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Oral History Interview with Antonio Borja
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Antonio Borja. In 1938, Borja left his home in Tinian to attend navigator school in Saipan. He was in school and aboard ships until 1942 but did not graduate, due to the war. He sailed mostly in the Marianas and requested to leave for a vacation in Rota as he became increasingly concerned about his safety aboard ship. He was recruited for the Japanese army in Rota and served for two years in the artillery. When the United States liberated the island, Borja recalls that he was treated well and provided with clothing, food, and healthcare. Presuming that his parents had been killed during the war, Borja was surprised to learn in 1953 that they had been sent to Okinawa. His parents remained there for the rest of their lives, while Borja remained on Tinian.
Oral History Interview with Antonio Borja
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Antonio Borja. In 1938, Borja left his home in Tinian to attend navigator school in Saipan. He was in school and aboard ships until 1942 but did not graduate, due to the war. He sailed mostly in the Marianas and requested to leave for a vacation in Rota as he became increasingly concerned about his safety aboard ship. He was recruited for the Japanese army in Rota and served for two years in the artillery. When the United States liberated the island, Borja recalls that he was treated well and provided with clothing, food, and healthcare. Presuming that his parents had been killed during the war, Borja was surprised to learn in 1953 that they had been sent to Okinawa. His parents remained there for the rest of their lives, while Borja remained on Tinian.
Oral History Interview with Arleigh Burke
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by Arleigh Burke. In March of 1944, Burke was promoted to Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Force 58, the Fifth Fleet's Fast Carrier Task Force, which was commanded by Admiral Marc Mitscher. Burke shares two versions of his bedtime story on the incident of Turn on the Lights during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. He shares the events that ensued, while aboard the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), in the Philippine Sea beginning 19 June 1944. He describes the day long battle, also known as the Marianas Turkey Shoot, when the Japanese fleet launched an attack against the US Fleet the Mariana Islands campaign. He provides vivid details of his experiences through this battle.
Oral History Interview with Arleigh Burke
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by Arleigh Burke. In March of 1944, Burke was promoted to Chief of Staff to the Commander of Task Force 58, the Fifth Fleet's Fast Carrier Task Force, which was commanded by Admiral Marc Mitscher. Burke shares two versions of his bedtime story on the incident of Turn on the Lights during the Battle of the Philippine Sea. He shares the events that ensued, while aboard the USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), in the Philippine Sea beginning 19 June 1944. He describes the day long battle, also known as the Marianas Turkey Shoot, when the Japanese fleet launched an attack against the US Fleet the Mariana Islands campaign. He provides vivid details of his experiences through this battle.
Oral History Interview with Artie Stocks
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Artie Stocks. Stocks joined the U.S. Marine Corps on 13 September 1940. In December of 1941 Stocks was taken prisoner during the Battle of Wake Island. He vividly describes this event. He was held as a prisoner of war for 44 months. Stocks was discharged in February of 1946. In early 1952 he went back into the Corps and served in the Korean War. And, in 1966 Stocks served in the Vietnam War. He provides some details of these experiences. He retired in October of 1967.
Oral History Interview with Artie Stocks
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Artie Stocks. Stocks joined the U.S. Marine Corps on 13 September 1940. In December of 1941 Stocks was taken prisoner during the Battle of Wake Island. He vividly describes this event. He was held as a prisoner of war for 44 months. Stocks was discharged in February of 1946. In early 1952 he went back into the Corps and served in the Korean War. And, in 1966 Stocks served in the Vietnam War. He provides some details of these experiences. He retired in October of 1967.
Oral History Interview with August Wickert
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with August Wickert. Wickert joined the Army around February of 1943. Around late 1943, early 1944, they traveled to Italy, where Wickert was captured and imprisoned for 13 months. He shares vivid details of his experiences as a prisoner of war and liberation by the Russians.
Oral History Interview with August Wickert
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with August Wickert. Wickert joined the Army around February of 1943. Around late 1943, early 1944, they traveled to Italy, where Wickert was captured and imprisoned for 13 months. He shares vivid details of his experiences as a prisoner of war and liberation by the Russians.
