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Oral History Interview with Lyndon B. Johnson, September 1, 1972
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johns tells an anecdote of waking up sick in the hospital on Fiji and being transported to Hawaii where Admiral Nimitz invited him to return to the US with him in his plane. Johnson declined as he was not feeling well enough to travel. He then mentions that Nimitz'z plane crashed upon landing in the San Francisco Bay.
Oral History Interview with Lyndon B. Johnson, September 1, 1972
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johns tells an anecdote of waking up sick in the hospital on Fiji and being transported to Hawaii where Admiral Nimitz invited him to return to the US with him in his plane. Johnson declined as he was not feeling well enough to travel. He then mentions that Nimitz'z plane crashed upon landing in the San Francisco Bay.
Oral History Interview with Thomas Handran-Smith, June 1, 1974
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue of Thomas Handran-Smith. Smith served with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Australia Imperial Forces. They participated in the Battle of Buna in New Guinea. He provides details of the living and fighting conditions through his time at Buna. He also comments on his American allies in the 32nd Infantry Division.
Oral History Interview with Thomas Handran-Smith, June 1, 1974
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue of Thomas Handran-Smith. Smith served with the 2nd Field Artillery Regiment, Australia Imperial Forces. They participated in the Battle of Buna in New Guinea. He provides details of the living and fighting conditions through his time at Buna. He also comments on his American allies in the 32nd Infantry Division.
Oral History Interview with Roy Davenport, February 1, 1979
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue with Rear Admiral Roy Davenport. Davenport describes in detail his experiences as the executive office on the 4th war patrol of USS Silversides (SS-236). He describes coming under a depth charge attack and witnessing an emergency appendectomy. Davenport also details an incident where a torpedo became stuck during an attack on Japanese ships. He was then given command of USS Haddock (SS-231) and details sinking several ships near Truk. He then commissioned USS Trepang (SS-412) and describes patrolling off of the Japanese coast. Davenport details sinking several more ships and an attack on two battleships and a destroyer. He describes leading a successful wolf-pack attack off the Philippines. Davenport requested and was granted shore duty after 10 patrols and earning 5 Navy Crosses.
Commander Hal Lamar, USNR (Ret.) Remembers Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Transcript of an oral monologue with Hal Lamar. He reflects on Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz during his time serving as the Admiral's personal aide and secretary. He describes Nimitz's character and abilities as a leader. Lamar shares anecdotes about visiting wounded men and awarding Purple Heart medals, other officers coming to call, recreating, visiting Tarawa ,and activities at the new headquarters on Guam.
Commander Hal Lamar, USNR (Ret.) Remembers Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz
Transcript of an oral monologue with Hal Lamar. He reflects on Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz during his time serving as the Admiral's personal aide and secretary. He describes Nimitz's character and abilities as a leader. Lamar shares anecdotes about visiting wounded men and awarding Purple Heart medals, other officers coming to call, recreating, visiting Tarawa ,and activities at the new headquarters on Guam.
Oral History Interview with Douglas Cloakey, August 1, 1981
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Douglas Cloakey. Cloakey joined the Marine Corps in October of 1940. He served with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. In 1941, they traveled to Iceland where they supplemented British troops to defend against a German attack on the island. In the fall of 1942, Cloakey deployed to Samoa and was assigned to the 3rd Raider Battalion. He participated in the Solomon Islands Campaign in 1943, and shares anecdotes of him and his fellow servicemen.
Oral History Interview with Douglas Cloakey, August 1, 1981
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Douglas Cloakey. Cloakey joined the Marine Corps in October of 1940. He served with the 1st Battalion, 6th Marines. In 1941, they traveled to Iceland where they supplemented British troops to defend against a German attack on the island. In the fall of 1942, Cloakey deployed to Samoa and was assigned to the 3rd Raider Battalion. He participated in the Solomon Islands Campaign in 1943, and shares anecdotes of him and his fellow servicemen.
Oral History Interview with Kenneth Olsen, J. S. Gray, and Paul Spain, January 1, 1983
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Kenneth Olsen, J S Gray and Paul Spain. These men were prisoners of war on the Philippines and share anecdotes of their captivity. Olsen also tells stories from his time in captivity in Japan. Paul Spain shares a story about rescuing an American flag and keeping portions of it throughout his captivity. They also discuss their weight upon being liberated.
