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[Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to his Grandfather, January 23, 1900]
Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz begins with a review of his grades in school. He laments having to study Latin and views it as a waste of time. The letter is on St. Charles Hotel (Kerrville, Texas) stationery.
[Transcript of Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to his Grandfather, January 23, 1900]
Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz begins with a review of his grades in school. He laments having to study Latin and views it as a waste of time.
[Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to his Grandfather, July 23, 1901]
Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates information about his grades in various subjects. Again, Nimitz and some friends hired a sailboat and went out on the Chesapeake Bay. Nimitz became seasick. He also includes examples of problems in math that he is encountering and explanations of the formulas and solutions. This letter is written on Robert Werntz Preparatory Academy stationery.
[Transcript of Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to his Grandfather, July 23, 1901]
Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates information about his grades in various subjects. Again, Nimitz and some friends hired a sailboat and went out on the Chesapeake Bay. Nimitz became seasick. He also includes examples of problems in math that he is encountering and explanations of the formulas and solutions.
[Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to William Nimitz, June 23, 1903]
Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz, writing from aboard the USS Chesapeake, summarizes his experiences while on the cruise. In his log, Nimitz describes the various drills in which he participated and the movements of the ship. He mentions some folks got seasick during heavy weather, but that he did not.
[Transcript of Letter from Chester W. Nimitz to William Nimitz, June 23, 1903]
Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz, writing from aboard the USS Chesapeake, summarizes his experiences while on the cruise. In his log, Nimitz describes the various drills in which he participated and the movements of the ship. He mentions some folks got seasick during heavy weather, but that he did not.
[V-Mail Letter from Fred to Dr. Carl F. Holler, May 23, 1943]
V-Mail envelope and letter addressed to Dr. Carl Holler from "Fred", dated May 23, 1943.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - June 23, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe expressing sadness and concern, as she believes she has been sending his letters to the wrong address. Catherine also discusses news from home, including photos Peggy sent of her trip to Tonopah.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - June 23, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing eating supper with James, planning to send Catherine some pictures, and drinking beer with Holquin at the Snake Ranch.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - July 23, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe celebrating him receiving his diploma, with a reminder to mail the diploma home. Catherine also discusses news from home, including a visit from Claire, house cleaning, going to church, and a letter from Mr. Davis.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - July 23, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing his squadron moving to another base, the mail service, sympathy for their dog, Teddy, who has to be tied up, the cheapness of cigarettes at the post exchange, and his hope that Catherine can one day meet his crew.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - August 23, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including visits with various people, a speech by Pinky Brown at the Kiwanis Club, and the reported news about the war.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - August 23, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing the mail service, including receiving a package of pear candy, and flying with a new soldier for the first time.
["Farewell Social" Program]
Program for the "Farewell Social 'Till We Meet Again'" honoring Boyle Heights' inductees, sponsored by the "Boyle Heights Indians" and held at the Block 45 Mess Hall in Poston Relocation Camp. The 'Boyle Heights Indians' were a self-created and named social group from Poston's Block 45.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - September 23, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including supper with Ed and Mary, chatting with Dan and some girls at the Kopper Kettle, an update that Danny, the baby, is walking, and plans to go home for the weekend.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - October 23, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including attending Mamie Jane's wedding, going to Gonzales with Heine, and expecting Emma to visit her more since her husband has gone overseas.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - October 23, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing the mail service, getting an air mattress, and seeing the movie "The Hairy Ape."
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - November 23, 1944]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including her Thanksgiving plans and a request for photos of Joe.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - November 23, 1944]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine responding to her previous letter and discussing the reelection of President Roosevelt, whom Joe favored.
[Nurses and Wounded Soldiers Trim a Christmas Tree]
Photograph of wounded soldiers and Red Cross nurses decorate and trim a small Christmas tree at Fleet Hospital in New Caledonia. Two soldiers sit on each bed with the small Christmas Tree propped up between them with a nurse on either side.
[Letter from Catherine Davis to Joe Davis - January 23, 1945]
Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including receiving a letter from Holquin's wife, seeing the movie "Arsenic and Old Lace" with Marjorie, and anticipating busyness at work due to Lorraine's absence.
[Letter from Joe Davis to Catherine Davis - January 23, 1945]
Letter from Joe to his wife Catherine discussing working hard and getting sweaty in the morning, reading a book written by Ernie Pyle, and asking after Gregg Wiley and Joyce.
