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Oral History Interview with Alan Hildebrandt, November 12, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alan Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt enlisted in the Army Air Forces in July of 1942. He describes the planes he flew during training, including the PT-19, the BT-13 and the UC-78. Hildebrandt was commissioned and received his pilot rating in November of 1943. Upon graduation he trained on the B-26 at Laughlin Field. Hildebrandt served as a pilot in the 95th Bomb Squadron, 17th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force. They first traveled to Morocco, North Africa, then to northern Italy and Southern France. Their job was to bomb Marshaling yards, bridges and troop replacements. Hildebrandt describes some of his missions. He flew a total of 64 missions and was discharged in July of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Alan Hildebrandt, November 12, 2009
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Alan Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt enlisted in the Army Air Forces in July of 1942. He describes the planes he flew during training, including the PT-19, the BT-13 and the UC-78. Hildebrandt was commissioned and received his pilot rating in November of 1943. Upon graduation he trained on the B-26 at Laughlin Field. Hildebrandt served as a pilot in the 95th Bomb Squadron, 17th Bomb Group, 12th Air Force. They first traveled to Morocco, North Africa, then to northern Italy and Southern France. Their job was to bomb Marshaling yards, bridges and troop replacements. Hildebrandt describes some of his missions. He flew a total of 64 missions and was discharged in July of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Allen Golden, November 27, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Allan Golden. Golden joined the Navy in 1942 and after three weeks of boot training at San Diego, he boarded a ship bound for Noumea, New Caledonia. Upon his arrival he was assigned to the base post office. He was then sent to Fiji to serve as a LCVP driver. He participated in the invasion of Bougainville and describes the procedure of landing troops on the beaches. He returned to the United States in 1944 and was assigned as captain on a tug boat. One of the jobs assigned to his tug was towing targets for F4U fighters to practice strafing.
Oral History Interview with Allen Golden, November 27, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Allan Golden. Golden joined the Navy in 1942 and after three weeks of boot training at San Diego, he boarded a ship bound for Noumea, New Caledonia. Upon his arrival he was assigned to the base post office. He was then sent to Fiji to serve as a LCVP driver. He participated in the invasion of Bougainville and describes the procedure of landing troops on the beaches. He returned to the United States in 1944 and was assigned as captain on a tug boat. One of the jobs assigned to his tug was towing targets for F4U fighters to practice strafing.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Dillon, November 17, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bernard Dillon. Dillon joined the Navy in February of 1943. Around December of 1944 he completed radio operator training and was assigned to ACORN-24 in the Admiralty Islands. They constructed an airfield for patrol planes on Los Negros Island. Dillon assisted with construction and with copying Morse Code. He returned to the US in May of 1945, reenlisted and served another 2 years, receiving his discharge in late 1947.
Oral History Interview with Bernard Dillon, November 17, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bernard Dillon. Dillon joined the Navy in February of 1943. Around December of 1944 he completed radio operator training and was assigned to ACORN-24 in the Admiralty Islands. They constructed an airfield for patrol planes on Los Negros Island. Dillon assisted with construction and with copying Morse Code. He returned to the US in May of 1945, reenlisted and served another 2 years, receiving his discharge in late 1947.
Oral History Interview with Bert Cooper, November 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bert Cooper. Upon graduation from high school in February 1944 he joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and was assigned to the First Marine Division. In transit to the division, his ship encountered a Japanese submarine off Okinawa, which was driven off or sunk by depth charges. Upon arrival at Okinawa several days after the initial invasion he recalls an incident when hundreds of Marines were attacked by a Japanese kamikaze while disembarking down cargo nets. He recounts being picked up by ten wheeler trucks on the beach driven by African American Army soldiers. During that time he tended to the wounded and recounts several stories involving badly wounded and dying Marines. In two instances, the dying Marine despaired that no one would remember them, and Cooper emphatically stated that "I will remember you my entire life." He next recalls reenlisting to go to Korea where he served on the hospital ship USS Haven (AH-12) during the invasion of Inchon, Korea. Cooper recalls severe casualties from frostbite. By this time the service had been integrated and he recalls the heroism of the African American troops and instances of racism. He recalls being assigned to Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan in 1950. He recalls going ashore and how he "fell in love with Japanese gardens" and that he has spent decades growing and tending to a garden.
