Resource Type

Oral History Interview with Edward Larson, July 23, 2015 transcript

Oral History Interview with Edward Larson, July 23, 2015

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edward Larson. Larson joined the Army Air Forces in January, 1943 and became a pilot and was commissioned in April, 1944. He was first assigned as an instructor. He finally went overseas to India and was stationed in the Assam Valley where he participated in transporting material over the Himalaya Mountains to China beginning in January 1945. After a few trips over the Hump, Larson was stationed in China where he flew transport missions to various bases in China. Larson describes some of the flying conditions he experienced in the Himalaya Mountains as well as his experiences during the war in China.
Date: July 23, 2015
Creator: Larson, Edward
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Warren Suter, July 3, 2001 transcript

Oral History Interview with Warren Suter, July 3, 2001

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Warren Suter. Suter finished his course work at The Ohio State University before signing up with the Navy. He received his commission in May, 1941. After that, Suter went to work in the Ordnance Bureau overseeing the production of five-inch gun mounts at a factory in Ohio. In 1943, he was transferred to the San Francisco bay Area and discusses anti-submarine nets deployed in the bay. Toward the end of the war, Suter went to Guam and worked in a drafting office making plans for a large dental parlor and an outdoor theater.
Date: July 3, 2001
Creator: Suter, Warren
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Alexander Vraciu, July 11, 2000 transcript

Oral History Interview with Alexander Vraciu, July 11, 2000

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alexander Vraciu. Vraciu learned to fly airplanes in college and went into the Navy to be a fighter pilot. He trained at Corpus Christi, Texas. He speaks of being assigned to a fighter squadron (VF-6) and heading overseas. Vraciu details aerial combat and dogfights with the Japanese over Wake Island, Tarawa and Kwajalein. He also speaks of flying missions as Edward ""Butch"" O'Hare's wingman. He mentions he was operating off the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9). Vraciu discusses his role in the Battle of the Philippine Seas, also known as the Marianas Turkey Shoot, and becoming a fighter ace. He continues by discussing further missions in the Philippines campaign.
Date: July 11, 2000
Creator: Vraciu, Alexander
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Joe R. Griffin, July 20, 2015 transcript

Oral History Interview with Joe R. Griffin, July 20, 2015

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joe R. Griffin. Griffin joined the Marine Corps in December of 1942. He served in Company C, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 4th Marine Division. They participated in the battles of Kwajalein, Tinian and Saipan. In June of 1944, on Saipan, Griffin received a direct hit, shattering his right arm. He was evacuated and received an honorable discharge in April of 1945.
Date: July 20, 2015
Creator: Griffin, Joe R
System: The Portal to Texas History