[Photo of Cecelia McKie standing next to her scrapbooks]
Photograph of Cecelia McKie standing next to the scrapbooks she kept of messages she sent to civilian internees and P.O.W.'s families and the thank you letters she received from 2/5/1943-8/13/1945. On the right of McKie is the radio she used to listen to shortwave radio messages broadcast from Radio Tokyo.
Oral History Interview with Iris Zwanenberg, March 23, 1974
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Iris Zwanenberg. Zwanenberg was born to German parents in the Netherlands East-Indies. She was a young girl when the Japanese invaded. Her family was separated and sent to live in camps while their home was occupied by Japanese troops. While they once lived comfortably, they were suddenly faced with extreme food scarcity, living on rice alone. After the war, she immigrated to Europe, where living conditions were better but still harsh. Ultimately, she settled in Quebec and lived a full life, but the experience scarred her family permanently.
Oral History Interview with Iris Zwanenberg, March 23, 1974
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Iris Zwanenberg. Zwanenberg was born to German parents in the Netherlands East-Indies. She was a young girl when the Japanese invaded. Her family was separated and sent to live in camps while their home was occupied by Japanese troops. While they once lived comfortably, they were suddenly faced with extreme food scarcity, living on rice alone. After the war, she immigrated to Europe, where living conditions were better but still harsh. Ultimately, she settled in Quebec and lived a full life, but the experience scarred her family permanently.
Oral History Interview with Lee Weber, September 23, 1999
The National Museum of the pacific War presents an interview with Lee Weber. Weber joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1939. He was in San Diego when the war started and soon sailed for Samoa where he served as an armorer. He attended OCs at Samoa and was commissioned in August before going to Guadalcanal in October, 1942. Weber shares several details about ground fighting at Guadalcanal. When he left Guadalcanal, he went to New Zealand for rest and preparation for the invasion of Tarawa. Weber worked closely with Major Henry (Jim) Crowe. He also describes landing at Tarawa and fighting during the battle. Weber was wounded by a grenade and evacuated to a ship offshore. Upon recovering, he went to Quantico and served as an ordnance officer. When the war ended, Weber stayed in the reserves, retiring in 1979.
Oral History Interview with James Arquette, June 23, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Arquette. Arquette joined the Navy in February of 1942. He completed flight training, and was assigned to a fighter squadron. Beginning November of 1942, he served as a pilot aboard USS Lexington (CV-16). He participated in raids on Wake Island and the Gilbert Islands. He later transferred to USS Randolph (CV-15), participating in the Okinawa invasion. He returned to the US and was discharged in October of 1945. Arquette continued his service and retired in 1963.
Oral History Interview with James Arquette, June 23, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Arquette. Arquette joined the Navy in February of 1942. He completed flight training, and was assigned to a fighter squadron. Beginning November of 1942, he served as a pilot aboard USS Lexington (CV-16). He participated in raids on Wake Island and the Gilbert Islands. He later transferred to USS Randolph (CV-15), participating in the Okinawa invasion. He returned to the US and was discharged in October of 1945. Arquette continued his service and retired in 1963.
Oral History Interview with Garvin Kowalke, January 23, 2001
Interview with Garvin Kowalke, a pilot during World War II. He discusses joining the Army Air Corps, going to Air Cadet training to become a pilot, and training on various aircraft (AT-17, UC-78, P-36, P-33, T-6, BT-13, B-17, B-29) before becoming a B-29 pilot; he shipped out to Guam and flew standard and fire bombing runs over Japan. He discusses having to ditch the plane on the way back to Guam once when the engines failed, seeing another B-29 crew have to bail out over Toyko Bay and get picked up by a U.S. submarine that was in the Bay, getting pulled down to the fires when they were trying to hide in the smoke to avoid Japanese fighter planes, and getting caught in a storm by Mount Fujiyama, as well as collecting data such wind direction, speed, and temperature over Hiroshima for future bombing runs, which turned out to be for the bombers who dropped the atomic bomb. He also talks about flying over Hiroshima two days after the bombing and gauging how high the radiation levels were at different altitudes. He also talks about being in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, becoming a B-57 pilot, and adopting a baby boy from Germany after the war, then a little girl while he was stationed in Hawaii after the Korean War.
