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Oral History Interview with Alan W. Saunders, October 8, 2004
Interview with Alan W. "Buck" Saunders, a pilot during World War II. He discusses joining the Army Air Corps, becoming an airplane mechanic, and going to flight school for pilot training. He was stationed in India and flew supplies into China over the Himalayas (known by pilots as "the Hump"). In China, he traded items such as jewelry or opium for information on Japanese troop placements in Burma. He also discusses his meetings with native Burmese and talks about later experiences he had after the war and during the Vietnam War.
Oral History Interview with Alan W. Saunders, October 8, 2004
Interview with Alan W. "Buck" Saunders of New Braunfels, Texas, a veteran of the Army Air Force during World War Two. The interview includes Saunders' personal experiences while in the Air Force, including the China-Burma-India Theater and memories of flying cargo to China over the Himalayas. Mr. Saunders also talks about life before and after his service.
Oral History Interview with Albert Albritton, June 15, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Albert Albritton. Albritton joined the Navy in 1937. He served aboard the USS Dobbin (AD-3). They were present during the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. At the time of the attack the Dobbin was moored northeast of Ford Island. After the attack, they picked up survivors and took the wounded to shore. Albritton participated in the Korean War and was discharged in 1957.
Oral History Interview with Albert Day, February 23, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Albert Day. Day was born in Olney, Texas 23 September 1921 and graduated from high school in Vivian, Louisiana in 1942. Upon joining the Navy 4 June 1942, he was sent to The Great Lakes Naval Training Station for boot training. Afterwards, Day was assigned to the Amphibious Forces at Solomons, Maryland for training where he learned navigation and signal communications. Completing the course in October 1942 he went to Redwood City, California for further training. Assigned to LCT(5)-62, he describes the size, propulsion, crew compliment and purpose of the craft. Day tells of breaking the LCT into sections that were put aboard an AKA and sailing to New Caledonia arriving in December 1942. On a trip to Guadalcanal he witnessed a Japanese plane dropping a bomb on the USS De Haven (DD-469). He recalls a night trip to New Georgia when he saw St. Elmo’s fire on the railing of his ship. At Tulagi on 7 April 1943, Day personally shot down an attacking Japanese plane. He participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima and tells of being on the USS Estes (ACG-12) and describes an intense conversation he heard between Marine General, Holland Smith and an Army general. After the surrender of Japan, Day returned to the United States and was assigned to a destroyer on which he served until his discharge December 1946.
Oral History Interview with Albert Day, February 23, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Albert Day. Day was born in Olney, Texas 23 September 1921 and graduated from high school in Vivian, Louisiana in 1942. Upon joining the Navy 4 June 1942, he was sent to The Great Lakes Naval Training Station for boot training. Afterwards, Day was assigned to the Amphibious Forces at Solomons, Maryland for training where he learned navigation and signal communications. Completing the course in October 1942 he went to Redwood City, California for further training. Assigned to LCT(5)-62, he describes the size, propulsion, crew compliment and purpose of the craft. Day tells of breaking the LCT into sections that were put aboard an AKA and sailing to New Caledonia arriving in December 1942. On a trip to Guadalcanal he witnessed a Japanese plane dropping a bomb on the USS De Haven (DD-469). He recalls a night trip to New Georgia when he saw St. Elmo’s fire on the railing of his ship. At Tulagi on 7 April 1943, Day personally shot down an attacking Japanese plane. He participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima and tells of being on the USS Estes (ACG-12) and describes an intense conversation he heard between Marine General, Holland Smith and an Army general. After the surrender of Japan, Day returned to the United States and was assigned to a destroyer on which he served until his discharge December 1946.
