National Museum of the Pacific War - 227 Matching Results

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["Anniversary Waltz" Dance Program]
"Anniversary Waltz" dance program sponsored by; "Tri-V's and COEDS," held at Poston, AZ Relocation Camp.
[Anti-Aircraft Battery]
Photograph of anti-aircraft batteries of the United States task force in the battle of the Santa Cruz. Two ships are in the distance with smoke above them.
[Captain Promotion Certificate]
A certificate promoting Clifford R. Baird to a Captain in the U.S. Army, Air Corps.
[Corporal Promotion Certificate, #2]
A certificate promoting Clifford R. Baird to Corporal.
[Douglas MacArthur, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Chester W. Nimitz Onboard the U.S.S. Baltimore, #1]
Photograph of General Douglas MacArthur, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz sitting side by side on the U.S.S. Baltimore. General Douglas MacArthur sits on the left wearing light colored pants, a dark leather jacket, a dark brimmed hat with the U.S. Airforce emblem on the front and gold starts pinned to his collar. President Roosevelt sits in the center in a light-colored and ill-fitted suit, a tie, rounded silver glasses and a light-colored hat with a black band. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz sits on the right in his white Naval Officer uniform including a dark shoulder detail, ribbon bars above his pocket and a brimmed hat featuring the Navy's emblem on the front. A stack of helmets can be seen in the background between President Roosevelt and general MacArthur, as well as a crude ladder over General MacArthur's shoulder.
[Douglas MacArthur, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Chester W. Nimitz Onboard the U.S.S. Baltimore, #2]
Photograph of General Douglas MacArthur, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz sitting side by side on the U.S.S. Baltimore. General Douglas MacArthur sits on the left wearing light colored pants, a dark leather jacket, a dark brimmed hat with the U.S. Airforce emblem on the front and gold starts pinned to his collar. President Roosevelt sits smiling widely in the center in a light-colored and ill-fitted suit, a tie, rounded silver glasses and a light-colored hat with a black band. Admiral Chester W. Nimitz sits on the right in his white Naval Officer uniform including a dark shoulder detail, ribbon bars above his pocket and a brimmed hat featuring the Navy's emblem on the front. A stack of helmets can be seen in the background between President Roosevelt and general MacArthur, as well as a crude ladder over General MacArthur's shoulder.
[Douglas MacArthur, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Chester W. Nimitz, and William Leahy Aboard the U.S.S. Baltimore]
Photograph of General Douglas MacArthur, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, and Admiral William Leahy sitting side by side aboard the U.S.S. Baltimore, Honolulu, Hawaii. General Douglas MacArthur sits with his legs crossed wearing a leather jacket, wide legged trousers, a brimmed hat with the Army's emblem and dark dress shoes. President Roosevelt wears a light-colored suit, a striped tie, a white hat, and dark dress shoes. Chester W. Nimitz has his hands clasped in his lap and is wearing a white Naval uniform with a high collar, ribbon bars pinned above his pocket, epaulettes, a brimmed hat with the Navy's emblem and white shoes. Admiral Leahy sits on the far right in a mid-tine Naval uniform, a white undershirt, dark tie, ribbon bars pinned above his pocket, epaulettes, a wide brimmed hat with the Navy's emblem and dark dress shoes. Several men in sailor uniforms can be seen in the background going about the ship.
[Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Reads a Document Aboard Plane]
Photograph of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz leaning back as he reads a document aboard his plane. He is wearing a light-colored uniform with two pockets on the front and five stars pinned to either side of his collar. In front of Flt. Adm. Nimitz is a black desk with a magazine on top, and behind him a jacket is stretched over his chair.
[Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Sits at His Desk]
Photograph of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz sitting at his desk that is covered with various papers, books and an inkwell with a pen sticking of it. He is wearing a dark Naval uniform with a white undershirt, a tie, ribbon bars pinned above his pocket and four stripes with a band and a star on his sleeves. Flt. Adm. Nimitz has his arms resting on the desk in front of him holding papers in his hands.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - January 26, 1945]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including plans to go to a party that Corrine is throwing, housework to do over the weekend, the weather, and Baker's plans to build a tennis court and basketball court on their property.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - July 26, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including the weather, plans to see a movie, and a car crash that occurred just outside of town.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - June 26, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including a weekend with Mother, car troubles, Charlotte's sickness, and potential plans to go to New Braunfels to celebrate the Fourth of July with friends.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - May 26, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including Lorraine returning from Florida and plans to go to Gonzales for the weekend, Catherine also tells Joe to ask for things he would like so she can mail him a package.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - November 26, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including her hope that he will call her on Christmas Day, an update that John is a prisoner of the Germans, and that their dog, Teddy, killed a possum. In the postscript Catherine shares that she has saved $135 for him.
[Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to his Grandfather, April 26, 1900]
Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates news that he received information and sample exams from the Navy and War departments. The letter is on St. Charles Hotel (Kerrville, Texas) stationery.
[Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to William Nimitz, Jun-Jul. 1904]
Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz is on the summer cruise and writing from aboard the USS Hartford. He discusses visiting the shipyards at Newport News, Virginia. Nimitz expresses some surprise to see German navy ships anchored nearby and able to view the construction of American battleships so freely. He also mentions some details about being aboard and interacting with the captain. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.
[Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to William Nimitz, November 26, 1906]
Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz, writing from the USS Baltimore (C-3), expresses confidence he has passed his commissioning test. He also mentions he has applied for command of the gunboat Panay.
[Letter from Frank W. Hoover to Cecelia McKie - September 26, 1978]
Letter sent from Frank W. Hoover, American Ex-Prisoners of War 49ers Chapter, to Cecelia McKie regarding meeting date.
[Letter from Helen Barnes to Cecelia McKie - May 26, 1943]
Letter sent from Helen Barnes to Cecelia McKie thanking her for the message from her husband, William Frank Barnes, and stating she and her daughter had been evacuated from Shanghai in 1941 and had not seen Mr. Barnes since. Envelope addressed to Mrs. W. L. McKie, Sacramento, California from Mrs. W. F. Barnes, San Diego, California.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - August 26, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing the mail service, his enjoyment of the fixed up watch she sent him, and celebrating Jessie's new job in San Antonio.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - February 26, 1945]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing the ceremony where he received his Air Medal, and the slow days he has had, consisting of listening to the radio, playing records, and swimming.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - January 26, 1945]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing digging foxholes, going swimming, the mail service, and his looking forward to receiving the pictures she sent.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - July 26, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing the mail service, struggling with finding Walter's address, supporting Bob's campaign for Justice of the Peace, struggling with his mosquito net the night before, and doing his laundry.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - June 26, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing his crew visiting their old station to retrieve clothing and equipment, asking if Jessie got his raise, and complaining that the movies they are seeing are old.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - November 26, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing swimming at the coral reefs with other men in his squadron, watching the movie "The Iron Major," and wearing the shorts she sent him.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - October 26, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing the mail service, getting candy and gum from the post exchange, and telling Catherine that he always brings his "Mae West" and his Bible when he flies.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - September 26, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing the mail service, completing his fourth mission, planning to send Catherine a picture of his new mustache, meeting someone else from Texas in his squadron, and flying in a plane named "Little Joe". A portion of text has been removed from the letter.
[Officers and Enlisted Men Aboard U.S.S. Arizona During Command Change]
Photograph of Officers and enlisted men line the deck of the U.S.S. Arizona in dark Naval uniforms and white hats. They are either standing at attention or saluting during a change of command ceremony.
Oral History Interview with Albert Wakeman, April 26, 2012
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Albert Wakeman. Wakeman joined the Navy in 1944. The son of a machinist who fashioned guns for the Navy during WWI, Wakeman advanced to diesel school upon completion of basic training. He was assigned to PT-175 with Squadron 11 at Emirau, New Guinea, as a machinist's mate. At Morotai, as Wakeman manned his battle station against a Japanese barge, an officer rushed over to help him load the 40mm and was immediately shot in the forehead and killed. Wakeman later sustained third degree burns during an accidental explosion while lighting a fire on the beach in an effort to launder his clothes. The end of his service was uneventful and pleasant; in the Philippines, he attended church and enjoyed Sunday dinner with the locals. Wakeman returned home and was discharged, earning two master's degrees on the GI Bill to become a professor of English and Greek.