Oral History Interview with Garvin Kowalke, January 23, 2001
Transcript of an oral interview with Garvin Kowalke. He discusses joining the Army Air Corps, going to Air Cadet training to become a pilot, training on various aircraft (AT-17, UC-78, P-36, P-33, T-6, BT-13, B-17, B-29) before becoming a B-29 pilot. He shipped out to Guam and flew standard and fire bombing runs over Japan. He discusses having to ditch the plane on the way back to Guam once when the engines failed, seeing another B-29 crew have to bail out over Toyko Bay and get picked up by a US submarine that was in the Bay, getting pulled down to the fires when they were trying to hide in the smoke to avoid Japanese fighter planes, getting caught in a storm by Mount Fujiyama, collecting data such wind direction, speed and temperature over Hiroshima for future bombing runs, which turned out to be for the bombers who dropped the atomic bomb, then flying over the city two days after the bombing and gauging how high the radiation levels were at different altitudes. He also talks about being in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, becoming a B-57 pilot, and adopting a baby boy from Germany after the war, then a little girl while he was stationed in Hawaii after the Korean War.
Oral History Interview with Garvin Kowalke, January 23, 2001
Transcript of an oral interview with Garvin Kowalke. He discusses joining the Army Air Corps, going to Air Cadet training to become a pilot, training on various aircraft (AT-17, UC-78, P-36, P-33, T-6, BT-13, B-17, B-29) before becoming a B-29 pilot. He shipped out to Guam and flew standard and fire bombing runs over Japan. He discusses having to ditch the plane on the way back to Guam once when the engines failed, seeing another B-29 crew have to bail out over Toyko Bay and get picked up by a US submarine that was in the Bay, getting pulled down to the fires when they were trying to hide in the smoke to avoid Japanese fighter planes, getting caught in a storm by Mount Fujiyama, collecting data such wind direction, speed and temperature over Hiroshima for future bombing runs, which turned out to be for the bombers who dropped the atomic bomb, then flying over the city two days after the bombing and gauging how high the radiation levels were at different altitudes. He also talks about being in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, becoming a B-57 pilot, and adopting a baby boy from Germany after the war, then a little girl while he was stationed in Hawaii after the Korean War.
Oral History Interview with Lyman Mereness, February 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Lyman Mereness. Mereness joined the Navy in May of 1942. He received his wings in March of 1943. He served with the 8th Bomb Squadron. Beginning August of 1943, they served as the air group aboard the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Mereness supported the invasion of Hollandia and the Philippines Campaign, completing 39 combat missions. He was discharged in September of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Lyman Mereness, February 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Lyman Mereness. Mereness joined the Navy in May of 1942. He received his wings in March of 1943. He served with the 8th Bomb Squadron. Beginning August of 1943, they served as the air group aboard the USS Intrepid (CV-11). Mereness supported the invasion of Hollandia and the Philippines Campaign, completing 39 combat missions. He was discharged in September of 1945.
Oral History Interview with James A. Laux, March 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James A. Laux. Born in 1925, he was drafted into the Navy in 1943. He was accepted into the submarine service. He describes his training at sub school. He reached New Guinea in 1944 and was assigned to his first submarine, the USS Pintado (SS-387), in 1945. He served as a 3rd Class Motor Machinist Mate. He describes sinking two floating mines while off the coast of Java as well as a near-miss with depth charges dropped by Japanese planes. They also rescued downed American pilots while on patrol off the coast of Japan. He describes the living conditions on the submarine. He shares an anecdote about celebrating the end of the war on the way back to the U.S. with a concoction of alcohol called depth charge rum. He was discharged in May 1946. He shares an anecdote about hitchhiking home to Ohio from California. The conning tower of the Pintado is on display at the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Oral History Interview with James A. Laux, March 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James A. Laux. Born in 1925, he was drafted into the Navy in 1943. He was accepted into the submarine service. He describes his training at sub school. He reached New Guinea in 1944 and was assigned to his first submarine, the USS Pintado (SS-387), in 1945. He served as a 3rd Class Motor Machinist Mate. He describes sinking two floating mines while off the coast of Java as well as a near-miss with depth charges dropped by Japanese planes. They also rescued downed American pilots while on patrol off the coast of Japan. He describes the living conditions on the submarine. He shares an anecdote about celebrating the end of the war on the way back to the U.S. with a concoction of alcohol called depth charge rum. He was discharged in May 1946. He shares an anecdote about hitchhiking home to Ohio from California. The conning tower of the Pintado is on display at the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Oral History Interview with Joseph B. Brown, March 23, 2001
Interview with Joseph B. Brown of Abilene, Texas, who is a World War Two veteran of the United States Marine Corps. In the interview, Mr. Brown recalls memories of growing up and his time in the Marines, particularly from training, being wounded, and working campaigns in the South Pacific.