Oral History Interview with Alfred P. Birdwell, August 28, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alfred P Birdwell. Birdwell joined the Army around 1943. He served as a tank driver with the 3rd Armored Division. He deployed to La Havre, France. Birdwell participated in the Battle of the Bulge, traveling through Germany along the Siegfried Line into Berlin. He returned to the US and received his discharge in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Alfred P. Birdwell, August 28, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alfred P Birdwell. Birdwell joined the Army around 1943. He served as a tank driver with the 3rd Armored Division. He deployed to La Havre, France. Birdwell participated in the Battle of the Bulge, traveling through Germany along the Siegfried Line into Berlin. He returned to the US and received his discharge in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Allan W. 'Buck' Saunders, October 8, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alan W. ""Buck"" Saunders. He discusses joining the Army Air Corps, becoming an airplane mechanic, then going to flight school to be a pilot. He was stationed in India and discusses flying supplies into China over the Himalayas, ""the Hump"", trading items like jewelry or opium for information on Japanese troop placements in Burma, and meetings he had with native Burmese. He also talks about later experiences he had after the war and during the Vietnam War.
Oral History Interview with Allan W. 'Buck' Saunders, October 8, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alan W. ""Buck"" Saunders. He discusses joining the Army Air Corps, becoming an airplane mechanic, then going to flight school to be a pilot. He was stationed in India and discusses flying supplies into China over the Himalayas, ""the Hump"", trading items like jewelry or opium for information on Japanese troop placements in Burma, and meetings he had with native Burmese. He also talks about later experiences he had after the war and during the Vietnam War.
Oral History Interview with Archie L. Sherman and Ray Magro, May 22, 2004
Transcript of a simultaneous oral interview with Archie L. Sherman and Ray Magro. Both served in the Navy. Sherman served for a while on patrol craft in Alaska before transferring to the USS Cummings (DD-365). He was released from the Cummings due to excessive seasickness, but eventually was assigned tothe USS Smith (DD-378). Magro joined the Navy in 1940 and served aboard the USS Mahan (DD-364) and the USS Cummings before being assigned to the USS Smith. Magro describes his actions and impressions when the Smith was attacked in 1942 by Japanese torpedo bombers and when one crashed into Smith's forecastle. Sherman joined the Smith in 1943. The men describe the collision of the Smith with the USS Hutchins (DD-476) in January 1944. After a while, Magro got sick, was sent to the US to recover after which he was assigned to a patorl gunboat, the USS Tenacity (PG-71) bound for England. As a result, he was in England when the war with Germany came to an end. Sherman goes on to describe the landings in the Philippines, and witnessing the destruction in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped.
Oral History Interview with Archie L. Sherman and Ray Magro, May 22, 2004
Transcript of a simultaneous oral interview with Archie L. Sherman and Ray Magro. Both served in the Navy. Sherman served for a while on patrol craft in Alaska before transferring to the USS Cummings (DD-365). He was released from the Cummings due to excessive seasickness, but eventually was assigned tothe USS Smith (DD-378). Magro joined the Navy in 1940 and served aboard the USS Mahan (DD-364) and the USS Cummings before being assigned to the USS Smith. Magro describes his actions and impressions when the Smith was attacked in 1942 by Japanese torpedo bombers and when one crashed into Smith's forecastle. Sherman joined the Smith in 1943. The men describe the collision of the Smith with the USS Hutchins (DD-476) in January 1944. After a while, Magro got sick, was sent to the US to recover after which he was assigned to a patorl gunboat, the USS Tenacity (PG-71) bound for England. As a result, he was in England when the war with Germany came to an end. Sherman goes on to describe the landings in the Philippines, and witnessing the destruction in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped.
Oral History Interview with Archie Mayes, December 17, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Archie Mayes. Mayes joined the Missouri National Guard in 1938 and, when the Guard was federalized, travelled with his unit, the 35th Infantry Division, to Arkansas for training. In 1942, Mayes went to Officer Candidate School and earned a commission. Afterwards, he was assigned to the 160th Combat Engineer Battalion as the battalion S-3 (operations officer). He travelled overseas to England in July and landed in France in August, 1944. His unit built bridges. General Patton complimented Mayes on his outfit's construction once. After the war, Mayes transferred to the Air Force and served as base engineer in the Aleutians and other posts in the US. During the Vietnam War, Mayes established engineering units for the Air Force to build air bases.