Oral History Interview with B. J. Pumphrey
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with B.J. Pumphrey. Pumphrey joined the Navy in June of 1942. He served for a short time as crewman on a PBY flying anti-submarine missions. Pumphrey was then sent to the USS Midway (CVE-63) where he served as a phone talker on the bridge. He describes the superstitions of the crew when the name of the ship was changed to the St. Lo. Pumphrey describes Taffy 3 coming under attack and seeing the Japanese shells land near the ship. He details being hit by a kamikaze and the damage that resulted. He discusses his time in the water and eventual rescue. Pumphrey describes being inspected by Admiral Nimitz and the impression he received. He was then sent to commission the USS Little Rock (CL-92). Pumphrey left the service in September 1945.
Oral History Interview with B. K. Atkins
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by B K Atkins. Atkins was the skipper of the destroyer, USS Melvin (DD-680). His ship provided escort support for naval forces. He provides some details of the Melvin. They participated in the occupation of Majuro, Guam, the Caroline Islands, Ulithi and the invasion of the Philippine Islands. Atkins provides details of their involvement in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. They operated with fast carrier attack forces until the final Japanese surrender.
Oral History Interview with B. K. Atkins
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by B K Atkins. Atkins was the skipper of the destroyer, USS Melvin (DD-680). His ship provided escort support for naval forces. He provides some details of the Melvin. They participated in the occupation of Majuro, Guam, the Caroline Islands, Ulithi and the invasion of the Philippine Islands. Atkins provides details of their involvement in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. They operated with fast carrier attack forces until the final Japanese surrender.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Isaacs
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.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Isaacs
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.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Peterson
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue with Bernard Peterson. Peterson joined the Navy in February of 1941. He completed Aviation Machinist School, and joined Torpedo Squadron Three. Peterson, with his squadron, served aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) beginning July 1942, supporting landings on Guadalcanal 1942. On 24 August 1942, Enterprise exchanged blows with a powerful Japanese carrier force, and Enterprise sustained severe damage from three bomb hits received during an intense dive-bombing attack. Peterson returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Peterson
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue with Bernard Peterson. Peterson joined the Navy in February of 1941. He completed Aviation Machinist School, and joined Torpedo Squadron Three. Peterson, with his squadron, served aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) beginning July 1942, supporting landings on Guadalcanal 1942. On 24 August 1942, Enterprise exchanged blows with a powerful Japanese carrier force, and Enterprise sustained severe damage from three bomb hits received during an intense dive-bombing attack. Peterson returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Synder
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bernard Synder. Synder joined the Navy in January of 1944. Beginning in July, he served as Radarman aboard the USS Roi (CVE-103), transporting supplies to the Hebrides Islands. He was then transferred to USS Chenango (CVE-28), where he remained through his service in the Navy. Synder participated in the invasions of the Marianas, Leyte and Okinawa. He returned to the US and received his discharge in June of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Synder
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bernard Synder. Synder joined the Navy in January of 1944. Beginning in July, he served as Radarman aboard the USS Roi (CVE-103), transporting supplies to the Hebrides Islands. He was then transferred to USS Chenango (CVE-28), where he remained through his service in the Navy. Synder participated in the invasions of the Marianas, Leyte and Okinawa. He returned to the US and received his discharge in June of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bill Carty
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral monologue of Bill Carty. Carty was an Australian war correspondent . He discusses how he got t oNew Guinea to cover the war and his relationship General Robert Eichelberger. He discusses his role in the infantry and armor assault at Buna. Carty also mentions meeting John Bulkeley and going out with him on PT boats. Carty made the landing at Hollandia with the 42nd Infantry Division and Eichelberger. Later in 1944, Carty joined General MacArthur for his return to the Philippines and was able to shoot some footage of the general. Carty also discusses traveling to Japan for the surrender ceremony with Eichelberger and meeting MacArthur there. Carty also photographed the reunion between MacArthur and General Jonathan Wainwright. He also managed to travel to Hiroshima and photograph the damage. During the occupation, Carty stayed clse to General Eichelberger and was along for the trip when General Eisenhower toured Japan.