Oral History Interview with Bert Cooper, November 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bert Cooper. Upon graduation from high school in February 1944 he joined the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and was assigned to the First Marine Division. In transit to the division, his ship encountered a Japanese submarine off Okinawa, which was driven off or sunk by depth charges. Upon arrival at Okinawa several days after the initial invasion he recalls an incident when hundreds of Marines were attacked by a Japanese kamikaze while disembarking down cargo nets. He recounts being picked up by ten wheeler trucks on the beach driven by African American Army soldiers. During that time he tended to the wounded and recounts several stories involving badly wounded and dying Marines. In two instances, the dying Marine despaired that no one would remember them, and Cooper emphatically stated that "I will remember you my entire life." He next recalls reenlisting to go to Korea where he served on the hospital ship USS Haven (AH-12) during the invasion of Inchon, Korea. Cooper recalls severe casualties from frostbite. By this time the service had been integrated and he recalls the heroism of the African American troops and instances of racism. He recalls being assigned to Naval Hospital Yokosuka, Japan in 1950. He recalls going ashore and how he "fell in love with Japanese gardens" and that he has spent decades growing and tending to a garden.
Oral History Interview with Bill Dingfelder, November 11, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill Dingfelder. Dingfelder joined the Army Air Forces in July of 1943. He completed Armament School in early 1944, and served as an armorer-gunner aboard a B-17. He was assigned to the 15th Air Force, 97th Bomb Group, 341st Bomb Squadron. By April of 1945, Dingfelder had completed 35 missions over Italy, France, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Yugoslavia attacking oil refineries, marshalling yards and aircraft factories. He continued his service after the war, receiving his discharge in March of 1952.
Oral History Interview with Bill Dingfelder, November 11, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill Dingfelder. Dingfelder joined the Army Air Forces in July of 1943. He completed Armament School in early 1944, and served as an armorer-gunner aboard a B-17. He was assigned to the 15th Air Force, 97th Bomb Group, 341st Bomb Squadron. By April of 1945, Dingfelder had completed 35 missions over Italy, France, Czechoslovakia, Austria and Yugoslavia attacking oil refineries, marshalling yards and aircraft factories. He continued his service after the war, receiving his discharge in March of 1952.
Oral History Interview with Bill Freeman, November 10, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Freeman. Freeman was born in Chapman, Kansas on 5 September 1922. Upon enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1942, he was sent to Maxwell Air Force Base, Georgia for basic training. He tells the various training planes he flew prior to receiving his commission. Upon graduation he was sent to Ephrata Army Air Base, Washington where he began on the job training as the co-pilot of a B-17 bomber. Freeman recalls his various assignments until December 1943 when he reported to Cannon Army Air Base, Clovis, New Mexico for transitional training in the B-29 bomber. Upon completion of training he was assigned to the Air Transport Command and began flying planes to India. Following the Japanese surrender, he returned to the United States where he began flying weather mapping missions. This was followed by assignment in the Pacific where he flew geographical mapping missions. Freeman concludes the interview by telling of his life after being discharged in January 1948.
Oral History Interview with Bill Freeman, November 10, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Freeman. Freeman was born in Chapman, Kansas on 5 September 1922. Upon enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1942, he was sent to Maxwell Air Force Base, Georgia for basic training. He tells the various training planes he flew prior to receiving his commission. Upon graduation he was sent to Ephrata Army Air Base, Washington where he began on the job training as the co-pilot of a B-17 bomber. Freeman recalls his various assignments until December 1943 when he reported to Cannon Army Air Base, Clovis, New Mexico for transitional training in the B-29 bomber. Upon completion of training he was assigned to the Air Transport Command and began flying planes to India. Following the Japanese surrender, he returned to the United States where he began flying weather mapping missions. This was followed by assignment in the Pacific where he flew geographical mapping missions. Freeman concludes the interview by telling of his life after being discharged in January 1948.