Oral History Interview with Archie Mayes, December 17, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Archie Mayes. Mayes joined the Missouri National Guard in 1938 and, when the Guard was federalized, travelled with his unit, the 35th Infantry Division, to Arkansas for training. In 1942, Mayes went to Officer Candidate School and earned a commission. Afterwards, he was assigned to the 160th Combat Engineer Battalion as the battalion S-3 (operations officer). He travelled overseas to England in July and landed in France in August, 1944. His unit built bridges. General Patton complimented Mayes on his outfit's construction once. After the war, Mayes transferred to the Air Force and served as base engineer in the Aleutians and other posts in the US. During the Vietnam War, Mayes established engineering units for the Air Force to build air bases.
Oral History Interview with Art Goetz, September 3, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Art Goetz. Goetz joined the Marine Corps in 1945 and received basic training at Parris Island followed by engineer training at Camp Lejeune. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, stationed in China, where he performed maintenance work at the American Legation in Peking. He arrived in January 1946 to a welcoming population who lined the streets waving American flags. While there he visited the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Whispering Wall at the Temple of Heaven. The exchange rate was so favorable to Americans that his acquaintance bought a Ming Dynasty urn for a few dollars, and Goetz purchased two cloisonné blouses for 25 cents each. In April 1947 Goetz was transferred to Guam with the 1st Marine Brigade. In 1948 he returned to China, this time stationed at Tsingtao. As the Chinese Civil War intensified, the engineers were the last to evacuate, loading their heavy equipment onto ships as shots were being fired all around the city. Goetz returned to the States in May 1949 and went on to serve in the Korean War. His last duty was as a special services officer at the supply center in Albany, Georgia. There he shared an office with a librarian, who encouraged him to earn a degree in library science. Goetz retired from the service in 1967 and spent 25 years as a public library director.
Oral History Interview with Art Goetz, September 3, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Art Goetz. Goetz joined the Marine Corps in 1945 and received basic training at Parris Island followed by engineer training at Camp Lejeune. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, stationed in China, where he performed maintenance work at the American Legation in Peking. He arrived in January 1946 to a welcoming population who lined the streets waving American flags. While there he visited the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Whispering Wall at the Temple of Heaven. The exchange rate was so favorable to Americans that his acquaintance bought a Ming Dynasty urn for a few dollars, and Goetz purchased two cloisonné blouses for 25 cents each. In April 1947 Goetz was transferred to Guam with the 1st Marine Brigade. In 1948 he returned to China, this time stationed at Tsingtao. As the Chinese Civil War intensified, the engineers were the last to evacuate, loading their heavy equipment onto ships as shots were being fired all around the city. Goetz returned to the States in May 1949 and went on to serve in the Korean War. His last duty was as a special services officer at the supply center in Albany, Georgia. There he shared an office with a librarian, who encouraged him to earn a degree in library science. Goetz retired from the service in 1967 and spent 25 years as a public library director.
Oral History Interview with Arthur Patcke, September 4, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arthur Patcke. Patcke was born in born in Chicago, Illinois on 13 July 1927 and was drafted into the Marine Corps in September, 1945. He describes some of his experiences at boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was sent overseas to Tsingtao, China in the middle of 1946, and describes a typhoon that his ship experienced during the transit. He was assigned to a communications company in the 15th Marine Regiment, which was part of the Sixth Marines at the time. He provides details of his experiences in Tsingtao and recalls that he was discharged in the fall of 1946 after 50 weeks active duty.
Oral History Interview with Arthur Patcke, September 4, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arthur Patcke. Patcke was born in born in Chicago, Illinois on 13 July 1927 and was drafted into the Marine Corps in September, 1945. He describes some of his experiences at boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was sent overseas to Tsingtao, China in the middle of 1946, and describes a typhoon that his ship experienced during the transit. He was assigned to a communications company in the 15th Marine Regiment, which was part of the Sixth Marines at the time. He provides details of his experiences in Tsingtao and recalls that he was discharged in the fall of 1946 after 50 weeks active duty.