Oral History Interview with Bill Carty
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral monologue of Bill Carty. Carty was an Australian war correspondent . He discusses how he got t oNew Guinea to cover the war and his relationship General Robert Eichelberger. He discusses his role in the infantry and armor assault at Buna. Carty also mentions meeting John Bulkeley and going out with him on PT boats. Carty made the landing at Hollandia with the 42nd Infantry Division and Eichelberger. Later in 1944, Carty joined General MacArthur for his return to the Philippines and was able to shoot some footage of the general. Carty also discusses traveling to Japan for the surrender ceremony with Eichelberger and meeting MacArthur there. Carty also photographed the reunion between MacArthur and General Jonathan Wainwright. He also managed to travel to Hiroshima and photograph the damage. During the occupation, Carty stayed clse to General Eichelberger and was along for the trip when General Eisenhower toured Japan.
Oral History Interview with Bill Pampe
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Pampe. Pampe joined the ROTC in 1940 and was called to active duty in June 1943. After receiving coast artillery training at Camp McQuaide, he was sent through the Army Specialized Training Program. When the program ended, Pampe was assigned to the Ammunition and Pioneer Platoon, 290th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division. At the Battle of the Bulge, he delivered ammunition to troops and went ahead of the front lines to lay minefields. After the war, he directed athletic activities at Camp Philadelphia in France. Pampe returned home and was discharged in August 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bill Pampe
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Pampe. Pampe joined the ROTC in 1940 and was called to active duty in June 1943. After receiving coast artillery training at Camp McQuaide, he was sent through the Army Specialized Training Program. When the program ended, Pampe was assigned to the Ammunition and Pioneer Platoon, 290th Infantry Regiment, 75th Infantry Division. At the Battle of the Bulge, he delivered ammunition to troops and went ahead of the front lines to lay minefields. After the war, he directed athletic activities at Camp Philadelphia in France. Pampe returned home and was discharged in August 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bill Wasson
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Wasson. Wasson joined the Marine Corps and was trained as a radioman. He served on an amphibious tractor and then was transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines. Wasson landed on Saipan and Okinawa and describes the combat that he encountered including having a radio he was wearing get destroyed by incoming shell fragments. He also describes being given the order to relay the message that Okinawa had been secured. Wasson also discusses working with two Navajo Code Talkers. He took part in the occupation of Japan and then left the service.
Oral History Interview with Bill Wasson
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Wasson. Wasson joined the Marine Corps and was trained as a radioman. He served on an amphibious tractor and then was transferred to the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines. Wasson landed on Saipan and Okinawa and describes the combat that he encountered including having a radio he was wearing get destroyed by incoming shell fragments. He also describes being given the order to relay the message that Okinawa had been secured. Wasson also discusses working with two Navajo Code Talkers. He took part in the occupation of Japan and then left the service.
Oral History Interview with Bill Winnekins
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Winnekins. Winnekins’s older brother John joined the 23rd Marines in April 1943. The two corresponded until his brother’s death, which occurred on D-day at Saipan. His mother never recovered from the loss, and she searched for the exact location of her son’s remains until her death. Winnekins struck up correspondences with members of his brother’s unit and eventually found the burial site in Saipan. He dedicated his free time to helping members of G Company find one another and was honored at a reunion in 1995, where he was presented with a plaque and a 15-minute standing ovation. Winnekins located 150 Marines from the company and has collected many of their oral histories.
Oral History Interview with Bill Winnekins
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Winnekins. Winnekins’s older brother John joined the 23rd Marines in April 1943. The two corresponded until his brother’s death, which occurred on D-day at Saipan. His mother never recovered from the loss, and she searched for the exact location of her son’s remains until her death. Winnekins struck up correspondences with members of his brother’s unit and eventually found the burial site in Saipan. He dedicated his free time to helping members of G Company find one another and was honored at a reunion in 1995, where he was presented with a plaque and a 15-minute standing ovation. Winnekins located 150 Marines from the company and has collected many of their oral histories.
