunnery school in Washington, D.C., and finished his Navy career aboard the USS Idaho (BB-42). He had no duties to perform at that time and enjoyed live music on deck each afternoon. He returned home and was discharged in October 1945.
Oral History Interview with Erwin Schilling, February 1, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Erwin Schilling. Schilling joined the Navy in 1939 with only an eighth-grade education, his family having been too poor to provide him transportation to the nearest high school. Upon completion of basic training in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Twiggs (DD-127), on escort duty in the Atlantic. The water was particularly rough in the wintertime, and Schilling remembers the ship rolling 56 degrees. After about a year, he was reassigned to the USS Sturtevant (DD-240), which later sank off of Florida. While he was in a lifeboat, he saw enginemen covered in oil waiting in vain for rescue. Schilling was transferred to the USS Buchanan (DD-484) as a gunner’s mate. He was slightly sounded in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Schilling was sent to gunnery school in Washington, D.C., and finished his Navy career aboard the USS Idaho (BB-42). He had no duties to perform at that time and enjoyed live music on deck each afternoon. He returned home and was discharged in October 1945.
Oral History Interview with Willard Frank, February 2, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Willard Frank. Frank joined the Navy in July of 1943. He deployed to Waimanalo in Hawaii to an Amphibious Training base. Frank served as an engineer on an LCVP, ferrying supplies from shore to ships. In 1944, he served aboard USS Lindenwald (LSD-6), participating in the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa. He returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Willard Frank, February 2, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Willard Frank. Frank joined the Navy in July of 1943. He deployed to Waimanalo in Hawaii to an Amphibious Training base. Frank served as an engineer on an LCVP, ferrying supplies from shore to ships. In 1944, he served aboard USS Lindenwald (LSD-6), participating in the invasions of the Marshall Islands, Saipan, the Philippines and Okinawa. He returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Roy Burger, February 4, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Roy Burger. Burger was drafted into the Army in May of 1942. He served with the 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in a mortar platoon. He provides some details of basic training and volunteering for the parachute troops. In the spring of 1944 he traveled to England. On 6 June 1944 Burger made his first combat jump at midnight into Normandy, France. In September of 1944 his second jump was into Holland during Operation MARKET GARDEN. They were given orders to head to Bastogne, Belgium, where they defeated a German patrol surrounding their group. Burger was discharged in 1945 and awarded 3 Battle Stars.
Oral History Interview with Roy Burger, February 4, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Roy Burger. Burger was drafted into the Army in May of 1942. He served with the 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in a mortar platoon. He provides some details of basic training and volunteering for the parachute troops. In the spring of 1944 he traveled to England. On 6 June 1944 Burger made his first combat jump at midnight into Normandy, France. In September of 1944 his second jump was into Holland during Operation MARKET GARDEN. They were given orders to head to Bastogne, Belgium, where they defeated a German patrol surrounding their group. Burger was discharged in 1945 and awarded 3 Battle Stars.
Oral History Interview with X. B. Cox, February 11, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with X B Cox. Cox joined the Army in June of 1937. He served with the 81st Airborne Antiaircraft Battalion. In June of 1944 Cox participated in the Normandy landings. In September 1944 Cox participated in Operation Market Garden, including riding a glider into Holland. Later in December 1944 through January 1945 he participated in the Siege of Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge. He provides details through each of these experiences. In 1967 he completed his 30 years of active and reserve duty.
Oral History Interview with Ruth Scarse, February 12, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ruth Scarse. Scarse joined the Army in 1943 and became a WAAC. She was trained as a teletype operator and was sent to England to serve with the 8th Air Force. Scarse describes the voyage over on the Queen Mary, in particular having to share a state room with 24 others. She details her duties as a teletype operator and the place where she worked. Scarse also discusses the social activities that she took part in during her stay in the London area. She also describes how she met and married her husband who was an American supply sergeant and how an English couple hosted their honeymoon. Scarse returned to the US after the war and reunited with her husband a short time later.