Oral History Interview with Kenneth Olsen, J. S. Gray, and Paul Spain, January 1, 1983
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Kenneth Olsen, J S Gray and Paul Spain. These men were prisoners of war on the Philippines and share anecdotes of their captivity. Olsen also tells stories from his time in captivity in Japan. Paul Spain shares a story about rescuing an American flag and keeping portions of it throughout his captivity. They also discuss their weight upon being liberated.
Oral History Interview with Herman Heinrich, February 1, 1989
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Herman Heinrich. Heinrich joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS South Dakota (BB-57) in August 1943. He worked in the lower handling room for the five-inch guns and felt only a shudder when the South Dakota was struck by a bomb at the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Heading toward Okinawa, he recalls an American observation plane being accidentally struck by a projectile from his ship. At Okinawa he witnessed the damage that the destroyers sustained from kamikaze attacks as his ship brought casualties aboard. At Tokyo Bay, his crew shared Admiral Halsey’s disappointment that the surrender ceremony would not be held on the South Dakota. He remembers Halsey as an easy-going leader who liked to mingle with the crew. Heinrich returned home and was discharged in February 1946.
Oral History Interview with Herman Heinrich, February 1, 1989
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Herman Heinrich. Heinrich joined the Navy and was assigned to the USS South Dakota (BB-57) in August 1943. He worked in the lower handling room for the five-inch guns and felt only a shudder when the South Dakota was struck by a bomb at the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Heading toward Okinawa, he recalls an American observation plane being accidentally struck by a projectile from his ship. At Okinawa he witnessed the damage that the destroyers sustained from kamikaze attacks as his ship brought casualties aboard. At Tokyo Bay, his crew shared Admiral Halsey’s disappointment that the surrender ceremony would not be held on the South Dakota. He remembers Halsey as an easy-going leader who liked to mingle with the crew. Heinrich returned home and was discharged in February 1946.
Oral History Interview with Jack Jacobson, January 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jack Jacobson. Jacobson was born in 1916. In 1940 he was accepted in the aviation cadet program and graduated in December 1941. He was sent to Fiji where he received additional flight training and was then sent to Guadalcanal. He describes being bombarded for over four hours one night by Japanese ships off the coast. He tells of the experiences of dropping bombs, strafing and escorting bombers during his more than 100 missions and three tours on Guadalcanal. He was selected to be Captain John Mitchell’s wingman during Operation Vengeance. He describes the precise flight plotted by Mitchell for intercept of Admiral Yamamoto’s plane over Bougainville. A vivid description is given of the actions taken by the planes involved in the attack.
Oral History Interview with Jack Jacobson, January 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jack Jacobson. Jacobson was born in 1916. In 1940 he was accepted in the aviation cadet program and graduated in December 1941. He was sent to Fiji where he received additional flight training and was then sent to Guadalcanal. He describes being bombarded for over four hours one night by Japanese ships off the coast. He tells of the experiences of dropping bombs, strafing and escorting bombers during his more than 100 missions and three tours on Guadalcanal. He was selected to be Captain John Mitchell’s wingman during Operation Vengeance. He describes the precise flight plotted by Mitchell for intercept of Admiral Yamamoto’s plane over Bougainville. A vivid description is given of the actions taken by the planes involved in the attack.
Oral History Interview with Eddie Albert, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Eddie Albert. Albert was born in Rock Island, Illinois on 22 April 1908 and joined the Navy in 1942. Following officer training at Cornell University, he was shipped to the South Pacific. Albert recalls spending a night in November 1943 with Lieutenant Colonel Evans Fordyce Carlson (of Carlson’s Raiders fame) in a hole during the Battle of Tarawa. After the battle he relates that he was called to Washington, DC for duties relating to public relations and was sent around the United States selling war bonds. He recalls that by the end of the war he also had produced at least six war-related training films.
Oral History Interview with Eddie Albert, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Eddie Albert. Albert was born in Rock Island, Illinois on 22 April 1908 and joined the Navy in 1942. Following officer training at Cornell University, he was shipped to the South Pacific. Albert recalls spending a night in November 1943 with Lieutenant Colonel Evans Fordyce Carlson (of Carlson’s Raiders fame) in a hole during the Battle of Tarawa. After the battle he relates that he was called to Washington, DC for duties relating to public relations and was sent around the United States selling war bonds. He recalls that by the end of the war he also had produced at least six war-related training films.