Oral History Interview with Bryghte Godbold
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bryghte Godbold. Godbold joined the Marine Corps in 1939 and received basic training in Philadelphia. He served aboard the USS Pensacola (CA-24) in Hawaiian and Alaskan waters before being stationed on Wake Island. He surrendered to the Japanese on 23 December 1941 and was sent to a prisoner-of-war camp outside of Shanghai. There he served as the recreation officer, managing athletic fields and equipment, as well as the library. Food scarcity depleted the men’s interest in athletics over time, but otherwise conditions and treatment were fair. Godbold spoke very highly of James Devereux, whose character and dress were always impeccable and professional, even during the period of imprisonment.
Oral History Interview with Bryghte Godbold
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bryghte Godbold. Godbold joined the Marine Corps in 1939 and received basic training in Philadelphia. He served aboard the USS Pensacola (CA-24) in Hawaiian and Alaskan waters before being stationed on Wake Island. He surrendered to the Japanese on 23 December 1941 and was sent to a prisoner-of-war camp outside of Shanghai. There he served as the recreation officer, managing athletic fields and equipment, as well as the library. Food scarcity depleted the men’s interest in athletics over time, but otherwise conditions and treatment were fair. Godbold spoke very highly of James Devereux, whose character and dress were always impeccable and professional, even during the period of imprisonment.
Oral History Interview with C. Elizabeth Callahan
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with C. Elizabeth Callahan. Callahan was born to Japanese parents in San Francisco. Her name at birth was Cho Elizabeth Ishi. Her parents couldn’t sustain their family in America during the Depression, so Callahan and her sister were sent to Japan in August 1935. When the war broke out, Callahan was caught completely by surprise, due to the extensively censored news available to her. While her parents were sent to an internment camp back home, she watched the Doolittle Raid above her in Tokyo. Food was scarce, and she regularly traveled 30 miles to the countryside where she could barter with farmers. On 25 May 1945, incendiary bombs hit her neighborhood, and she and her sister had to run through fire to escape. They were taken in by friends in the suburbs of Tokyo, and together they heard the emperor’s voice for the first time, as he instructed the people of Japan to surrender peacefully. Callahan found the first batch of occupation soldiers to be extremely friendly, but she felt that their replacement troops, who had not endured the hardship of war, were disrespectful to the Japanese people. Callahan got a job at the 376th Station Hospital and then at Letterman General Hospital when she returned to the States. She completed her career as a teacher at the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston.
Oral History Interview with C. Elizabeth Callahan
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with C. Elizabeth Callahan. Callahan was born to Japanese parents in San Francisco. Her name at birth was Cho Elizabeth Ishi. Her parents couldn’t sustain their family in America during the Depression, so Callahan and her sister were sent to Japan in August 1935. When the war broke out, Callahan was caught completely by surprise, due to the extensively censored news available to her. While her parents were sent to an internment camp back home, she watched the Doolittle Raid above her in Tokyo. Food was scarce, and she regularly traveled 30 miles to the countryside where she could barter with farmers. On 25 May 1945, incendiary bombs hit her neighborhood, and she and her sister had to run through fire to escape. They were taken in by friends in the suburbs of Tokyo, and together they heard the emperor’s voice for the first time, as he instructed the people of Japan to surrender peacefully. Callahan found the first batch of occupation soldiers to be extremely friendly, but she felt that their replacement troops, who had not endured the hardship of war, were disrespectful to the Japanese people. Callahan got a job at the 376th Station Hospital and then at Letterman General Hospital when she returned to the States. She completed her career as a teacher at the Academy of Health Sciences at Fort Sam Houston.
Oral History Interview with C. W. Horner
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with C W Horner. Horner joined the Navy in 1938. He served in the Fire Control Division aboard the USS Helena (CL-50). The Helena was moored at 1010 Dock Navy Yard on the base (southeast) side of Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Horner recalls his experiences through that fateful event.