Oral History Interview with Aubrey Felder, September 18, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Aubrey Felder. Felder joined the Navy in February of 1943. He completed training and served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS Wolverine (IX-64), a training ship at Naval Station Great Lakes. Beginning January of 1944 Felder worked aboard the USS Kadashan Bay (CVE-76). They participated in the battles of Peleliu, Leyte Gulf, Luzon and the Battle off Samar in the Philippine Sea. Their ship was hit by a kamikaze. Felder returned to the US and was discharged in early 1946.
Oral History Interview with Aubrey Felder, September 18, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Aubrey Felder. Felder joined the Navy in February of 1943. He completed training and served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate aboard the USS Wolverine (IX-64), a training ship at Naval Station Great Lakes. Beginning January of 1944 Felder worked aboard the USS Kadashan Bay (CVE-76). They participated in the battles of Peleliu, Leyte Gulf, Luzon and the Battle off Samar in the Philippine Sea. Their ship was hit by a kamikaze. Felder returned to the US and was discharged in early 1946.
Oral History Interview with Barry Crites, September 4, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barry Crites. Crites was born in Osage City, Kansas on 7 July 1928. After completing high school, he joined the Marine Corps in February 1946. Following boot camp in San Diego, he was sent to Camp Pendleton as part of the 104th replacement draft. He embarked on the troopship USS General J. C. Breckenridge (AP-176) in June 1946 and sailed to Tsingtao, China. He provides a description of his experiences during the transit. He says that Tsingtao was the headquarters of the Sixth Marine Division which was soon disbanded, and he was assigned to the First Division as a sales clerk at the local Post Exchange in Chinwangtao, China. Crites provides several anecdotes from his experiences in Tsingtao and Chinwangtao. He returned to the United States in January 1947 and was discharged at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in California.
Oral History Interview with Barry Crites, September 4, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barry Crites. Crites was born in Osage City, Kansas on 7 July 1928. After completing high school, he joined the Marine Corps in February 1946. Following boot camp in San Diego, he was sent to Camp Pendleton as part of the 104th replacement draft. He embarked on the troopship USS General J. C. Breckenridge (AP-176) in June 1946 and sailed to Tsingtao, China. He provides a description of his experiences during the transit. He says that Tsingtao was the headquarters of the Sixth Marine Division which was soon disbanded, and he was assigned to the First Division as a sales clerk at the local Post Exchange in Chinwangtao, China. Crites provides several anecdotes from his experiences in Tsingtao and Chinwangtao. He returned to the United States in January 1947 and was discharged at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in California.
Oral History Interview with Ben Guthrie, February 26, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ben Guthrie. Guthrie joined the Army in September of 1940. He graduated from Parachute School in the spring of 1941. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Guthrie participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Ben Guthrie, February 26, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ben Guthrie. Guthrie joined the Army in September of 1940. He graduated from Parachute School in the spring of 1941. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Guthrie participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Bennie Whitley, March 25, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bennie Whitley. Whitley joined the Army and served as sergeant in the motor pool in Battery A, 57th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa. Whitley continued his service after the war ended, receiving his discharge in 1947.
Oral History Interview with Bennie Whitley, March 25, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bennie Whitley. Whitley joined the Army and served as sergeant in the motor pool in Battery A, 57th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division. He participated in the Battle of Okinawa. Whitley continued his service after the war ended, receiving his discharge in 1947.
Oral History Interview with Bill McDonald, February 26, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill McDonald. McDonald joined the Army in mid-1943. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, McDonald participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor.
Oral History Interview with Bill McDonald, February 26, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill McDonald. McDonald joined the Army in mid-1943. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, McDonald participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor.
Oral History Interview with Blaise LePre, December 16, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Blaise LePre. LePre dropped out of high school and then joined the Navy in 1943. After basic training in New York and an engineering course in Minnesota, LePre headed west to Washington and was assigned to the USS West Virginia (BB-48). He was aboard the ship during the Battle of Surigao Strait. His duty station was in the boiler rooms. After some repairs at a floating drydock, the West Virginia headed for Iwo Jima to bombard. LePre was also present for the bombardments of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. LePre was aboard when a kamikaze struck the West Virginia. He was discharged in May 1946.