Oral History Interview with Geoffrey Fisken, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Geoffrey Fisken. Fisken joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1939 and by 1941 was in a fighter squadron at Singapore flying Brewster Buffaloes. Fisken recalls the Japanese arrival on the Malay Peninsula and defending the Allied base at Singapore against superior Japanese air forces. He eventually evacuated to Australia, and then returned to New Zealand by April, 1942. In 1943, his new squadron moved up to Guadalcanal. Fisken shares several anecdotes about his time flying combat and patrol missions. In late 1943, Fisken was declared unfit for flying (as a result of previous wounds) and was mustered out of the service. He returned to New Zealand and continued farming.
Oral History Interview with Martin Clemens, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Martin Clemens. Clemens was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1915 and, after attending Cambridge University, joined the British Colonial Service and was posted to Guadalcanal in 1938. After Pearl Harbor, Clemens became the only British colonial authority on Guadalcanal and, in February 1942, was assigned coast watching duties prior to the Japanese invasion in May. After the Japanese invasion, he was forced to relocate from his village to a location in the jungle, where he describes his activities in conjunction with island volunteers in gathering intelligence and transmitting radio signals to British and Australian listening posts. When the Allied Forces landed on Guadalcanal in August 1942, Clemens provided volunteer scouts and laborers to Colonel Carlson of the Second Raider Battalion. He also recalls his encounters with General Vandegrift, who awarded him a Military Cross following the battle.
Oral History Interview with Martin Clemens, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Martin Clemens. Clemens was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1915 and, after attending Cambridge University, joined the British Colonial Service and was posted to Guadalcanal in 1938. After Pearl Harbor, Clemens became the only British colonial authority on Guadalcanal and, in February 1942, was assigned coast watching duties prior to the Japanese invasion in May. After the Japanese invasion, he was forced to relocate from his village to a location in the jungle, where he describes his activities in conjunction with island volunteers in gathering intelligence and transmitting radio signals to British and Australian listening posts. When the Allied Forces landed on Guadalcanal in August 1942, Clemens provided volunteer scouts and laborers to Colonel Carlson of the Second Raider Battalion. He also recalls his encounters with General Vandegrift, who awarded him a Military Cross following the battle.
Oral History Interview with Richard Salter, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Salter. Salter was born 27 February 1917. After graduating from high school, he attended Texas A&M University. He participated in the Civilian Pilot Training Program while at A&M and received his pilot’s license. Upon enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1940, he was sent to Santa Maria, California to primary flying school, then to basic flight school at Moffett Field. He completed advanced training at Stockton, California, receiving his commission 15 March 1941. He mentions the various planes flown in each phase of training. After graduation he reported to the 73rd Bomb Squadron at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage, Alaska and began flying B-18 bombers. In early 1942 the B-18s were replaced with B-26 bombers. Salter discusses characteristics of the B-26 that contributed to early crashes leading to the nickname Widowmaker for the B-26. He moved three of the squadrons planes to Adak and discusses bombing missions against Japanese shipping. Salter recalls being wounded by flak and losing his navigator to wounds. After two months in the hospital, Salter returned to Adak in February 1943 and assumed command of the 77th Bomb Group, which had B-25s. During July 1943 the 77th moved to Amchitka and flew bombing missions over Sitka. On 12 September the group moved to Attu and flew a bombing mission over a Japanese ship anchorage at Paramushir in the Kuril Islands. Describing the mission, he tells of losing several planes from anti-aircraft fire while his plane developed engine problems. As a result, Salter and six other aircraft diverted to Petropavlovsk, Russia. All the Americans were subjected to intense interrogation by Russian officials and were held as prisoners. The sixty interned Americans were moved to Tashkent, Russia where an arranged escape occurred. Upon their return to …
Oral History Interview with Sanford Hunt, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Sanford Hunt. Hunt was born in Newark, New Jersey on 18 October 1915 and after graduating from high school in 1934, joined the Naval Reserve as a radioman. In October 1940 he resigned from the Navy Reserves and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. He was sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as a radio operator, where he worked with Holland M. Smith. He was next transferred to the newly established Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was trained as a cryptographer and cipher machine repairman. He describes his role in setting up and operating a radio transmitter station on Guadalcanal. While there, he worked closely with Major General Alexander Vandegrift and Brigadier General Gerald C. Thomas, Commanding General and Chief of Staff of the First Marine Division, respectively. The three of them were the only Marines on Guadalcanal authorized access to ULTRA message traffic (intelligence obtained by breaking encrypted enemy radio and teleprinter messages). Upon returning to Pearl Harbor he was given a field commission to second lieutenant. Hunt accompanied General Vandegrift to Noumea, New Caledonia as Special Assistant and Chief of Staff for Special Traffic and Messages, until Vandegrift was recalled to Washington as Commandant of the Marine Corps. His next assignment was as the Third Marine Division communications officer during the landing at Bougainville.