Oral History Interview with Bill Hardin, November 9, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Hardin. He was born in Brock, Texas 25 December 1921. His three other brothers served in the military during World War II. Two were killed in action. After graduating from Howard Payne College at Brownwood, Texas, Hardin entered the Naval Officer’s Candidate School program and was sent to Columbia University for sixteen weeks of training. Upon being commissioned, he was sent to San Diego for small boat training. While there he saw several USO shows danced with Marilyn Monroe. Upon completion of small boat training, he was sent to Pearl Harbor and was assigned to the USS White Marsh (LSD-8). After the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was transferred into Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 17. He describes the intensity of the UDT training. Based on Guam, Hardin’s team participated in the invasion of Okinawa. During the operation, a close friend and team member was killed. While on Saipan, he witnessed the loading of the first atomic bomb that was dropped over Japan. While based on Guam, he was designated as a mail censor. Following the surrender of Japan, he returned to San Francisco and assisted sailors to discharge centers throughout the country. That way, Hardin visited every state.
Oral History Interview with Bill Hardin, November 9, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Hardin. He was born in Brock, Texas 25 December 1921. His three other brothers served in the military during World War II. Two were killed in action. After graduating from Howard Payne College at Brownwood, Texas, Hardin entered the Naval Officer’s Candidate School program and was sent to Columbia University for sixteen weeks of training. Upon being commissioned, he was sent to San Diego for small boat training. While there he saw several USO shows danced with Marilyn Monroe. Upon completion of small boat training, he was sent to Pearl Harbor and was assigned to the USS White Marsh (LSD-8). After the invasion of Iwo Jima, he was transferred into Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) 17. He describes the intensity of the UDT training. Based on Guam, Hardin’s team participated in the invasion of Okinawa. During the operation, a close friend and team member was killed. While on Saipan, he witnessed the loading of the first atomic bomb that was dropped over Japan. While based on Guam, he was designated as a mail censor. Following the surrender of Japan, he returned to San Francisco and assisted sailors to discharge centers throughout the country. That way, Hardin visited every state.
Oral History Interview with Bill Meyers, November 9, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill Meyers. Meyers entered the Naval ROTC program at the University of California in 1930. Beginning in 1932, he served two years as Quartermaster aboard the SS Monterey. He returned to college in 1934, received his commission through the NROTC in 1936, and graduated in 1937. In 1940 he served as the Gunnery Officer and Assistant Navigator aboard the USS Aldebaran (AF-10). They transported cargo between the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islands. In 1943 and 1944, Meyers served as Commanding Officer aboard the USS Newman (DE-205), operating in the Atlantic, escorting troop transports to England. He then served aboard USS Ringness (APD-100), transporting landing craft and troops to Guadalcanal and Okinawa. They returned to the US in early 1946 to decommission the ship. Meyers continued his service after the war.
Oral History Interview with Bill Meyers, November 9, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill Meyers. Meyers entered the Naval ROTC program at the University of California in 1930. Beginning in 1932, he served two years as Quartermaster aboard the SS Monterey. He returned to college in 1934, received his commission through the NROTC in 1936, and graduated in 1937. In 1940 he served as the Gunnery Officer and Assistant Navigator aboard the USS Aldebaran (AF-10). They transported cargo between the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islands. In 1943 and 1944, Meyers served as Commanding Officer aboard the USS Newman (DE-205), operating in the Atlantic, escorting troop transports to England. He then served aboard USS Ringness (APD-100), transporting landing craft and troops to Guadalcanal and Okinawa. They returned to the US in early 1946 to decommission the ship. Meyers continued his service after the war.
Oral History Interview with Bob Hurmence, November 17, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Hurmence. Hurmence joined the Navy in May of 1944. Beginning March of 1945, he served as a Radio Operator aboard the USS Iowa (BB-61). They participated in the Battle of Okinawa, and served with occupation forces in Japan after the war. Hurmence returned to the US and was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bob Hurmence, November 17, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Hurmence. Hurmence joined the Navy in May of 1944. Beginning March of 1945, he served as a Radio Operator aboard the USS Iowa (BB-61). They participated in the Battle of Okinawa, and served with occupation forces in Japan after the war. Hurmence returned to the US and was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Bruce Gardner, November 17, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bruce Gardner. Gardner joined the Navy in 1944. He provides some details of boot camp. An LST transported him to Pearl Harbor and he shares details of his experiences on board. He completed radar school in Hawaii at Camp Catlin, and talks about his activities on the base including conducting weather observation. Gardner was assigned to the USS Azurlite (PY-22) working with radar and weather reporting. He provides details of daily life aboard the yacht. Gardner was discharged in 1945 as Radarman 2nd Class.