Oral History Interview with C. W. Horner
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with C W Horner. Horner joined the Navy in 1938. He served in the Fire Control Division aboard the USS Helena (CL-50). The Helena was moored at 1010 Dock Navy Yard on the base (southeast) side of Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Horner recalls his experiences through that fateful event.
Oral History Interview with Calvin Graef
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral monologue with Calvin Graef. Graef was born in 1913. In 1941 he was stationed at Fort Stotsenberg, Philippine Islands with the New Mexico National Guard 200th Coast Artillery. After the surrender to Japanese forces he participated in the Bataan Death March to Camp O’Donnell, then to Cabanatuan. He comments on the treatment of the prisoners and their diseases. Graef was among the POWs placed aboard the Arisan Maru for shipment to Japan. He describes the horrific conditions on the ship and comments on the Japanese guards being young and extremely cruel. Recounting that the prisoners were seldom allowed to dispose of those who died, he estimates 300 to 400 bodies were in the hold when the ship was sunk. He saw the torpedo soon after it was launched by the American submarine and was ordered down into the hold soon after the ship was struck. The guards locked the hatch covers on the sinking ship to prevent any escape by the prisoners. Graef says it was only through American ingenuity and it taking hours for the ship to sink that the prisoners were able to force open the hatch covers. Once on deck they found the ship’s crew had taken all the life boats. He was in the water for hours and any attempts to get aboard Japanese ships in the area were met with long sharpened poles. Early the next morning, Graef swam to a lifeboat and found it occupied by three fellow prisoners. They found their way to a safe-haven. Only nine of the prisoners on board survived the sinking.
Oral History Interview with Calvin Graef
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral monologue with Calvin Graef. Graef was born in 1913. In 1941 he was stationed at Fort Stotsenberg, Philippine Islands with the New Mexico National Guard 200th Coast Artillery. After the surrender to Japanese forces he participated in the Bataan Death March to Camp O’Donnell, then to Cabanatuan. He comments on the treatment of the prisoners and their diseases. Graef was among the POWs placed aboard the Arisan Maru for shipment to Japan. He describes the horrific conditions on the ship and comments on the Japanese guards being young and extremely cruel. Recounting that the prisoners were seldom allowed to dispose of those who died, he estimates 300 to 400 bodies were in the hold when the ship was sunk. He saw the torpedo soon after it was launched by the American submarine and was ordered down into the hold soon after the ship was struck. The guards locked the hatch covers on the sinking ship to prevent any escape by the prisoners. Graef says it was only through American ingenuity and it taking hours for the ship to sink that the prisoners were able to force open the hatch covers. Once on deck they found the ship’s crew had taken all the life boats. He was in the water for hours and any attempts to get aboard Japanese ships in the area were met with long sharpened poles. Early the next morning, Graef swam to a lifeboat and found it occupied by three fellow prisoners. They found their way to a safe-haven. Only nine of the prisoners on board survived the sinking.
Oral History Interview with Calvin Shahan
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Calvin Shahan. Shahan was working in an airplane factory when he decided to join the Marine Corps in 1944. He joined the 3rd Marine Division at Guam. He landed at Iwo Jima on the third day of battle. Shahan describes the combat conditions he encountered on the island. He was concussed by a shell and evacuated to the beach. When he came to, he returned to the line. He shares several anecdotes from his time in combat. After the battle, his unit went back to training, preparing to invade the home islands of Japan. When the war ended, Shahan returned to the US.
Oral History Interview with Calvin Shahan
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Calvin Shahan. Shahan was working in an airplane factory when he decided to join the Marine Corps in 1944. He joined the 3rd Marine Division at Guam. He landed at Iwo Jima on the third day of battle. Shahan describes the combat conditions he encountered on the island. He was concussed by a shell and evacuated to the beach. When he came to, he returned to the line. He shares several anecdotes from his time in combat. After the battle, his unit went back to training, preparing to invade the home islands of Japan. When the war ended, Shahan returned to the US.