Oral History Interview with Sanford Hunt, May 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Sanford Hunt. Hunt was born in Newark, New Jersey on 18 October 1915 and after graduating from high school in 1934, joined the Naval Reserve as a radioman. In October 1940 he resigned from the Navy Reserves and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. He was sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as a radio operator, where he worked with Holland M. Smith. He was next transferred to the newly established Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and was trained as a cryptographer and cipher machine repairman. He describes his role in setting up and operating a radio transmitter station on Guadalcanal. While there, he worked closely with Major General Alexander Vandegrift and Brigadier General Gerald C. Thomas, Commanding General and Chief of Staff of the First Marine Division, respectively. The three of them were the only Marines on Guadalcanal authorized access to ULTRA message traffic (intelligence obtained by breaking encrypted enemy radio and teleprinter messages). Upon returning to Pearl Harbor he was given a field commission to second lieutenant. Hunt accompanied General Vandegrift to Noumea, New Caledonia as Special Assistant and Chief of Staff for Special Traffic and Messages, until Vandegrift was recalled to Washington as Commandant of the Marine Corps. His next assignment was as the Third Marine Division communications officer during the landing at Bougainville.
Oral History Interview with George DeLong, August 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral presentation given by George DeLong in 1993. DeLong tells of joining the Navy in January 1941 and of being on the battleship Oklahoma (BB-37) during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He describes the ship turning over and his being trapped, along with 32 other shipmates for one and a half days. DeLong describes the struggle to stay alive before being rescued and spending time in the hospital. He discusses causes of the war with Japan, actions which various admirals and generals took and various battles that were fought. He closes the presentation by answering questions presented by members of the audience.
Oral History Interview with George DeLong, August 1, 1993
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral presentation given by George DeLong in 1993. DeLong tells of joining the Navy in January 1941 and of being on the battleship Oklahoma (BB-37) during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He describes the ship turning over and his being trapped, along with 32 other shipmates for one and a half days. DeLong describes the struggle to stay alive before being rescued and spending time in the hospital. He discusses causes of the war with Japan, actions which various admirals and generals took and various battles that were fought. He closes the presentation by answering questions presented by members of the audience.
Oral History Interview with Raymond Halloran, October 1, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Raymond Francis Halloran. Halloran was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1922. He volunteered for the Air Corps at Dayton in late 1942. He had basic training at Sheppard Field in Wichita Falls, Texas, then initial flight training at College Station. He was accepted for navigation school at Hondo Air Base, Texas; then went to bombardier school at Roswell, New Mexico. He joined his bomber crew in Kansas where they trained in B-17s and B-24s. Finally getting their B-29, Halloran and his crew flew to Saipan via San Francisco, Hawaii, and Kwajalein, arriving 12 December 1944. Their first mission was over Iwo Jima. On their seventh mission on 1 January 1945, they were shot down over Tokyo. Halloran and 4 others bailed out through the bomb bay while 6 others went down with the plane. Initially beaten by civilians on the ground, he was taken by soldiers to a Kempeitai prison. There he was tortured and interrogated. After two months, the prison was bombed by U.S. aircraft and Halloran was moved to the Omori POW camp. He was liberated 29 August 1945. He spent considerable time in the hospital in the States recuperating from his injuries.
Oral History Interview with Raymond Halloran, October 1, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Raymond Francis Halloran. Halloran was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1922. He volunteered for the Air Corps at Dayton in late 1942. He had basic training at Sheppard Field in Wichita Falls, Texas, then initial flight training at College Station. He was accepted for navigation school at Hondo Air Base, Texas; then went to bombardier school at Roswell, New Mexico. He joined his bomber crew in Kansas where they trained in B-17s and B-24s. Finally getting their B-29, Halloran and his crew flew to Saipan via San Francisco, Hawaii, and Kwajalein, arriving 12 December 1944. Their first mission was over Iwo Jima. On their seventh mission on 1 January 1945, they were shot down over Tokyo. Halloran and 4 others bailed out through the bomb bay while 6 others went down with the plane. Initially beaten by civilians on the ground, he was taken by soldiers to a Kempeitai prison. There he was tortured and interrogated. After two months, the prison was bombed by U.S. aircraft and Halloran was moved to the Omori POW camp. He was liberated 29 August 1945. He spent considerable time in the hospital in the States recuperating from his injuries.