Oral History Interview with Bruce Gardner, November 17, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bruce Gardner. Gardner joined the Navy in 1944. He provides some details of boot camp. An LST transported him to Pearl Harbor and he shares details of his experiences on board. He completed radar school in Hawaii at Camp Catlin, and talks about his activities on the base including conducting weather observation. Gardner was assigned to the USS Azurlite (PY-22) working with radar and weather reporting. He provides details of daily life aboard the yacht. Gardner was discharged in 1945 as Radarman 2nd Class.
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 Buddy McLeroy, November 8, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Buddy McLeroy. McLeroy joined the Navy in 1943 and was sent aboard USS Dallas (DD-199). He was then sent to signalman school in Maine. McLeroy was then assigned to the USS Hilary P. Jones (DD-427). He describes his duties as a signalman, the equipment he used, and shipboard life. McLeroy took part in convoy escort duty in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He describes the transfer of his ship to the Pacific and mentions some of the activity that it was involved with. McLeroy was at his watch station when he observed the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay. He left the service when he returned to the US.
Oral History Interview with Buddy McLeroy, November 8, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Buddy McLeroy. McLeroy joined the Navy in 1943 and was sent aboard USS Dallas (DD-199). He was then sent to signalman school in Maine. McLeroy was then assigned to the USS Hilary P. Jones (DD-427). He describes his duties as a signalman, the equipment he used, and shipboard life. McLeroy took part in convoy escort duty in the Atlantic and Mediterranean. He describes the transfer of his ship to the Pacific and mentions some of the activity that it was involved with. McLeroy was at his watch station when he observed the surrender ceremony in Tokyo Bay. He left the service when he returned to the US.
Oral History Interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka, November 8, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka. Ohtsuka begins by describing growing up in Japan in the 1930s. Then he describes military training in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He volunteered for service in the Navy in March, 1945. Ohtsuka recalls his military training school being bombed by the Americans. He also speaks about his impressions of the atomic bombs being dropped on Japan. Ohtsuka emigrated to the UNited States in 1967 to study English at the University of Texas.
Oral History Interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka, November 8, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka. Ohtsuka describes growing up in wartime Japan. He discusses seeing bombing raids and the resulting damage. Ohtsuka also describes the military training he received in school. He joined the Imperial Japanese Navy in March 1945. Ohtsuka details his training in the Navy and how a nearby unit training for suicide boat operations was completely wiped out in a bombing raid. He briefly mentions his thoughts on the atomic bomb and his post-war life.
Oral History Interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka, November 8, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka. Ohtsuka begins by describing growing up in Japan in the 1930s. Then he describes military training in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He volunteered for service in the Navy in March, 1945. Ohtsuka recalls his military training school being bombed by the Americans. He also speaks about his impressions of the atomic bombs being dropped on Japan. Ohtsuka emigrated to the UNited States in 1967 to study English at the University of Texas.
Oral History Interview with Carl Braddock, November 20, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carl Braddock. Braddock was born 1 February 1919 in Big Spring, Texas. Joining the Navy during May 1942, he took boot training in San Diego. He was assigned to range finding school and describes the training he received. Upon graduation he was assigned to the USS Saufley (DD-465), which went to Guadalcanal in December, 1942. He describes the bombardment of the island. In May 1943 he was sent to several schools for additional training. Braddock was assigned to the USS Franklin (CV-13) in January 1944 and he describes various battles in which he participated. He recalls the ship being subjected to attack and damaged by kamikaze aircraft on 9 October 1944 and 30 October 1944 which resulted in many casualties. He tells of being evacuated to the USS Santa Fe (CL-60). The Franklin returned to Bremerton, Washington for repairs and he was sent to school again. While in school he was notified that the ship was hit by several bombs with over 700 killed.