Oral History Interview with Carl Matthews
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by Carl Matthews. Matthews joined the Marine Corps around August of 1941. He served with the 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. In 1944, he participated in the battles of Kwajalein and Saipan. He was wounded on Saipan the day before the surrender of the Japanese. Matthews returned to the US in January of 1945 and was assigned to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. He received a medical discharge in March of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Carl Matthews
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue by Carl Matthews. Matthews joined the Marine Corps around August of 1941. He served with the 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. In 1944, he participated in the battles of Kwajalein and Saipan. He was wounded on Saipan the day before the surrender of the Japanese. Matthews returned to the US in January of 1945 and was assigned to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia. He received a medical discharge in March of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Carlyle Herring
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Carlyle Herring. Herring joined the Navy in 1937. He served as First Class Aviation Machinist Mate with the Scouting Six (VS-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). Herring participated in the Battle of Midway, the Solomon Islands Campaign, the Battles of Santa Cruz Islands and Guadalcanal. He participated in the Doolittle Raid in April of 1942. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring around 1959.
Oral History Interview with Carlyle Herring
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Carlyle Herring. Herring joined the Navy in 1937. He served as First Class Aviation Machinist Mate with the Scouting Six (VS-6) aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). Herring participated in the Battle of Midway, the Solomon Islands Campaign, the Battles of Santa Cruz Islands and Guadalcanal. He participated in the Doolittle Raid in April of 1942. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring around 1959.
Oral History Interview with Cecil King, {1986-07-28,1986-08-04,1986-08-11,1989-10-23}
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Cecil King. King joined the Navy shortly after graduating from high school in 1934. After training in San Diego, King was assigned to the USS Portland (CA-33). He met President Roosevelt aboard the Portland during a fishing trip. He then volunteered for yeoman duty at the Panama Canal Zone in 1935. While there, he met Admiral John S. McCain. He re-enlisted in 1938 and was assigned to the USS Davis (DD-395). He stayed aboard for a short time patrolling the Outer Banks before transferring to the USS Warrington (DD-383). He served aboard her with Chester Nimitz, Jr. King volunteered for China duty and was assigned to the USS Augusta (CA-31). While on Asiatic Station, King mentions going to Shanghai on liberty. He served aboard the USS Houston (CA-30) prior to the outbreak of WWII. He was sick with dengue fever in Manila when the Japanese attacked the naval base at Cavite. King managed to escape from Corregidor aboard the USS Peary (DD-226) and debarked in Darwin, Australia. He eventually made it to Java before pulling out on the USS Sturgeon (SS-187) for Perth. King finally made it to Melbourne where he was assigned to the registered publications issuing office (where code books, etc. were issued). In early 1943, King asked for sea duty and returned to the US. He was assigned to the USS Hornet (CV-12) in Virginia as chief yeoman. He relates several anecdotes from his time aboard including the Marianas Turkey Shoot. In January 1945, King was assigned to NAS Minneapolis. He got bored and requested more sea duty and was assigned to the USS Princeton (CV-37) at Philadelphia. Soon, though, he transferred to Pacific Air Command and was the chief yeoman in the flag office …
Oral History Interview with Chaney
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr. Chaney. Chaney became friends with Nimitz in 1926 while teaching at the University of California at Berkeley. He and Nimitz enjoyed drinks together during the Prohibition era. Chaney would hire kids to scavenge for empty bottles, and Nimitz would find bootleggers to fill them. Sometimes the two would even drink salty brandy sold to restaurants. When Nimitz left Berkeley, Chaney set aside their last bottle of liquor for a special occasion. After the war, Nimitz visited Chaney, and they celebrated with some of their old brandy. The two remained lifelong friends.