Oral History Interview with Traute (Gertrude) Manning, November 1, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Traute (Gertrude) Manning. Born in 1907 in the East German town of Koenigshuette, she moved, along with her engineer husband, to the Dutch East Indies to build roads. She shares anecdotes of her time in Java and Borneo, the living conditions and living among the Dutch community. When the Japanese invaded the Dutch East Indies, her husband was taken and held in an internment camp and she and her son, Robert, were imprisoned for the remainder of the war. Her infant son, Max, was placed in a Dutch orphanage and was located only hours prior to being shipped to Australia. She describes her time in the prison camps of Werfstraat, Tangerang and Aadek under the Japanese. She was liberated in September, 1945.
Oral History Interview with Traute (Gertrude) Manning, November 1, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Traute (Gertrude) Manning. Born in 1907 in the East German town of Koenigshuette, she moved, along with her engineer husband, to the Dutch East Indies to build roads. She shares anecdotes of her time in Java and Borneo, the living conditions and living among the Dutch community. When the Japanese invaded the Dutch East Indies, her husband was taken and held in an internment camp and she and her son, Robert, were imprisoned for the remainder of the war. Her infant son, Max, was placed in a Dutch orphanage and was located only hours prior to being shipped to Australia. She describes her time in the prison camps of Werfstraat, Tangerang and Aadek under the Japanese. She was liberated in September, 1945.
Oral History Interview with Carl Renfroe, December 1, 1998
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Carl Renfroe. Renfroe volunteered for service in the Navy in December 1942. After earning a commission, he served aboard the USS Electra (AKA-4) during the invasion of the Marshall Islands followed by the invasion of Saipan. He was transferred to the USS Rockingham (APA-229), where he served as navigator during the invasions of Leyte and Okinawa. He was discharged from the Navy in 1947 and resumed his career in education administration.
Oral History Interview with B. C. Peters, January 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with B C Peters. Peters joined the Navy in September of 1942. He served with the 31st Seabee Battalion. From 1942 to 1943 he worked in Bermuda, building a refueling station as well as working with a survey crew. He worked on surveys for the construction of a submarine dock at St. Georges and a military highway near Hamilton. He was transferred to Camp Endicott, Rhode Island, where he was trained as Crew Chief of an 81mm mortar squad and his survey party made a topographic map of the area. They were later assigned to the mountains of Hawaii and he describes his living conditions there, and the scenery. They completed physical training and trained aboard an LCM as well. They traveled to Eniwetok and Iwo Jima. He provides great detail of landing at Iwo Jima and the battle that ensued. Peters’ group was there to repair the airfield closest to Mt. Suribachi, and then set up shop in foxholes on the island. He provides great detail of his experiences there. He assisted with the surveying and engineering of another airfield and describes his involvement. After Iwo Jima he returned to the States for a discharge. Peters went on to work for the Department of the Army as a civilian and retired in 1975.
Oral History Interview with B. C. Peters, January 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with B C Peters. Peters joined the Navy in September of 1942. He served with the 31st Seabee Battalion. From 1942 to 1943 he worked in Bermuda, building a refueling station as well as working with a survey crew. He worked on surveys for the construction of a submarine dock at St. Georges and a military highway near Hamilton. He was transferred to Camp Endicott, Rhode Island, where he was trained as Crew Chief of an 81mm mortar squad and his survey party made a topographic map of the area. They were later assigned to the mountains of Hawaii and he describes his living conditions there, and the scenery. They completed physical training and trained aboard an LCM as well. They traveled to Eniwetok and Iwo Jima. He provides great detail of landing at Iwo Jima and the battle that ensued. Peters’ group was there to repair the airfield closest to Mt. Suribachi, and then set up shop in foxholes on the island. He provides great detail of his experiences there. He assisted with the surveying and engineering of another airfield and describes his involvement. After Iwo Jima he returned to the States for a discharge. Peters went on to work for the Department of the Army as a civilian and retired in 1975.
Oral History Interview with Ruth Bennett, January 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ruth Bennett. Bennett grew up in Texas. She worked in Big Spring as a personnel secretary and married an officer in the Air Force.
Oral History Interview with Ruth Bennett, January 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ruth Bennett. Bennett grew up in Texas. She worked in Big Spring as a personnel secretary and married an officer in the Air Force.