Oral History Interview with Carl Braddock, November 20, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carl Braddock. Braddock was born 1 February 1919 in Big Spring, Texas. Joining the Navy during May 1942, he took boot training in San Diego. He was assigned to range finding school and describes the training he received. Upon graduation he was assigned to the USS Saufley (DD-465), which went to Guadalcanal in December, 1942. He describes the bombardment of the island. In May 1943 he was sent to several schools for additional training. Braddock was assigned to the USS Franklin (CV-13) in January 1944 and he describes various battles in which he participated. He recalls the ship being subjected to attack and damaged by kamikaze aircraft on 9 October 1944 and 30 October 1944 which resulted in many casualties. He tells of being evacuated to the USS Santa Fe (CL-60). The Franklin returned to Bremerton, Washington for repairs and he was sent to school again. While in school he was notified that the ship was hit by several bombs with over 700 killed.
Oral History Interview with Carter Wheelock, November 9, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Carter Wheelock. Wheelock joined the Navy in 1943. He served as a Radarman aboard USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). He participated in every naval battle the ship went through from mid-1943 through the end of the war, traveling to the Aleutian, Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Saipan, Guam, Peleliu, the Philippines, and Okinawa. He was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Carter Wheelock, November 9, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Carter Wheelock. Wheelock joined the Navy in 1943. He served as a Radarman aboard USS Pennsylvania (BB-38). He participated in every naval battle the ship went through from mid-1943 through the end of the war, traveling to the Aleutian, Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Saipan, Guam, Peleliu, the Philippines, and Okinawa. He was discharged in 1946.
Oral History Interview with Chester W. Nimitz, Jr., November 5, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chester W. Nimitz, Jr. Nimitz was born in Brooklyn, New York 17 February 1915. He attended Severn Preparatory School prior to entering the US Naval Academy in 1932. Upon graduating in 1936, he was assigned to the USS Indianapolis (CA-35) as assistant navigator. He applied for submarine duty in 1938 and trained at New London, Connecticut. After training he was assigned to the USS Sturgeon (SS-187) based in San Diego. In November 1941, the Sturgeon proceeded to Manila. Recalling his first war patrol aboard the Sturgeon, Nimitz recalls being subjected to depth charge attacks and the frustration caused by defective torpedoes. Returning to the United States he was assigned to the USS Bluefish (SS-222) as the executive officer. Later, he was withdrawn from sea duty and assigned to work on the torpedo problem. Nimitz was then put in command of the USS Haddo (SS-255) and describes an attack on a Japanese ship during which all six torpedoes launched exploded prematurely. He discusses the problem of defective torpedoes. On their last patrol in the Haddo, his crew sank five enemy ships and received a Navy Unit Commendation. Nimitz received the Navy Cross. During late 1944 he was ordered back to submarine school as head of the Torpedo and Gunnery Department. In 1946 Nimitz assumed command of the USS Sarda (SS-488) before he was sent to the University of California as the executive officer of the NROTC program. He was then called to command the destroyer USS O’Brien (DD-725) and was deployed off the coast of Korea during the Korean War. In 1952 he went to San Diego as Commander of the Submarine Division, Pacific Fleet. Nimitz retired from the Navy in 1957 as a rear admiral and discusses life …
Oral History Interview with Clarence Kendall, November 28, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clarence Kendall. Upon graduating from the University of Missouri in 1942, Kendall enrolled in Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Notre Dame. His first assignment was on the USS Stack (DD-406) as an assistant gunnery officer. He recounts dramatic details of the Battle of Vella Gulf and feels that his success in combat was due to his diligent studies and mastery of technology such as radar. Kendall transferred to the USS Essex (CV-9) as a battery officer, participating in invasions from the Marshall Islands through Okinawa, where a kamikaze flew 20 feet above Kendall’s head before hitting a gun and exploding. Following the war, Kendall transferred to the new USS Juneau (CL-119) and spent 90 days aboard, during which time he wrote the fire control doctrine for the ship. Much to his captain’s chagrin, as Kendall was a valuable asset to the ship, he was discharged thereafter and went on to attend law school.