Oral History Interview with Chaney
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr. Chaney. Chaney became friends with Nimitz in 1926 while teaching at the University of California at Berkeley. He and Nimitz enjoyed drinks together during the Prohibition era. Chaney would hire kids to scavenge for empty bottles, and Nimitz would find bootleggers to fill them. Sometimes the two would even drink salty brandy sold to restaurants. When Nimitz left Berkeley, Chaney set aside their last bottle of liquor for a special occasion. After the war, Nimitz visited Chaney, and they celebrated with some of their old brandy. The two remained lifelong friends.
Oral History Interview with Charles Carpenter and Bob Hart
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Carpenter and Bob Hart. Carpenter served aboard USS South Dakota (BB-57) and shares anecdotes about his time aboard the ship as well as impressions and experiences. Ingram also interviewed Bob Hart about his experiences aboard the South Dakota. Hart came aboard in 1939. He shares opinions about various captains of the ship as well as anecdotes about his experiences.
Oral History Interview with Charles Carpenter and Bob Hart
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Carpenter and Bob Hart. Carpenter served aboard USS South Dakota (BB-57) and shares anecdotes about his time aboard the ship as well as impressions and experiences. Ingram also interviewed Bob Hart about his experiences aboard the South Dakota. Hart came aboard in 1939. He shares opinions about various captains of the ship as well as anecdotes about his experiences.
Oral History Interview with Charles Fear
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Fear. Fear joined the Navy in March, 1944. After basic training, he was assigned to mail duties and recalls establishing post offices on Pacific islands after invasions. He was overseas for 18 months before returning to the US and receiving his discharge in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Rosendahl
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Admiral Charles Rosendahl. Rosendahl was the commanding officer of the Naval Air Station at Lakehurst, New Jersey in May 1937 when the German airship Hindenburg arrived from Hamburg. He witnessed the accident and describes the ship’s destruction. Ray Porter, a Naval Airship service veteran, describes an eight-day endurance flight in which he participated during 1957. Fred Cline, another airship veteran, also describes his experiences in airships while in the Navy. Cline recalls an anti-submarine exercise conducted during the winter of 1960.
Oral History Interview with Charles Rosendahl
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Admiral Charles Rosendahl. Rosendahl was the commanding officer of the Naval Air Station at Lakehurst, New Jersey in May 1937 when the German airship Hindenburg arrived from Hamburg. He witnessed the accident and describes the ship’s destruction. Ray Porter, a Naval Airship service veteran, describes an eight-day endurance flight in which he participated during 1957. Fred Cline, another airship veteran, also describes his experiences in airships while in the Navy. Cline recalls an anti-submarine exercise conducted during the winter of 1960.
Oral History Interview with Charles Smith
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Smith. Smith joined the Army in May of 1944. He was placed in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program. In the spring of 1945, he traveled to an infantry replacement center in Leyte, in the Philippines. He was assigned to the Americal Division on Cebu Island, the 164th Regiment, aboard a Landing Craft Infantry. He was trained to work on the radio. Smith’s regiment was preparing for the invasion of Japan when the bombs were dropped and the war ended. They traveled to Japan in September of 1945 and served as occupation forces. He returned to the US and was discharged in late 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Smith
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Smith. Smith joined the Army in May of 1944. He was placed in the Army Specialized Training Reserve Program. In the spring of 1945, he traveled to an infantry replacement center in Leyte, in the Philippines. He was assigned to the Americal Division on Cebu Island, the 164th Regiment, aboard a Landing Craft Infantry. He was trained to work on the radio. Smith’s regiment was preparing for the invasion of Japan when the bombs were dropped and the war ended. They traveled to Japan in September of 1945 and served as occupation forces. He returned to the US and was discharged in late 1946.
Oral History Interview with Charles Towers
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Towers. Towers joined the Navy V-12 Program in 1942, graduating in February of 1944. He then completed Midshipman School in June. He served as Gunnery Officer aboard the USS LCS(L)-118. They traveled to Hawaii in February of 1945, and participated in the Battle of Okinawa in April. They traveled to Leyte Gulf in the Philippines and Japan by September. They returned to the US in December, and Towers was discharged in the spring of 1946.
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