Oral History Interview with Lester Wilson, May 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Lester Wilson. Wilson was born on 11 April 1916 in Helix, Oregon. Upon graduating from high school in 1933, he enrolled at Indiana University and later transferred to the University of Arizona. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy. After six weeks of boot training he was sent to Range Finders School. Completing school, he traveled by troop train to Pier 92 in New York City. He then reported aboard the newly commissioned USS Earle (DD-635) at Charlestown Navy Yard, New York. He tells of experiences while escorting troop ships to North Africa and during the invasion of Sicily. He also recalls being part of a divisionary force during the Normandy invasion. Returning to the United States in 1945, the ship was converted to a Destroyer Mine Sweeper (DSM-42). The ship was on a shakedown cruise when Japan surrendered. Wilson was discharged soon thereafter.
Oral History Interview with Lester Wilson, May 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Lester Wilson. Wilson was born on 11 April 1916 in Helix, Oregon. Upon graduating from high school in 1933, he enrolled at Indiana University and later transferred to the University of Arizona. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Navy. After six weeks of boot training he was sent to Range Finders School. Completing school, he traveled by troop train to Pier 92 in New York City. He then reported aboard the newly commissioned USS Earle (DD-635) at Charlestown Navy Yard, New York. He tells of experiences while escorting troop ships to North Africa and during the invasion of Sicily. He also recalls being part of a divisionary force during the Normandy invasion. Returning to the United States in 1945, the ship was converted to a Destroyer Mine Sweeper (DSM-42). The ship was on a shakedown cruise when Japan surrendered. Wilson was discharged soon thereafter.
Oral History Interview with Edward Nielsen, August 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edward Nielsen. Nielsen joined the Army in January, 1941 and trained at Fort Knox. He was a good driver and was used to instruct other recruits in how to drive tanks. He discusses his experiences during the Louisiana Maneuvers prior to the war. When the war started, he headed for England with the 1st Armored Division be fore shipping to North Africa. Nielsen describes fighting in tanks in North Africa. Nielsen was captured by the Germans in February 1943. He was eventually evacuated through Tunis to a POW camp near Munich. He escaped with a friend only to be captured again after a few days. When the war ended, he had been liberated and was in American hands, waiting to go back to the US. When he returned, he was discharged in the fall of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Edward Nielsen, August 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edward Nielsen. Nielsen joined the Army in January, 1941 and trained at Fort Knox. He was a good driver and was used to instruct other recruits in how to drive tanks. He discusses his experiences during the Louisiana Maneuvers prior to the war. When the war started, he headed for England with the 1st Armored Division be fore shipping to North Africa. Nielsen describes fighting in tanks in North Africa. Nielsen was captured by the Germans in February 1943. He was eventually evacuated through Tunis to a POW camp near Munich. He escaped with a friend only to be captured again after a few days. When the war ended, he had been liberated and was in American hands, waiting to go back to the US. When he returned, he was discharged in the fall of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Edward Nielsen, August 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward Nielsen from Medaryville, Indiana. He discusses undergoing Amry training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being assigned as B Company of the 69th Army Regiment at Fort Knox as a private. Afterwards he got lucky and was assigned to drive a truck from Louisiana to North Carolina, Mr. Nielsen describes this as the best job he ever had in the Army. After Pearl Harbor he is transferred to the 1st Armored Division and Regiment, 2nd Battalion. He was then transported from fort Knox to Ireland then to England for a short time before being shipped out to Oran in North Africa. On the way to Oran, the ship he was on was almost hit by a missile shot by a German U-boat, but it instead hit another ship that was nearby. By the time Mr. Nielsen reached Oran he was a segreant Tank Commander. He also relays a time he warned his Company Commander about German Tiger Tanks being in their area and being ignored only for them to show up a few days later resulting