Oral History Interview with Bernard Isaacs Track: 1 of 1

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by Bernard Isaacs. Isaacs joined the Navy after attending the University of Wisconsin. Upon completion of basic training, he was sent back to UW to become a medic. However, he asked to be transferred to the School of Athletic Specialists and sent to Camp Lawrence, Great Lakes, where he trained recruits who would become the Navy’s first African-American commissioned officers, also known as The Golden 13. Isaacs was proud that his boot company competed against all-white companies and won the E Flag, or flag of excellence. Isaacs was next sent to OTS at Columbia University, graduating with a specialty in navigation. He was assigned to USS LCI(L)-965, participating in the Philippines campaigns. While in French Indochina, he once flew as a passenger with an ace pilot who kept a cocker spaniel by his side. Isaacs narrowly survived a typhoon at Okinawa, assuming the role of captain and circling the USS Hope (AH-7) until the weather cleared. He went on to China to help evacuate Nationalists before returning to the States. His family had much to celebrate, as his brother, who had been a prisoner-of-war in Europe, also returned home safely.

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