Oral History Interview with Ruth Scarse, February 12, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ruth Scarse. Scarse joined the Army in 1943 and became a WAAC. She was trained as a teletype operator and was sent to England to serve with the 8th Air Force. Scarse describes the voyage over on the Queen Mary, in particular having to share a state room with 24 others. She details her duties as a teletype operator and the place where she worked. Scarse also discusses the social activities that she took part in during her stay in the London area. She also describes how she met and married her husband who was an American supply sergeant and how an English couple hosted their honeymoon. Scarse returned to the US after the war and reunited with her husband a short time later.
Oral History Interview with Floyd R. Thomas, February 18, 2009
Interview with Floyd R. Thomas, a serviceman in the U. S. Army during World War II. He discusses his childhood and education at Peacock Military Academy. He then joined the army and spent time in Okinawa during and after the war. He recalls being a surgical technician and working with Japanese civilians after the surrender, meeting his wife, and working for saw mills as a salesman and a pilot. He remembers stealing pineapples on Hawaii and getting diarrhea, being treated for jungle rot, selling old Japanese army blankets to civilians, and shipping silk bolts and sabers back home.
Oral History Interview with Floyd R. Thomas, February 18, 2009
Transcript of an oral interview with Floyd Thomas. He begins by discussing his childhood and attending Peacock Military Academy, then joining the Army and his experiences on Okinawa during and after the war. He discusses being a surgical technician and working with Japanese civilians after the surrender. He also talks about meeting his wife after the war, working for saw mills as a salesman and a pilot. He ancedotes about stealing pineapples on Hawaii and getting diarrhea, being treated for jungle rot, selling old Japanese army blankets to civilians, and shipping silk bolts and sabers back home.
Oral History Interview with Floyd R. Thomas, February 18, 2009
Transcript of an oral interview with Floyd Thomas. He begins by discussing his childhood and attending Peacock Military Academy, then joining the Army and his experiences on Okinawa during and after the war. He discusses being a surgical technician and working with Japanese civilians after the surrender. He also talks about meeting his wife after the war, working for saw mills as a salesman and a pilot. He ancedotes about stealing pineapples on Hawaii and getting diarrhea, being treated for jungle rot, selling old Japanese army blankets to civilians, and shipping silk bolts and sabers back home.
Oral History Interview with Floyd R. Thomas, February 18, 2009
Interview with Floyd R. Thomas of El Paso, Texas, who is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces during World War II. In the interview, Mr. Thomas recalls memories from before the war as well as his time in the military, including his training in Oregon and Hawaii, attacks on Okinawa, and various battle scenes.
Oral History Interview with Gordon Kruse, February 20, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gordon Kruse. Kruse joined the Navy in March 1942 and received basic training in San Diego. He attended aviation machinist mate’s school in Jacksonville. Upon completion, he was assigned to a patrol bomber training station in Florida, where he was line captain for SBC and PV aircraft. He then attended hydraulics school in Chicago and was sent to Lockheed in California to learn PV hydraulics. Kruse was stationed at Guam until the end of the war, where he helped the Seabees dig trenches until TBMs arrived for servicing. While on Guam he explored caves and discovered Japanese holdouts. Kruse returned home and was discharged in March 1946.
Oral History Interview with Gordon Kruse, February 20, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gordon Kruse. Kruse joined the Navy in March 1942 and received basic training in San Diego. He attended aviation machinist mate’s school in Jacksonville. Upon completion, he was assigned to a patrol bomber training station in Florida, where he was line captain for SBC and PV aircraft. He then attended hydraulics school in Chicago and was sent to Lockheed in California to learn PV hydraulics. Kruse was stationed at Guam until the end of the war, where he helped the Seabees dig trenches until TBMs arrived for servicing. While on Guam he explored caves and discovered Japanese holdouts. Kruse returned home and was discharged in March 1946.