Oral History Interview with Clarence Kendall, November 28, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clarence Kendall. Upon graduating from the University of Missouri in 1942, Kendall enrolled in Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Notre Dame. His first assignment was on the USS Stack (DD-406) as an assistant gunnery officer. He recounts dramatic details of the Battle of Vella Gulf and feels that his success in combat was due to his diligent studies and mastery of technology such as radar. Kendall transferred to the USS Essex (CV-9) as a battery officer, participating in invasions from the Marshall Islands through Okinawa, where a kamikaze flew 20 feet above Kendall’s head before hitting a gun and exploding. Following the war, Kendall transferred to the new USS Juneau (CL-119) and spent 90 days aboard, during which time he wrote the fire control doctrine for the ship. Much to his captain’s chagrin, as Kendall was a valuable asset to the ship, he was discharged thereafter and went on to attend law school.
Oral History Interview with Cleon Conwell, November 19, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Cleon Conwell. Conwell joined the Army Air Force in December of 1943. His unit was the 487th Bomb Group. He served as a tail gunner and flew five missions total. In September of 1944 he traveled to England in a B-17. He describes his time in England and life at the base. He shares one mission where his plane was shot down, which he received a purple heart. In October of 1944 Conwell was captured and became a prisoner of war in Germany.
Oral History Interview with Clyde Harding, November 11, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clyde Harding. Born in 1919, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940. He describes his time in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He was attached to the British Royal Air Force (RAF) as part of the Lend-Lease Program. He trained RAF pilots to fly B-25 Mitchell bombers. He recounts his capture and escape from German soldiers while serving in Egypt. He also trained Russian pilots to fly Bell P-39 Airacobras in Russia. In 1943 he was assigned to the 9th Tactical Air Command, 9th Air Force in England. In spring 1944, he flew aerial photography missions over the Normandy coastline. Additionally, he flew celebrities, such as Spike Jones and Joe Louis, to entertain the troops. Prior to the war?s end, he was employed as a civil servant.
Oral History Interview with Clyde Harding, November 11, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clyde Harding. Born in 1919, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940. He describes his time in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). He was attached to the British Royal Air Force (RAF) as part of the Lend-Lease Program. He trained RAF pilots to fly B-25 Mitchell bombers. He recounts his capture and escape from German soldiers while serving in Egypt. He also trained Russian pilots to fly Bell P-39 Airacobras in Russia. In 1943 he was assigned to the 9th Tactical Air Command, 9th Air Force in England. In spring 1944, he flew aerial photography missions over the Normandy coastline. Additionally, he flew celebrities, such as Spike Jones and Joe Louis, to entertain the troops. Prior to the war?s end, he was employed as a civil servant.
Oral History Interview with Cornelius D. Wiens, November 26, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Cornelius D. Wiens. Wiens grew up in Montana and Kansas and was drafted into the Army in 1944. After completing training, he departed about the Sea Snipe for the Philippines. His first landing was at Leyte, where he remained fighting for three months. He describes coming to land on the small landing craft. From Leyte he went to Negros, then Masbate, and finally Mindanao. He describes the Japanese soldiers who were unwilling to surrender. After Japan's surrender he also spent time in Korea as a radio operator.
Oral History Interview with Cornelius D. Wiens, November 26, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Cornelius D. Wiens. Wiens grew up in Montana and Kansas and was drafted into the Army in 1944. After completing training, he departed about the Sea Snipe for the Philippines. His first landing was at Leyte, where he remained fighting for three months. He describes coming to land on the small landing craft. From Leyte he went to Negros, then Masbate, and finally Mindanao. He describes the Japanese soldiers who were unwilling to surrender. After Japan's surrender he also spent time in Korea as a radio operator.
Oral History Interview with Creed Coffee, November 21, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Creed Coffee. Coffee was in the Army ROTC at Texas Technological College, now Texas Tech in Lubbock, in 1941 and 1942. He was in the Corps of Engineers. He was on active duty beginning June of 1943. He completed Officers Candidate School in June of 1944 and commissioned a second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1327th Engineer General Service Regiment. Coffee served as a platoon leader and worked on a 200-mile section of the Ledo Road, connecting Ledo to Myitkyina in Burma. He was discharged in May of 1946. In November of 1950 he was recalled for the Korean War and served as a captain in the 183rd Engineer Combat Battalion.