Oral History Interview with Elliott Ross, May 1, 2001
Interview with Elliott Ross who joined the U.S. Navy during World War II. He discusses being a landing craft coxswain carrying troops and supplies from ships to the shore in seven invasions: Guam, Leyte, Luzon, Santacristo, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and as an occupation force in Japan after the surrender. He talks mostly about Guam, Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Japan, but also mentions burials at sea and on the beachs, seeing his brother's ship get hit by torpedoes, and the emotional toll of the war.
Oral History Interview with Nelson Granzella, June 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Nelson Granzella. Granzella joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Omaha (CL-4), based in the French Riviera. He traveled to Italy, North Africa, Turkey, and Greece during the Spanish Civil War. After the invasion of Poland, he stayed in Portugal for a few months and was then reassigned to the USS Wapello (YN-56). After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was tasked with removing oil from the surface of waterways. He was then assigned to the USS Dash (AM-88), sweeping mines around Tulagi. He was transferred to the USS England (DE-635) as chief quartermaster, tracking the stars and relaying information to the navigator. Granzella also helped sink several Japanese submarines near Papua New Guinea. He would plot the submarines’ movements based on information given to him by sonar operators and then relay the information to the bridge. After the war, Granzella became a specialist in photo intelligence based in Washington, D.C.
Oral History Interview with Nelson Granzella, June 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Nelson Granzella. Granzella joined the Navy and served aboard the USS Omaha (CL-4), based in the French Riviera. He traveled to Italy, North Africa, Turkey, and Greece during the Spanish Civil War. After the invasion of Poland, he stayed in Portugal for a few months and was then reassigned to the USS Wapello (YN-56). After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was tasked with removing oil from the surface of waterways. He was then assigned to the USS Dash (AM-88), sweeping mines around Tulagi. He was transferred to the USS England (DE-635) as chief quartermaster, tracking the stars and relaying information to the navigator. Granzella also helped sink several Japanese submarines near Papua New Guinea. He would plot the submarines’ movements based on information given to him by sonar operators and then relay the information to the bridge. After the war, Granzella became a specialist in photo intelligence based in Washington, D.C.
Oral History Interview with Preston Holcomb, September 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral monologue with Preston Holcomb. Holcomb joined the Navy in Houston, Texas in 1938 when he was 17 years old. He volunteered for service in China and was assigned to the USS Tulsa (PG-22) when he arrived in Hong Kong in November 1939. Holcomb recalls fighting fires at the fuel docks at Cavite shortly after the Japanese attacked the Philippines. He describes some of his adventures eluding the Japanese Fleet as the Tulsa made her way to Australia. Late in 1943, Holcomb was detached from the Tulsa and ordered aboard the USS Tinsman (DE-589). He returned to the Philippines on the Tinsman in time for the liberation.
Oral History Interview with Preston Holcomb, September 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral monologue with Preston Holcomb. Holcomb joined the Navy in Houston, Texas in 1938 when he was 17 years old. He volunteered for service in China and was assigned to the USS Tulsa (PG-22) when he arrived in Hong Kong in November 1939. Holcomb recalls fighting fires at the fuel docks at Cavite shortly after the Japanese attacked the Philippines. He describes some of his adventures eluding the Japanese Fleet as the Tulsa made her way to Australia. Late in 1943, Holcomb was detached from the Tulsa and ordered aboard the USS Tinsman (DE-589). He returned to the Philippines on the Tinsman in time for the liberation.
Oral History Interview with Douglas C. Davis, October 1, 2000
Transcript of an oral interview with Commander Douglas C. Davis. Davis joined the Navy in 1939 after having learned to fly as a civilian. He went through naval flight training at Pensacola, Florida and earned his wings in September, 1940. Upon completion of training, he reported to Pearl Harbor, his first duty station, in December 1940, where he was assigned to BP-22. Davis describes alot of his activities at Pearl Harbor prior to the outbreak of war. These included advance base operations, search and rescue, mapping operations and standard patrols. Davis shares anecdotes about his activities during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Davis's unit was assigned to dutyin the Southwest Pacific. He describes being attacked by Japanese planes while arriving in New Guinea. On 3 June 1942, Davis landed on Midway Island prior to the Japanese attack there. He was assigned to attack the Japanese flotilla headed for Midway from PBY armed with a torpedo. Davis describes his attack on the Japanese ships. Davis finished his time in the service at a post in one of the Navy bureaus in Washington, DC. He retired from the Navy in 1967.