Oral History Interview with Blaise LePre, December 16, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Blaise LePre. LePre dropped out of high school and then joined the Navy in 1943. After basic training in New York and an engineering course in Minnesota, LePre headed west to Washington and was assigned to the USS West Virginia (BB-48). He was aboard the ship during the Battle of Surigao Strait. His duty station was in the boiler rooms. After some repairs at a floating drydock, the West Virginia headed for Iwo Jima to bombard. LePre was also present for the bombardments of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. LePre was aboard when a kamikaze struck the West Virginia. He was discharged in May 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bob Balch, September 19, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Balch. Balch joined the Navy in August of 1943. He completed Radio School in February of 1944. In June he traveled to Melanie Bay, New Guinea. He speaks on shellback initiation crossing the equator. He was assigned to the USS Blue Ridge (AGC-2), where he served as a radioman. In August of 1945, after the war ended, Balch worked at a communication center on Manus, in the Admiralty Islands. He worked in the China occupation group beginning October of 1945. Balch returned to the US and was discharged in February of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bob Balch, September 19, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Balch. Balch joined the Navy in August of 1943. He completed Radio School in February of 1944. In June he traveled to Melanie Bay, New Guinea. He speaks on shellback initiation crossing the equator. He was assigned to the USS Blue Ridge (AGC-2), where he served as a radioman. In August of 1945, after the war ended, Balch worked at a communication center on Manus, in the Admiralty Islands. He worked in the China occupation group beginning October of 1945. Balch returned to the US and was discharged in February of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bob Goeser, October 23, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Goeser. Goeser joined the Marine Corps in October of 1942, and was assigned to the air arm. He completed Radio Navigation School. He served as an air crewman in the Philippines and China, completed over 50 combat missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Silver Star. He was discharged in December of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Bob Goeser, October 23, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Goeser. Goeser joined the Marine Corps in October of 1942, and was assigned to the air arm. He completed Radio Navigation School. He served as an air crewman in the Philippines and China, completed over 50 combat missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Silver Star. He was discharged in December of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Bob Tizzard, September 3, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bob Tizzard. Tizzard was born in Rochester, New York on 30 June 1916. He enlisted in the Army in 1940 and completed several courses of training, including Officer Candidate School after which he received his commission. He was sent to Honolulu as a member of the 184th Regiment, 7th Army Division which was training for the invasion of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. His duties included company officer in charge of automatic weapons. By the time his regiment reached Kwajalein, most of the fighting was over and his company received orders to Truk on 5 January 1945. While enroute to Truk the ship was redirected to Okinawa where they arrived on Easter Sunday, 1945. He recalls that his unit was involved in combat at Shuri Castle and Yonaharu. He describes being in Okinawa on V-J Day in September 1945, after which, his unit was sent to Seoul, Korea to accept the surrender of Japanese forces in Korea. While in Korea, he resigned from the Army, volunteered for the Internantional Red Cross, and was sent to Qingdao, China for five years, assisting in the relocation of White Russians. Following his time in China, Tizzard recounts that he returned to the United States where he was recruited by General Eddie Craig to return to Korea as a lieutenant colonel as a member of the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade. He describes landing in Pusan on 22 July 1950 and his involvement in the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter. He describes his duties following the counteroffensive as prisoner of war work and graves registration. He returned to the US following the Armistice in 1953.