in one captain deserting and being captured by German soldiers. Mr. Nielsen also discusses getting captured by the Germans on February 14th of 1943 and being brought to Tunis for a few weeks before being flown to Naples, Italy, and eventually ending up in a camp near Munich. Mr. Nielsen had made escape plans but was ultimately in the camp until it was liberated by the Russians. After being liberated he was flown to France before being brought back to Boston in the U.S.. He then got a train to Indianapolis before finally going home to Medaryville and was discharged in either September or October of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Edward Nielsen, August 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward Nielsen from Medaryville, Indiana. He discusses undergoing Amry training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, before being assigned as B Company of the 69th Army Regiment at Fort Knox as a private. Afterwards he got lucky and was assigned to drive a truck from Louisiana to North Carolina, Mr. Nielsen describes this as the best job he ever had in the Army. After Pearl Harbor he is transferred to the 1st Armored Division and Regiment, 2nd Battalion. He was then transported from fort Knox to Ireland then to England for a short time before being shipped out to Oran in North Africa. On the way to Oran, the ship he was on was almost hit by a missile shot by a German U-boat, but it instead hit another ship that was nearby. By the time Mr. Nielsen reached Oran he was a segreant Tank Commander. He also relays a time he warned his Company Commander about German Tiger Tanks being in their area and being ignored only for them to show up a few days later resulting in one captain deserting and being captured by German soldiers. Mr. Nielsen also discusses getting captured by the Germans on February 14th of 1943 and being brought to Tunis for a few weeks before being flown to Naples, Italy, and eventually ending up in a camp near Munich. Mr. Nielsen had made escape plans but was ultimately in the camp until it was liberated by the Russians. After being liberated he was flown to France before being brought back to Boston Massachusetts. Mr. Nielsen then got a train to Indianapolis before finally going home to Medaryville and was discharged in either September or October of 1945.
Oral History Interview with Dorothy Rufi, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dorothy Rufi. Mrs. Rufi’s maiden name is Roehning. She arrived in Washington D.C. to work at the Coast Guard headquarters in 1942. She was assigned to a secretarial pool of four women who worked for Rear Admiral Harvey F. Johnson. She mentions blackouts and an air raid drill. She returned to her home to Minnesota in 1944.
Oral History Interview with Dorothy Rufi, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dorothy Rufi. Mrs. Rufi’s maiden name is Roehning. She arrived in Washington D.C. to work at the Coast Guard headquarters in 1942. She was assigned to a secretarial pool of four women who worked for Rear Admiral Harvey F. Johnson. She mentions blackouts and an air raid drill. She returned to her home to Minnesota in 1944.
Oral History Interview with Dr. Patrick H. McKay, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr. Patrick H. McKay. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1924, he discusses the hard times experienced by his family during the Depression. He joined Army ROTC in high school. After graduating, he was inducted into the Army in September 1943. He was sent on the USS West Point (AP-23) to Papua, New Guinea. He describes his experiences and training during the transit. He describes his time at Milne Bay, as a Private assigned to the 158th Regimental Combat Team, known as the" Bushmasters." He describes his unit's attack on a small island off the coast of New Guinea. His regiment's next action was at Noemfoor Island, New Guinea in July and August 1944. He recalls Tokyo Rose saying before the landing that "the blood-thirsty Bushmasters are going to meet a wall of steel.” He recalls several banzai attacks during the battle. His unit next made an assault on Lingayen Gulf in Luzon, Philippines. Their objective was the headquarters for the 17th Japanese Army unit under the command of General Tomoyuki Yamashita in Baguio. Next, his unit was sent to fight its way through the outskirts of Manila. Afterwards, he was assigned to take a group of prisoners to Bibido prison in Manila. He recalls seeing General Yamashita taking his exercise at the prison. Approximately six weeks after the Japanese surrender on the 14th of August, he was assigned occupation duties 70 miles north of Tokyo. In January 1946 McKay returned to the States, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school.