Oral History Interview with Douglas C. Davis, October 1, 2000
Transcript of an oral interview with Commander Douglas C. Davis. Davis joined the Navy in 1939 after having learned to fly as a civilian. He went through naval flight training at Pensacola, Florida and earned his wings in September, 1940. Upon completion of training, he reported to Pearl Harbor, his first duty station, in December 1940, where he was assigned to BP-22. Davis describes alot of his activities at Pearl Harbor prior to the outbreak of war. These included advance base operations, search and rescue, mapping operations and standard patrols. Davis shares anecdotes about his activities during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Davis's unit was assigned to dutyin the Southwest Pacific. He describes being attacked by Japanese planes while arriving in New Guinea. On 3 June 1942, Davis landed on Midway Island prior to the Japanese attack there. He was assigned to attack the Japanese flotilla headed for Midway from PBY armed with a torpedo. Davis describes his attack on the Japanese ships. Davis finished his time in the service at a post in one of the Navy bureaus in Washington, DC. He retired from the Navy in 1967.
Oral History Interview with Edward Jacquet, October 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward Jacquet. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin August 29, 1918. He joined the Army Air Corps as a flying cadet in February 1940 and was assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group. He recalls arriving at Clark Field in early November 1941. After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, Jacquet flew B-17s conducting various missions between Luzon and Mindanao until his plane was too damaged to fly. He describes how he was then placed in command of a Filipino Reservist machine gun platoon in the village of Cagayan. Jacquet lived several weeks with the natives until he contracted malaria and was evacuated to Java in January 1942. He describes his escape from Java to Melbourne, Australia, where he was hospitalized with dengue fever. Upon discharge from the hospital, he was assigned to demonstrate the B-17 to several high-ranking Australian officers. He also recounts several bombing missions to New Guinea in the spring of 1942, including sorties to the Japanese Naval Base at Rabaul. He returned to the United States in December 1942. During the following year and a half he trained B-29 crews and was sent to Wendover, Utah in support of the Manhattan Project. He recalls his involvement in the testing of the procedure later used for loading the atomic bomb onto the Enola Gay. He met Paul Tibbets and his crew as well as Enrico Fermi. At the end of the war he was still with the Manhattan Project, training crews to fly the modified B-29s.
Oral History Interview with Edward Jacquet, October 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward Jacquet. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin August 29, 1918. He joined the Army Air Corps as a flying cadet in February 1940 and was assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group. He recalls arriving at Clark Field in early November 1941. After the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, Jacquet flew B-17s conducting various missions between Luzon and Mindanao until his plane was too damaged to fly. He describes how he was then placed in command of a Filipino Reservist machine gun platoon in the village of Cagayan. Jacquet lived several weeks with the natives until he contracted malaria and was evacuated to Java in January 1942. He describes his escape from Java to Melbourne, Australia, where he was hospitalized with dengue fever. Upon discharge from the hospital, he was assigned to demonstrate the B-17 to several high-ranking Australian officers. He also recounts several bombing missions to New Guinea in the spring of 1942, including sorties to the Japanese Naval Base at Rabaul. He returned to the United States in December 1942. During the following year and a half he trained B-29 crews and was sent to Wendover, Utah in support of the Manhattan Project. He recalls his involvement in the testing of the procedure later used for loading the atomic bomb onto the Enola Gay. He met Paul Tibbets and his crew as well as Enrico Fermi. At the end of the war he was still with the Manhattan Project, training crews to fly the modified B-29s.
Oral History Interview with James T. Murphy, October 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James T. Murphy. Murphy grew up in Montana and joined the Army Air Corps in May 1941. Once he finished training, he was assigned to the 43rd Bomb Group, 63rd Bomb Squadron. He then went to reconnaissance for the Battle of Midway. He then rejoined the Pacific Theater and pacticipated in skip bombing and flying B17s. He tells the story of receiving his Silver Star from General Douglas MacArthur. He mentions returning to the Air Force in 1949 and remaining in service for 20 years, until he left to join NASA as a civilian. He also mentions writing a book on Skip Bombing in the 1990s.
Oral History Interview with James T. Murphy, October 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James T. Murphy. Murphy grew up in Montana and joined the Army Air Corps in May 1941. Once he finished training, he was assigned to the 43rd Bomb Group, 63rd Bomb Squadron. He then went to reconnaissance for the Battle of Midway. He then rejoined the Pacific Theater and pacticipated in skip bombing and flying B17s. He tells the story of receiving his Silver Star from General Douglas MacArthur. He mentions returning to the Air Force in 1949 and remaining in service for 20 years, until he left to join NASA as a civilian. He also mentions writing a book on Skip Bombing in the 1990s.