Oral History Interview with Bob Tizzard, September 3, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bob Tizzard. Tizzard was born in Rochester, New York on 30 June 1916. He enlisted in the Army in 1940 and completed several courses of training, including Officer Candidate School after which he received his commission. He was sent to Honolulu as a member of the 184th Regiment, 7th Army Division which was training for the invasion of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. His duties included company officer in charge of automatic weapons. By the time his regiment reached Kwajalein, most of the fighting was over and his company received orders to Truk on 5 January 1945. While enroute to Truk the ship was redirected to Okinawa where they arrived on Easter Sunday, 1945. He recalls that his unit was involved in combat at Shuri Castle and Yonaharu. He describes being in Okinawa on V-J Day in September 1945, after which, his unit was sent to Seoul, Korea to accept the surrender of Japanese forces in Korea. While in Korea, he resigned from the Army, volunteered for the Internantional Red Cross, and was sent to Qingdao, China for five years, assisting in the relocation of White Russians. Following his time in China, Tizzard recounts that he returned to the United States where he was recruited by General Eddie Craig to return to Korea as a lieutenant colonel as a member of the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade. He describes landing in Pusan on 22 July 1950 and his involvement in the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter. He describes his duties following the counteroffensive as prisoner of war work and graves registration. He returned to the US following the Armistice in 1953.
Oral History Interview with Brinton Turner, September 17, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Brinton Turner. Turner joined the Navy in June of 1943. He completed Combat Information Center (CIC) School in St. Simons Island, Georgia. He served as a CIC officer aboard USS Melvin (DD-680). In June of 1944 they traveled to Pearl Harbor and escorted landing personnel to Saipan, provided gunnery support for the troops on the island. They escorted landing ships and troop transports to the Admiralty Islands and to Leyte Gulf. In October they participated in the Battle of Surigao Strait. In January of 1945 they provided illumination and fire support as well as screening services for landings during the Battle of Luzon. In February and April, they provided direct air cover for the Iwo Jima Campaign, and picket duty for the Battle of Okinawa. In August they traveled to Adak, Alaska, and then on to Japan for occupation duty with minesweepers. Turner returned to the US and was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Brinton Turner, September 17, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Brinton Turner. Turner joined the Navy in June of 1943. He completed Combat Information Center (CIC) School in St. Simons Island, Georgia. He served as a CIC officer aboard USS Melvin (DD-680). In June of 1944 they traveled to Pearl Harbor and escorted landing personnel to Saipan, provided gunnery support for the troops on the island. They escorted landing ships and troop transports to the Admiralty Islands and to Leyte Gulf. In October they participated in the Battle of Surigao Strait. In January of 1945 they provided illumination and fire support as well as screening services for landings during the Battle of Luzon. In February and April, they provided direct air cover for the Iwo Jima Campaign, and picket duty for the Battle of Okinawa. In August they traveled to Adak, Alaska, and then on to Japan for occupation duty with minesweepers. Turner returned to the US and was discharged in March of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bruce VanDerWeele, November 19, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bruce VanDerWeele. VanDerWeele was drafted into the Army in 1941. He was assigned to the Headquarters Battery, 3rd Coast Artillery. He graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Washington, Maryland as a second lieutenant. He was then sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi and taught classes in an Army Administration School. In 1943 VanDerWeele was sent to Hawaii and continued serving as a teacher at an Administration School. Upon his discharge, he went into the reserves.