Oral History Interview with Dr. Patrick H. McKay, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr. Patrick H. McKay. Born in San Antonio, Texas in 1924, he discusses the hard times experienced by his family during the Depression. He joined Army ROTC in high school. After graduating, he was inducted into the Army in September 1943. He was sent on the USS West Point (AP-23) to Papua, New Guinea. He describes his experiences and training during the transit. He describes his time at Milne Bay, as a Private assigned to the 158th Regimental Combat Team, known as the" Bushmasters." He describes his unit's attack on a small island off the coast of New Guinea. His regiment's next action was at Noemfoor Island, New Guinea in July and August 1944. He recalls Tokyo Rose saying before the landing that "the blood-thirsty Bushmasters are going to meet a wall of steel.” He recalls several banzai attacks during the battle. His unit next made an assault on Lingayen Gulf in Luzon, Philippines. Their objective was the headquarters for the 17th Japanese Army unit under the command of General Tomoyuki Yamashita in Baguio. Next, his unit was sent to fight its way through the outskirts of Manila. Afterwards, he was assigned to take a group of prisoners to Bibido prison in Manila. He recalls seeing General Yamashita taking his exercise at the prison. Approximately six weeks after the Japanese surrender on the 14th of August, he was assigned occupation duties 70 miles north of Tokyo. In January 1946 McKay returned to the States, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and attended medical school.
Oral History Interview with Ken Cook, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ken Cook. Born in Dallas, Texas on January 19, 1927, he joined the Navy in October 1943 and attended boot camp in San Diego. Upon completing boot camp, he was ordered to engineering school in Gulfport, Mississippi and was assigned to the USS Sigourney (DD-643) for the duration of the war. He reported aboard Sigourney in May 1944 as a Fireman Striker, but after serving a stint as Mess Cook, changed his rating to Cook Striker. He recounts being aboard the vessel during July 1945 in San Pedro, California, when the crew was ordered to stand by for inspection due to a reported "theft of articles from a sailor's locker." Liberty was cancelled, the inspection was never conducted, and the ship got underway after embarking a mysterious individual dressed in a Chief's uniform. He recalls that the "Chief" soon changed into civilian clothes and, to his knowledge, spoke to almost no one during the ensuing days as the vessel sailed north to the Alaskan coast and a rendezvous with the USS Washington (BB-56). The Sigourney pulled alongside the Washington, which had the ship's band turned out and playing, and the mysterious passenger was highlined over to the battleship. Cook was never able to ascertain the person's identity and was discharged from the Navy in July 1946.
Oral History Interview with Ken Cook, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ken Cook. Born in Dallas, Texas on January 19, 1927, he joined the Navy in October 1943 and attended boot camp in San Diego. Upon completing boot camp, he was ordered to engineering school in Gulfport, Mississippi and was assigned to the USS Sigourney (DD-643) for the duration of the war. He reported aboard Sigourney in May 1944 as a Fireman Striker, but after serving a stint as Mess Cook, changed his rating to Cook Striker. He recounts being aboard the vessel during July 1945 in San Pedro, California, when the crew was ordered to stand by for inspection due to a reported "theft of articles from a sailor's locker." Liberty was cancelled, the inspection was never conducted, and the ship got underway after embarking a mysterious individual dressed in a Chief's uniform. He recalls that the "Chief" soon changed into civilian clothes and, to his knowledge, spoke to almost no one during the ensuing days as the vessel sailed north to the Alaskan coast and a rendezvous with the USS Washington (BB-56). The Sigourney pulled alongside the Washington, which had the ship's band turned out and playing, and the mysterious passenger was highlined over to the battleship. Cook was never able to ascertain the person's identity and was discharged from the Navy in July 1946.
Oral History Interview with Mike Rubin, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mike Rubin. Rubin discussed his father, M. J. Rubin. M. J. Rubin was born in Amarillo, Texas in the 1920s. He joined the Navy as a Corpsman shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Upon finishing boot camp in San Diego, California he was transferred to the Second Marine Division and sent to New Zealand. His first action was at Tarawa. He was then sent to Pearl Harbor where the Second Marine Division was reconstituted. Following the reconstitution he was sent to Saipan where he was wounded by mortar fire and suffered battle fatigue and returned to the States. He received three Silver Stars during his four years overseas.
Oral History Interview with Mike Rubin, September 23, 2001
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mike Rubin. Rubin discussed his father, M. J. Rubin. M. J. Rubin was born in Amarillo, Texas in the 1920s. He joined the Navy as a Corpsman shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Upon finishing boot camp in San Diego, California he was transferred to the Second Marine Division and sent to New Zealand. His first action was at Tarawa. He was then sent to Pearl Harbor where the Second Marine Division was reconstituted. Following the reconstitution he was sent to Saipan where he was wounded by mortar fire and suffered battle fatigue and returned to the States. He received three Silver Stars during his four years overseas.
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