Oral History Interview with Albert Wakeman, April 26, 2012
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Albert Wakeman. Wakeman joined the Navy in 1944. The son of a machinist who fashioned guns for the Navy during WWI, Wakeman advanced to diesel school upon completion of basic training. He was assigned to PT-175 with Squadron 11 at Emirau, New Guinea, as a machinist's mate. At Morotai, as Wakeman manned his battle station against a Japanese barge, an officer rushed over to help him load the 40mm and was immediately shot in the forehead and killed. Wakeman later sustained third degree burns during an accidental explosion while lighting a fire on the beach in an effort to launder his clothes. The end of his service was uneventful and pleasant; in the Philippines, he attended church and enjoyed Sunday dinner with the locals. Wakeman returned home and was discharged, earning two master's degrees on the GI Bill to become a professor of English and Greek.
Oral History Interview with Alfred Lehmann, May 26, 2016
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alfred Lehmann. Lehmann was drafted in the US Army in 1943. He completed 6 weeks of boot camp in Little Rock, Arkansas, then was deployed overseas as an infantryman. He served with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division. Lehmann served in the Philippine Islands, and shares his experiences in the Bougainville Campaign, the Battle of Luzon and freeing prisoners in Manila. Lehmann returned to the US in December of 1945 and received his discharge.
Oral History Interview with Alfred Lehmann, May 26, 2016
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alfred Lehmann. Lehmann was drafted in the US Army in 1943. He completed 6 weeks of boot camp in Little Rock, Arkansas, then was deployed overseas as an infantryman. He served with the 148th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division. Lehmann served in the Philippine Islands, and shares his experiences in the Bougainville Campaign, the Battle of Luzon and freeing prisoners in Manila. Lehmann returned to the US in December of 1945 and received his discharge.
Oral History Interview with Allen Hugh, November 26, 1971
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Allen Hugh. Hugh reads a series of letters dated 1907, when he was 21 years old, written to his mother while serving in the Navy. He speaks about schooling in the Navy and interactions with Chester Nimitz, whom he served with. He served as a deck and ordnance officer. He comments on traveling to Manila, Philippines, and his experiences hunting, swimming and touring the island. He served aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB-64), where he traveled to Nagasaki, Japan and Kuling, China. He speaks on visiting a Mr. McNally there and riding in sedan chairs with three other midshipmen. Hugh describes serving aboard the USS Decatur (DD-5) that Nimitz commanded in 1907.
Oral History Interview with Allen Hugh, November 26, 1971
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Allen Hugh. Hugh reads a series of letters dated 1907, when he was 21 years old, written to his mother while serving in the Navy. He speaks about schooling in the Navy and interactions with Chester Nimitz, whom he served with. He served as a deck and ordnance officer. He comments on traveling to Manila, Philippines, and his experiences hunting, swimming and touring the island. He served aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB-64), where he traveled to Nagasaki, Japan and Kuling, China. He speaks on visiting a Mr. McNally there and riding in sedan chairs with three other midshipmen. Hugh describes serving aboard the USS Decatur (DD-5) that Nimitz commanded in 1907.
Oral History Interview with Alva B. Sampson, October 26, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alva B. Sampson. Sampson was born in May 1926 in Columbus, Ohio. He entered the Army in September 1944 and took basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Upon completion, he went aboard RMS Queen Mary, disembarking at Glasgow, Scotland. Sampson tells of being assigned to the 4th Armored Division, 37th Tank Battalion even though he had no experience in tanks. He was assigned as a replacement in a light tank. He describes what he saw as his unit liberated several concentration camps. He recalls being in Czechoslovakia when an estimated 20,000 Germans surrendered to his unit rather than the Russians. Three tanks were assigned to guard the prisoners. Sampson remembers the captives were turned over to the Russian Army as they were ordered to do. After the surrender of Germany, he was assigned to a military police unit in Lorch, Germany, until he returned to the United States.