Oral History Interview with Creed Coffee, November 21, 2008
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Creed Coffee. Coffee was in the Army ROTC at Texas Technological College, now Texas Tech in Lubbock, in 1941 and 1942. He was in the Corps of Engineers. He was on active duty beginning June of 1943. He completed Officers Candidate School in June of 1944 and commissioned a second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1327th Engineer General Service Regiment. Coffee served as a platoon leader and worked on a 200-mile section of the Ledo Road, connecting Ledo to Myitkyina in Burma. He was discharged in May of 1946. In November of 1950 he was recalled for the Korean War and served as a captain in the 183rd Engineer Combat Battalion.
Oral History Interview with Crescencio Trevino, November 11, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Crescencio Trevino. Trevino joined the Army in April 1944 and received basic training at Fort Robinson. He deployed to Metz, France, as a rifleman with the 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division. Locals referred to them as The Iron Men of Metz. Trevino lost half of his platoon in Metz and survived combat on the Siegfried Line, moving on to clear out German holdouts in the Ruhr Pocket. Although he had only fired a bazooka once during training, he became the bazooka man for his unit. He describes in detail the technique of using hand grenades to clear pillboxes. Trevino turned down the Purple Heart for a minor injury to his finger, worrying that his family would be troubled by the news. After the ceasefire, Trevino was placed on occupation duty, under strict orders not to fraternize with German women, although everyone was friendly. He celebrated V-E Day with former Russian POWs who provided their own vodka. Trevino returned home in June 1945 and was discharged as a staff sergeant in April 1946. After reenlisting in 1948, he served in Corpus Christi as a recruiting sergeant until 1951.
Oral History Interview with Crescencio Trevino, November 11, 2002
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Crescencio Trevino. Trevino joined the Army in April 1944 and received basic training at Fort Robinson. He deployed to Metz, France, as a rifleman with the 379th Infantry Regiment, 95th Infantry Division. Locals referred to them as The Iron Men of Metz. Trevino lost half of his platoon in Metz and survived combat on the Siegfried Line, moving on to clear out German holdouts in the Ruhr Pocket. Although he had only fired a bazooka once during training, he became the bazooka man for his unit. He describes in detail the technique of using hand grenades to clear pillboxes. Trevino turned down the Purple Heart for a minor injury to his finger, worrying that his family would be troubled by the news. After the ceasefire, Trevino was placed on occupation duty, under strict orders not to fraternize with German women, although everyone was friendly. He celebrated V-E Day with former Russian POWs who provided their own vodka. Trevino returned home in June 1945 and was discharged as a staff sergeant in April 1946. After reenlisting in 1948, he served in Corpus Christi as a recruiting sergeant until 1951.
Oral History Interview with Dave Hollis, November 12, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dave Hollis. Hollis joined the Army Air Forces in December 1942. He had prepared for his aviation cadet examination by taking a class at the Douglas Aircraft Company, where he worked. He received basic training and pre-flight training in Santa Ana. From there he went to Meadows Field for basic flying in the Vultee BT-13 then to Luke Field with the AT-6. Upon completion he was assigned to a B-29 crew but was rotated out due to a shoulder injury. After recovering, he was transferred to the 2nd Air Force flight test center Alamogordo. In June 1945 he was sent overseas and flew nine missions against Kyushu.
Oral History Interview with Dave Hollis, November 12, 2005
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dave Hollis. Hollis joined the Army Air Forces in December 1942. He had prepared for his aviation cadet examination by taking a class at the Douglas Aircraft Company, where he worked. He received basic training and pre-flight training in Santa Ana. From there he went to Meadows Field for basic flying in the Vultee BT-13 then to Luke Field with the AT-6. Upon completion he was assigned to a B-29 crew but was rotated out due to a shoulder injury. After recovering, he was transferred to the 2nd Air Force flight test center Alamogordo. In June 1945 he was sent overseas and flew nine missions against Kyushu.
Oral History Interview with David Campbell, November 11, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with David Campbell. Campbell joined the Navy in the fall of 1942. He completed Naval Supply Corps School. Beginning July of 1943, he served as Supply Officer aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57). They launched strikes on Makin Island in November, and bombed airfields at Kwajalein. Throughout 1944 and early 1945 they traveled to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, the Marianas and Iwo Jima providing aircraft in support of forces. He shares experiences of kamikaze airplanes and enduring a typhoon. Campbell was discharged in April of 1946.