Oral History Interview with Bryce Taylor, October 1, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bryce Taylor. After finishing high school in 1942, Taylor joined the Marine Corps and had basic training at San Diego. After basic, Taylor was assigned to the base band in San Diego. He arrived at Pearl Harbor in February, 1944 and was part of the base band there for two years. Taylor recalls playing Taps in the evening several times on the USS Arizona (BB-39). His band also played regularly at the hospital at Aiea. After a while, he was recruited by Bob Crosby to tour parts of the Pacific and play concerts: Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima. He returned home and was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bryce Taylor, October 1, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bryce Taylor. After finishing high school in 1942, Taylor joined the Marine Corps and had basic training at San Diego. After basic, Taylor was assigned to the base band in San Diego. He arrived at Pearl Harbor in February, 1944 and was part of the base band there for two years. Taylor recalls playing Taps in the evening several times on the USS Arizona (BB-39). His band also played regularly at the hospital at Aiea. After a while, he was recruited by Bob Crosby to tour parts of the Pacific and play concerts: Saipan, Guam, Iwo Jima. He returned home and was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Burl Martin, February 22, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Martin Burl. Burl joined the Army in 1943. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Burl participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in December of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Burl Martin, February 22, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Martin Burl. Burl joined the Army in 1943. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Burl participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in December of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Charles Allen, October 9, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Allen. Mr Allen went into the Marine Corps in September 1942, took boot camp in San Diego, and then was stationed in Santa Anna at the lighter-than-air base as a guard. In September 1943, he was sent to Noumea, New Caledonia and from there to New Guinea where he was put in the First Marine Division, HQ Company, 1st Battalion. His first introduction to combat was when they landed on the southern tip of New Britain. Allen provides a good description of the fighting and the conditions on New Britain; they were wet and in the swamps. It took them about four months to go through New Britain. They had a brief respite on Johnson Islands before they landed on Peleliu. Allen talks about shooting their 75mm guns, point-blank at the steel and concrete doors the Japanese had built. He states that Peleliu was real rough. After going to a camp on Pavuvu, they went to Okinawa. He describes the day that Lt Gen Buckner was killed, by a sniper. Allen also talks about the Japanese using women and children as shields. He states that Ernie Pyle was with them (at their regimental headquarters) the night before he got killed. After Okinawa was declared secure, the 1st Division bivouac there, training for the invasion of Japan. He states that they went through two typhoons. Allen went to Beijing, China first and then to Port City as part of the occupation forces. He came back to the States in January 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Allen, October 9, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Allen. Mr Allen went into the Marine Corps in September 1942, took boot camp in San Diego, and then was stationed in Santa Anna at the lighter-than-air base as a guard. In September 1943, he was sent to Noumea, New Caledonia and from there to New Guinea where he was put in the First Marine Division, HQ Company, 1st Battalion. His first introduction to combat was when they landed on the southern tip of New Britain. Allen provides a good description of the fighting and the conditions on New Britain; they were wet and in the swamps. It took them about four months to go through New Britain. They had a brief respite on Johnson Islands before they landed on Peleliu. Allen talks about shooting their 75mm guns, point-blank at the steel and concrete doors the Japanese had built. He states that Peleliu was real rough. After going to a camp on Pavuvu, they went to Okinawa. He describes the day that Lt Gen Buckner was killed, by a sniper. Allen also talks about the Japanese using women and children as shields. He states that Ernie Pyle was with them (at their regimental headquarters) the night before he got killed. After Okinawa was declared secure, the 1st Division bivouac there, training for the invasion of Japan. He states that they went through two typhoons. Allen went to Beijing, China first and then to Port City as part of the occupation forces. He came back to the States in January 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles George, April 3, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles George. George was born in East Portsmouth, Ohio 12 August 1927. Entering the Navy in 1945, he was sent to San Diego, California for boot training. Upon completion he was sent to Navy signal school. After finishing signal school he attended submarine school at Newline, Connecticut for two months. He was assigned to the USS Boarfish (SS-327). During his time on the Boarfish one of the missions was to chart an ice passage across the North Pole. He describes how sonar was used to determine the thickness of the ice above and where the ocean bottom was. He tells of the gear worn while top-side in the sub-zero weather. Later, when the Boarfish was in the process of being prepared for sale to Turkey he asked to be assigned to another submarine and joined the USS Cusk (SS-348) as a helmsman. The Cusk was a World War II submarine that was converted to experiment with the launching of captured German V-2 rockets and George discusses the procedures and results of the testing. The Cusk’s mission was classified and George tells of the measures taken to insure that secrecy was maintained. He remained on the boat until he was discharged August 1948.