Oral History Interview with Mr. Iwashita, October 1, 2000
Transcript of an oral interview with Mr. Iwashita. From his Japanese Naval Academy class of 360, he was among 120 selected for flight training. Upon completion, he was chosen to be an instructor. After eight months serving as an instructor, Iwashita was assigned to combat duty with the 301st Air WIng at Yokosuka. Iwashita describes using aerial bombs to destroy attacking American bombers.
Oral History Interview with Mr. Iwashita, October 1, 2000
Transcript of an oral interview with Mr. Iwashita. From his Japanese Naval Academy class of 360, he was among 120 selected for flight training. Upon completion, he was chosen to be an instructor. After eight months serving as an instructor, Iwashita was assigned to combat duty with the 301st Air WIng at Yokosuka. Iwashita describes using aerial bombs to destroy attacking American bombers.
Oral History Interview with Paul E. Stevens, October 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Paul F. Stevens. Stevens grew up in Missouri and participated in the college pilot training program. He joined the Navy in 1941. After training, he was assigned to the PBY-3. He was on a maneuver when a Morse code message came in that Oahu was being attacked. The next day he was part of a counter attack on the Japanese Fleet. Eventually he went to Perth, Australia and flew ""negative patrols."" In June 1943 he went up to Port Moresby. In November 1943, he returned to the U.S. and joined the Patrol Bomb Squadron 104 (VPB-104). He trained on the B-24 Liberator. He deployed to Morotai in November 1944. In December he moved to Tacloban, Leyte. He describes an attack on a Japanese force in Mindoro during December. In March 1945, Stevens is at Paul Field. He discusses two court martial proceedings related to his actions and shooting down Vice Admiral Yamagata. Later the admiral's granddaughter Myhoko Yamagata contacts Stevens.
Oral History Interview with Paul E. Stevens, October 1, 2000
The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Paul F. Stevens. Stevens grew up in Missouri and participated in the college pilot training program. He joined the Navy in 1941. After training, he was assigned to the PBY-3. He was on a maneuver when a Morse code message came in that Oahu was being attacked. The next day he was part of a counter attack on the Japanese Fleet. Eventually he went to Perth, Australia and flew ""negative patrols."" In June 1943 he went up to Port Moresby. In November 1943, he returned to the U.S. and joined the Patrol Bomb Squadron 104 (VPB-104). He trained on the B-24 Liberator. He deployed to Morotai in November 1944. In December he moved to Tacloban, Leyte. He describes an attack on a Japanese force in Mindoro during December. In March 1945, Stevens is at Paul Field. He discusses two court martial proceedings related to his actions and shooting down Vice Admiral Yamagata. Later the admiral's granddaughter Myhoko Yamagata contacts Stevens.
Oral History Interview with Stanley Vejtasa, October 1, 2000
Transcript of an oral interview with Stanley Vejtasa. Mr Vejtasa was born in 1914 on a farm in Montana. While at the University of Montana, he signed up for the Navy and went to Pensacola in 1938. He graduated from flight school and joined his first squadron, Scouting Squadron 5, in early 1939 on board the USS Yorktown which was based in San Diego; he was flying bi-planes (SBC-3). Vejtasa describes an exercise the Yorktown did with the USS Ranger in the Atlantic prior to the war, cruising down toward Africa and up to the north in the Atlantic. Shortly after December 7, 1941, the Yorktown was ordered to join the Pacific Fleet. When they went through the Panama Canal, they hung a sign on the back that said USS Wasp. Their first sortie was with the USS Enterprise on the Makin Islands strikes. After that, the Yorktown went into the South Pacific and participated in the strikes in the Guadalcanal area. He was flying a SBD now and describes the fogging problem with the gun sight and the glass. He was hit on one of these attacks but got back to the Yorktown safely. Next was the Battle of the Coral Sea. Vejtasa describes being behind the squadron's skipper (Bill Burch) when he hit the Japanese aircraft carrier Shoho with a 500 pound bomb, right in the middle of the flight deck about a third of the way back from the bow. He also tells the story after he landed back on the Yorktown of several Japanese aircraft coming down toward his carrier but they did not bomb or strafe; no idea why. Vijtasa states he was on the deck of the Yorktown and saw them abandoning the Lexington. After the Yorktown's return to Pearl Harbor, Vejtasa was detached …
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