Oral History Interview with Virgil Lewis, February 25, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Virgil Lewis. Lewis joined the Navy in October 1943 and received basic training at Davisville. Upon completion, he was assigned to the Seabees and received further training at Port Hueneme. He landed on Guadalcanal in February 1943 and worked as a truck driver, transporting work crews to Henderson Field and Fighter Strip Number Two. He recounts one especially intense air raid and the heroic acts performed by fellow soldiers. After spending a month at Milne Bay and two months at Finschhafen, he arrived at the Admiralties just after the beach was reclaimed. He felt relatively safe there, despite the occasional sniper. Having served with the same group of men for over two years, he heartily celebrated V-J day with his friends. After helping with construction at Okinawa, Lewis returned home and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Virgil Lewis, February 25, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Virgil Lewis. Lewis joined the Navy in October 1943 and received basic training at Davisville. Upon completion, he was assigned to the Seabees and received further training at Port Hueneme. He landed on Guadalcanal in February 1943 and worked as a truck driver, transporting work crews to Henderson Field and Fighter Strip Number Two. He recounts one especially intense air raid and the heroic acts performed by fellow soldiers. After spending a month at Milne Bay and two months at Finschhafen, he arrived at the Admiralties just after the beach was reclaimed. He felt relatively safe there, despite the occasional sniper. Having served with the same group of men for over two years, he heartily celebrated V-J day with his friends. After helping with construction at Okinawa, Lewis returned home and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Andrew Firm, February 26, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Andrew Firm. Firm joined the Navy in June 1942 and only received 28 days of training before boarding the light cruiser USS Montpelier (CL-57). As a gunner’s mate, his first duty was greasing the guns while the Montpelier patrolled The Slot around Guadalcanal. During island bombardments, he added special tips to shells that would clear trees from the beachheads. In the blazing heat of the Marianas, he was stunned to see a warmly dressed Japanese corpse float by. Returning home in September 1944, Firm transferred to the USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), where he maintained a quad-40mm and a 5-inch gun. At the end of the war, he sailed to Okinawa and Tokyo Bay, ultimately leaving the service with six battle stars and a Good Conduct Medal.
Oral History Interview with Andrew Firm, February 26, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Andrew Firm. Firm joined the Navy in June 1942 and only received 28 days of training before boarding the light cruiser USS Montpelier (CL-57). As a gunner’s mate, his first duty was greasing the guns while the Montpelier patrolled The Slot around Guadalcanal. During island bombardments, he added special tips to shells that would clear trees from the beachheads. In the blazing heat of the Marianas, he was stunned to see a warmly dressed Japanese corpse float by. Returning home in September 1944, Firm transferred to the USS Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), where he maintained a quad-40mm and a 5-inch gun. At the end of the war, he sailed to Okinawa and Tokyo Bay, ultimately leaving the service with six battle stars and a Good Conduct Medal.
Oral History Interview with Raymundo Martinez, March 2, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Raymundo Martinez. Martinez was drafted in the Army in November of 1941. He served as a Technical Sergeant in the 807th Engineer Battalion for four years. From 1942 to 1944 Martinez was assigned to the Aleutian Islands. During this time, he recalls much combat, casualties, preparing graves for fallen soldiers and a Japanese plane being gunned down during a dog fight. He was then assigned to Hawaii and provides some details of life on the island. From May to September of 1945 his unit served on Okinawa, which he provides vivid details of his experiences. He was discharged in November of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Raymundo Martinez, March 2, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Raymundo Martinez. Martinez was drafted in the Army in November of 1941. He served as a Technical Sergeant in the 807th Engineer Battalion for four years. From 1942 to 1944 Martinez was assigned to the Aleutian Islands. During this time, he recalls much combat, casualties, preparing graves for fallen soldiers and a Japanese plane being gunned down during a dog fight. He was then assigned to Hawaii and provides some details of life on the island. From May to September of 1945 his unit served on Okinawa, which he provides vivid details of his experiences. He was discharged in November of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Jim Wilcox, March 7, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jim Wilcox. Wilcox joined the Marine Corps in 1940. Upon completion of basic training he deployed to Guantanamo for further training. Assigned to artillery, he forwarded targets to the control center. He returned to the States to be treated for appendicitis and was then assigned to the special weapons battery of the 1st Marine Division, 11th Marine Regiment. Wilcox then landed in the third wave at Guadalcanal, where his ship, the USS Hunter Liggett (APA-14), was sunk while being offloaded. After four months of battle, Wilcox sailed to Australia, contracted malaria, and returned to the States. There he joined the Fourth Division at Camp Pendleton, broke his thighbone and clavicle in a truck accident and was hospitalized for six months. His leg never fully healed, so when the war ended he was discharged with partial disability compensation.