Oral History Interview with David Campbell, November 11, 2006
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with David Campbell. Campbell joined the Navy in the fall of 1942. He completed Naval Supply Corps School. Beginning July of 1943, he served as Supply Officer aboard the USS Coral Sea (CVE-57). They launched strikes on Makin Island in November, and bombed airfields at Kwajalein. Throughout 1944 and early 1945 they traveled to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, the Marianas and Iwo Jima providing aircraft in support of forces. He shares experiences of kamikaze airplanes and enduring a typhoon. Campbell was discharged in April of 1946.
Oral History Interview with Deverl Goode, November 10, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Deverl Goode. Goode was born in 1922 and joined the Army after one semester of college. He received basic training at Camp Wolters and landed on Leyte in 1944 with the Americal Division. He was sent to Cebu as a scout. Cut off behind enemy lines for several days, he subsisted on bananas, wild potatoes, and rainwater. He spent several months on Negros Island using a flamethrower to clear caves of enemy holdouts; one cave turned out to be a makeshift Japanese hospital. After the war ended, he was a guard at Sugamo Prison, where he escorted Tokyo Rose and Saipan Sue to their interrogations. He encountered several imprisoned American sergeants there, presumed to be spies. He visited Hiroshima, where only a small bit of steel infrastructure and bricks were left standing. Goode returned home and was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Deverl Goode, November 10, 2007
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Deverl Goode. Goode was born in 1922 and joined the Army after one semester of college. He received basic training at Camp Wolters and landed on Leyte in 1944 with the Americal Division. He was sent to Cebu as a scout. Cut off behind enemy lines for several days, he subsisted on bananas, wild potatoes, and rainwater. He spent several months on Negros Island using a flamethrower to clear caves of enemy holdouts; one cave turned out to be a makeshift Japanese hospital. After the war ended, he was a guard at Sugamo Prison, where he escorted Tokyo Rose and Saipan Sue to their interrogations. He encountered several imprisoned American sergeants there, presumed to be spies. He visited Hiroshima, where only a small bit of steel infrastructure and bricks were left standing. Goode returned home and was discharged.
Oral History Interview with Don Lamanna, November 22, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Don Lamanna. Lamanna joined the Navy in November 1942 and was transferred to hospital corps school in Alabama, where he tended to casualties of flight training. He then attended field medical school at Camp Elliot. Upon completion, he was assigned to a medical battalion in the V Amphibious Corps where he worked as an orderly in hospitals. He landed on Saipan on the eighth day of the invasion and worked at an abandoned Japanese hospital there. He recalls the staff worked 96 hours straight, triaging the wounded before they were sent aboard hospital ships. Natives were also enlisted to help at the hospital. Lamanna returned to Maui and tended to the 4th Marine Division casualties at a hospital there. Next, he went to Iwo Jima and landed four days after the invasion. There the wounded were treated in tents on the beach. After working at a hospital in Sasebo, Japan, supporting the occupation forces, Lamanna boarded the ATA 197, picking up troops from the Philippines and China. He returned to the States and worked at the naval hospital in Oakland until his discharge in 1948.
Oral History Interview with Don Lamanna, November 22, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Don Lamanna. Lamanna joined the Navy in November 1942 and was transferred to hospital corps school in Alabama, where he tended to casualties of flight training. He then attended field medical school at Camp Elliot. Upon completion, he was assigned to a medical battalion in the V Amphibious Corps where he worked as an orderly in hospitals. He landed on Saipan on the eighth day of the invasion and worked at an abandoned Japanese hospital there. He recalls the staff worked 96 hours straight, triaging the wounded before they were sent aboard hospital ships. Natives were also enlisted to help at the hospital. Lamanna returned to Maui and tended to the 4th Marine Division casualties at a hospital there. Next, he went to Iwo Jima and landed four days after the invasion. There the wounded were treated in tents on the beach. After working at a hospital in Sasebo, Japan, supporting the occupation forces, Lamanna boarded the ATA 197, picking up troops from the Philippines and China. He returned to the States and worked at the naval hospital in Oakland until his discharge in 1948.
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