Oral History Interview with Alva B. Sampson, October 26, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alva B. Sampson. Sampson was born in May 1926 in Columbus, Ohio. He entered the Army in September 1944 and took basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Upon completion, he went aboard RMS Queen Mary, disembarking at Glasgow, Scotland. Sampson tells of being assigned to the 4th Armored Division, 37th Tank Battalion even though he had no experience in tanks. He was assigned as a replacement in a light tank. He describes what he saw as his unit liberated several concentration camps. He recalls being in Czechoslovakia when an estimated 20,000 Germans surrendered to his unit rather than the Russians. Three tanks were assigned to guard the prisoners. Sampson remembers the captives were turned over to the Russian Army as they were ordered to do. After the surrender of Germany, he was assigned to a military police unit in Lorch, Germany, until he returned to the United States.
Oral History Interview with Alva Hudson, December 26, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alva Hudson. Hudson joined the Navy in January of 1942. He served in the Armed Guard, using the 20mm gun aboard the tanker SS John Archibald. They transported oil to Halifax, Nova Scotia, across the North Atlantic to Glasgow, Scotland. They traveled with a convoy of around 40 ships. Beginning November of 1943 Hudson served as a gunner on the 40mm gun aboard the USS New Jersey (BB-62). They traveled to Ellice Island. They participated in battles at Majuro Island, Palau, Saipan, Okinawa, Formosa and the Philippine Islands. Hudson completed 36 months sea duty and provides vivid details of his experiences aboard the ships and in the battles. He was discharged in January of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Alva Hudson, December 26, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alva Hudson. Hudson joined the Navy in January of 1942. He served in the Armed Guard, using the 20mm gun aboard the tanker SS John Archibald. They transported oil to Halifax, Nova Scotia, across the North Atlantic to Glasgow, Scotland. They traveled with a convoy of around 40 ships. Beginning November of 1943 Hudson served as a gunner on the 40mm gun aboard the USS New Jersey (BB-62). They traveled to Ellice Island. They participated in battles at Majuro Island, Palau, Saipan, Okinawa, Formosa and the Philippine Islands. Hudson completed 36 months sea duty and provides vivid details of his experiences aboard the ships and in the battles. He was discharged in January of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Alvin Kendzora, June 26, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alvin Kendzora. Kendzora enlisted in the Army Air Forces in April 1944 and trained at Sheppard Field in Texas. After basic training, he qualified to train as a radio operator. He departed for overseas in May 1945. He stopped at New Guinea for a month or two before heading for Leyte in the Philippines. He was attached to a headquarters squadron in the Fifth Air Force and was there when the war ended. He was tasked with hauling supplies to Japan and recalls some details of his experiences in Japan. He also managed to travel some in Shanghai as well as Korea. He shares several anecdotes about his experiences overseas and was discharged in May 1946.
Oral History Interview with Alvin Kendzora, June 26, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alvin Kendzora. Kendzora enlisted in the Army Air Forces in April 1944 and trained at Sheppard Field in Texas. After basic training, he qualified to train as a radio operator. He departed for overseas in May 1945. He stopped at New Guinea for a month or two before heading for Leyte in the Philippines. He was attached to a headquarters squadron in the Fifth Air Force and was there when the war ended. He was tasked with hauling supplies to Japan and recalls some details of his experiences in Japan. He also managed to travel some in Shanghai as well as Korea. He shares several anecdotes about his experiences overseas and was discharged in May 1946.
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 Anita Borchers, September 26, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Anita Borchers. Borchers speaks on behalf of her late husband, Eddie Borchers, in regards to his military involvement in World War II. Beginning in 1941, Eddie worked in Civil Service at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, as a Logistic Command Officer. He completed schooling in automatic pilot work, which he worked in during the war. Anita shares pictures of Eddie at Kelly Field in November of 1945, and describes the airplanes pictured with him, including the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator. After the war ended, Eddie’s job was to disassemble the planes and remove secret items. He would also photograph the nose art on each plane, before disassembling them, which Anita has in her photo collection. Anita describes the German prisoners still held at the base after the war.