Oral History Interview with Jim Wilcox, March 7, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jim Wilcox. Wilcox joined the Marine Corps in 1940. Upon completion of basic training he deployed to Guantanamo for further training. Assigned to artillery, he forwarded targets to the control center. He returned to the States to be treated for appendicitis and was then assigned to the special weapons battery of the 1st Marine Division, 11th Marine Regiment. Wilcox then landed in the third wave at Guadalcanal, where his ship, the USS Hunter Liggett (APA-14), was sunk while being offloaded. After four months of battle, Wilcox sailed to Australia, contracted malaria, and returned to the States. There he joined the Fourth Division at Camp Pendleton, broke his thighbone and clavicle in a truck accident and was hospitalized for six months. His leg never fully healed, so when the war ended he was discharged with partial disability compensation.
Oral History Interview with Eugene Spencer, March 11, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Spencer. Spencer joined the Navy in March of 1934. He completed metalsmith school. He was assigned to the Engineer Department in the Fire Room aboard the USS Porter (DD-356). He later moved into the engine room, where he served as water tender. Around 1936 they traveled to South Hampton, England, Stockholm, Sweden, Helsinki, Finland, Amsterdam and Madeira. They experienced a hurricane in the Atlantic. In mid-1940 Spencer was transferred to the USS Shaw (DD-373), where he served as First-Class Metalsmith. He was aboard the Shaw while in dry dock at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Spencer provides vivid details of his experiences through the attack. From Pearl they joined MacArthur???s forces and traveled to Sydney, Australia to work on ships. Spencer was promoted to Warrant Officer. He was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Eugene Spencer, March 11, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Spencer. Spencer joined the Navy in March of 1934. He completed metalsmith school. He was assigned to the Engineer Department in the Fire Room aboard the USS Porter (DD-356). He later moved into the engine room, where he served as water tender. Around 1936 they traveled to South Hampton, England, Stockholm, Sweden, Helsinki, Finland, Amsterdam and Madeira. They experienced a hurricane in the Atlantic. In mid-1940 Spencer was transferred to the USS Shaw (DD-373), where he served as First-Class Metalsmith. He was aboard the Shaw while in dry dock at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Spencer provides vivid details of his experiences through the attack. From Pearl they joined MacArthur???s forces and traveled to Sydney, Australia to work on ships. Spencer was promoted to Warrant Officer. He was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Evelyn Spencer, March 11, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Evelyn Spencer. Spencer graduated from high school in 1931. She describes life growing up during the Great Depression. Her husband Gene was in the Navy and stationed in Hawaii, where she joined him in September of 1940. She describes life on the island up until, during and after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. She worked full-time at Pearl Harbor after the attack as a storekeeper, issuing stores to the ships. On her days off she would visit wounded soldiers in the hospital, bringing them flowers, cards and magazines. They left Hawaii in 1947, as her husband was stationed in Key West, Florida.
Oral History Interview with Evelyn Spencer, March 11, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Evelyn Spencer. Spencer graduated from high school in 1931. She describes life growing up during the Great Depression. Her husband Gene was in the Navy and stationed in Hawaii, where she joined him in September of 1940. She describes life on the island up until, during and after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. She worked full-time at Pearl Harbor after the attack as a storekeeper, issuing stores to the ships. On her days off she would visit wounded soldiers in the hospital, bringing them flowers, cards and magazines. They left Hawaii in 1947, as her husband was stationed in Key West, Florida.
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