Oral History Interview with Charles George, April 3, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles George. George was born in East Portsmouth, Ohio 12 August 1927. Entering the Navy in 1945, he was sent to San Diego, California for boot training. Upon completion he was sent to Navy signal school. After finishing signal school he attended submarine school at Newline, Connecticut for two months. He was assigned to the USS Boarfish (SS-327). During his time on the Boarfish one of the missions was to chart an ice passage across the North Pole. He describes how sonar was used to determine the thickness of the ice above and where the ocean bottom was. He tells of the gear worn while top-side in the sub-zero weather. Later, when the Boarfish was in the process of being prepared for sale to Turkey he asked to be assigned to another submarine and joined the USS Cusk (SS-348) as a helmsman. The Cusk was a World War II submarine that was converted to experiment with the launching of captured German V-2 rockets and George discusses the procedures and results of the testing. The Cusk’s mission was classified and George tells of the measures taken to insure that secrecy was maintained. He remained on the boat until he was discharged August 1948.
Oral History Interview with Charles Horton, February 27, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Horton. Horton was born in Oklahoma 14 October 1920. Graduating from high school in 1939 he enlisted in the Army and was given a choice of joining a horse drawn artillery unit or the 4th Artillery Battalion, which was a pack mule outfit. Soon after joining the 4th Artillery, at Fort Bragg, he was selected to be a pitcher with the base baseball team. Having been selected, he never had basic training. He was transferred into the 79th Field Artillery and continued to play baseball. He was selected to be in the Instrument Survey Section and after two years he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. Soon after war was declared, he was selected to attend Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was commissioned 21 January 1942 and assigned as Athletic Officer for the 97th Division being organized at Camp Swift, Texas. Within six months he joined class number 51 at Fort Benning, Georgia and began parachute training. Horton graduated from jump school and was assigned to the 462nd Parachute Field Artillery Battalion. He describes the train trip to Camp Stoneman, and the ocean voyage to Brisbane, Australia. After a period of additional training they went to Nuemfoor, New Guinea. He tells of participating in the assault on Corregidor during which the guns were dropped by parachute while the personnel landed via amphibious assault. Horton’s unit supported the infantry by direct fire using various types of shells. Soon after the island was secured he was infected by hepatitis and was hospitalized on Leyte for forty-five days. Soon after rejoining his unit, Japan surrendered. He retired from the Army as a major.
Oral History Interview with Charles Horton, February 27, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Horton. Horton was born in Oklahoma 14 October 1920. Graduating from high school in 1939 he enlisted in the Army and was given a choice of joining a horse drawn artillery unit or the 4th Artillery Battalion, which was a pack mule outfit. Soon after joining the 4th Artillery, at Fort Bragg, he was selected to be a pitcher with the base baseball team. Having been selected, he never had basic training. He was transferred into the 79th Field Artillery and continued to play baseball. He was selected to be in the Instrument Survey Section and after two years he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. Soon after war was declared, he was selected to attend Officers Candidate School (OCS) at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was commissioned 21 January 1942 and assigned as Athletic Officer for the 97th Division being organized at Camp Swift, Texas. Within six months he joined class number 51 at Fort Benning, Georgia and began parachute training. Horton graduated from jump school and was assigned to the 462nd Parachute Field Artillery Battalion. He describes the train trip to Camp Stoneman, and the ocean voyage to Brisbane, Australia. After a period of additional training they went to Nuemfoor, New Guinea. He tells of participating in the assault on Corregidor during which the guns were dropped by parachute while the personnel landed via amphibious assault. Horton’s unit supported the infantry by direct fire using various types of shells. Soon after the island was secured he was infected by hepatitis and was hospitalized on Leyte for forty-five days. Soon after rejoining his unit, Japan surrendered. He retired from the Army as a major.
Oral History Interview with Charles Riddle, September 4, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Riddle. Riddle was born in Rochester, Indiana. Upon graduating from high school in 1945 he enlisted in the US Army in April 1946. He went to Camp Lee, Virginia for basic training and was then sent to the Panama Canal Zone where he worked in the Finance Office for approximately one year before he returned to the United States.
Oral History Interview with Charles Tierney, September 4, 2004
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Tierney. Tierney joined the Marine Corps and trained in communications. He was sent to China for occupation duty as a replacement in the 1st Marine Division. Tierney served as a guard on trains to prevent delays caused by Chinese communists and describes the tactics that were employed. Tierney describes conflict between Nationalist and communist forces. He returned to the US in October of 1946 and was discharged.
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