Oral History Interview with Anita Borchers, September 26, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Anita Borchers. Borchers speaks on behalf of her late husband, Eddie Borchers, in regards to his military involvement in World War II. Beginning in 1941, Eddie worked in Civil Service at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, as a Logistic Command Officer. He completed schooling in automatic pilot work, which he worked in during the war. Anita shares pictures of Eddie at Kelly Field in November of 1945, and describes the airplanes pictured with him, including the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-24 Liberator. After the war ended, Eddie’s job was to disassemble the planes and remove secret items. He would also photograph the nose art on each plane, before disassembling them, which Anita has in her photo collection. Anita describes the German prisoners still held at the base after the war.
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 Ari Phoutrides, July 26, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ari Phoutrides. Phoutrides joined the Navy in 1942. He completed Quartermaster School, and was assigned to the USS Laffey (DD-724) in February of 1944. His job aboard was overseeing supplies and ammunition. His battle station was on the bridge. They participated in the invasion of France, taking Landing Craft, Infantry to Utah Beach in June of 1944. Beginning April of 1945, they participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where the Laffey overcame unrelenting kamikaze air attacks. Phoutrides provides vivid details of these experiences. He served aboard the ship until his discharge in April of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Ari Phoutrides, July 26, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ari Phoutrides. Phoutrides joined the Navy in 1942. He completed Quartermaster School, and was assigned to the USS Laffey (DD-724) in February of 1944. His job aboard was overseeing supplies and ammunition. His battle station was on the bridge. They participated in the invasion of France, taking Landing Craft, Infantry to Utah Beach in June of 1944. Beginning April of 1945, they participated in the Battle of Okinawa, where the Laffey overcame unrelenting kamikaze air attacks. Phoutrides provides vivid details of these experiences. He served aboard the ship until his discharge in April of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Arthur E. Kelly, January 26, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arthur E. Kelly. Kelly was born 4 March 1920 in Duluth, Minnesota. Graduating from Duluth Denfield High School in May 1939 he attended Duluth Junior College for two years. To supplement his income, he joined the Minnesota National Guard. While in college he received his pilot certification through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. His National Guard unit was called to active duty and went to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. While there, he was accepted as a flying cadet and sent to Kelly Field, Texas for pilot training. He received his wings and commission in October 1942. He was sent to Harlingen Air Base, Texas and flew various planes with men learning to fire machine guns from aircraft. He then went to Smyrna, Tennessee for training in B-24 bombers. Upon completion of his training he returned to Harlingen and flew with other aerial gunner trainees. After six months, he went to Alabama for pilot training in B-29 bombers. He completed the training in March 1945 and was assigned as an aircraft commander. After receiving a crew, they flew to Saipan and were assigned to the 498th Bomb Group, 873rd Bomb Squadron. He flew three bombing mission over Japan and landed on Iwo Jima twice upon returning to Saipan. After the surrender of Japan his crew dropped food and supplies to various prisoner of war camps. He returned to the United States in December 1945 and was discharged December 1946.
Oral History Interview with Arthur E. Kelly, January 26, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arthur E. Kelly. Kelly was born 4 March 1920 in Duluth, Minnesota. Graduating from Duluth Denfield High School in May 1939 he attended Duluth Junior College for two years. To supplement his income, he joined the Minnesota National Guard. While in college he received his pilot certification through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. His National Guard unit was called to active duty and went to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. While there, he was accepted as a flying cadet and sent to Kelly Field, Texas for pilot training. He received his wings and commission in October 1942. He was sent to Harlingen Air Base, Texas and flew various planes with men learning to fire machine guns from aircraft. He then went to Smyrna, Tennessee for training in B-24 bombers. Upon completion of his training he returned to Harlingen and flew with other aerial gunner trainees. After six months, he went to Alabama for pilot training in B-29 bombers. He completed the training in March 1945 and was assigned as an aircraft commander. After receiving a crew, they flew to Saipan and were assigned to the 498th Bomb Group, 873rd Bomb Squadron. He flew three bombing mission over Japan and landed on Iwo Jima twice upon returning to Saipan. After the surrender of Japan his crew dropped food and supplies to various prisoner of war camps. He returned to the United States in December 1945 and was discharged December 1946.
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