The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Clevenger. Clevenger was born in Fulton County, Indiana in May 1925 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1944. Following boot camp and communications training in January 1945, he embarked aboard the USS Meriwether (APA-203) in San Diego and sailed to Pearl Harbor. He boarded another troopship in Hawaii and sailed to Saipan. Clevenger then boarded USS LST-641 bound for Okinawa. During that transit the LST sailed through a typhoon. He was assigned to the 1st Provisional Anti-aircraft Artillery Group of III Amphibious Corps and landed on Okinawa on 5 April 1945. His group operated 90mm artillery and he describes the features of the radar system. His duties included communicating by radio and telephone with other anti-aircraft batteries on the island. He frequently heard Tokyo Rose broadcasting American music. He had several close calls with Japanese bombers and was on Okinawa when Japan surrendered. He was transferred to the First Marine Division and embarked on the USS Randall (APA-224) on 30 September bound for China. His convoy encountered nearly 1,000 mines in the Yellow Sea. He was badly burned while in China, but soon recovered and …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Clevenger. Clevenger was born in Fulton County, Indiana in May 1925 and enlisted in the Marine Corps in March 1944. Following boot camp and communications training in January 1945, he embarked aboard the USS Meriwether (APA-203) in San Diego and sailed to Pearl Harbor. He boarded another troopship in Hawaii and sailed to Saipan. Clevenger then boarded USS LST-641 bound for Okinawa. During that transit the LST sailed through a typhoon. He was assigned to the 1st Provisional Anti-aircraft Artillery Group of III Amphibious Corps and landed on Okinawa on 5 April 1945. His group operated 90mm artillery and he describes the features of the radar system. His duties included communicating by radio and telephone with other anti-aircraft batteries on the island. He frequently heard Tokyo Rose broadcasting American music. He had several close calls with Japanese bombers and was on Okinawa when Japan surrendered. He was transferred to the First Marine Division and embarked on the USS Randall (APA-224) on 30 September bound for China. His convoy encountered nearly 1,000 mines in the Yellow Sea. He was badly burned while in China, but soon recovered and …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Sullivan. Sullivan was born 11 November 1923. He joined the Navy in December of 1942. He served as an Electrician’s Mate aboard USS Wesson (DE-184). They traveled to Kwajalein and the Marianas. Sullivan speaks of supporting the Philippine Island operations, and the Okinawa invasion. He returned to the US in late 1945, and received his discharge in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Sullivan. Sullivan was born 11 November 1923. He joined the Navy in December of 1942. He served as an Electrician’s Mate aboard USS Wesson (DE-184). They traveled to Kwajalein and the Marianas. Sullivan speaks of supporting the Philippine Island operations, and the Okinawa invasion. He returned to the US in late 1945, and received his discharge in 1946.

Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz indicates he is not in need of funds and has plenty of clothing. He also relates information about his weekly grades and his standing. Nimitz describes a rowing competition and anticipates more German naval cadets and another prince to visit the Academy.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Howard Charles. Charles was born in Picher, Oklahoma in 1919. Placed in a foster home at sixteen years of age he was encouraged to complete high school and attended college. On 6 June 1940 he joined the US Marine Corps and went to San Diego for boot camp. After boot training he was selected for Marine Corps Field Intelligence Training. When he completed this training he was ordered to proceed to Shanghai. Prior to arrival, his orders changed and he was assigned aboard the USS Houston (CA-30). He describes being in the battles of Makassar Straits, the Java Sea and Sunda Straits. When the Houston sank, Charles became a prisoner of war. He tells a vivid tale of torture, abuse and malnutrition during a trip on a hell ship to Changi Prison Camp. There, he experienced dreadful conditions, diseases, starvation and death. Prisoners worked as slave laborers on the Burma—Siam Railroad. He was with a group of prisoners moved to Camp Kanchanaburi, near Bangkok, Thailand. He recalls continued mistreatment and starvation and describes atrocities he observed including the beheading of Australian prisoners of war. After the surrender of …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Leon Stath. Stath joined the Navy and volunteered for submarine duty in 1944. After finishing sound school and torpedo school, he was sent to the Pacific and assigned aboard the submarine tender USS Howard W Gilmore (AS-16) at Subic Bay. He also served on submarine skeleton crews ferrying subs as well as aboard USS Requin (SS-481) when Slade Cutter commanded. When the war ended, Stath took his discharge in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Leon Stath. Stath joined the Navy and volunteered for submarine duty in 1944. After finishing sound school and torpedo school, he was sent to the Pacific and assigned aboard the submarine tender USS Howard W Gilmore (AS-16) at Subic Bay. He also served on submarine skeleton crews ferrying subs as well as aboard USS Requin (SS-481) when Slade Cutter commanded. When the war ended, Stath took his discharge in late 1945.

A recording of the Up Periscope! Submarine Operations in the Pacific 1941-1945 Symposium. Recording includes the cutting of the ribbon speech the day before the Up Periscope! symposium. Speakers include Marshall Steves and Chester W. Nimitz Jr.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Cecil King. King joined the Navy shortly after graduating from high school in 1934. After training in San Diego, King was assigned to the USS Portland (CA-33). He met President Roosevelt aboard the Portland during a fishing trip. He then volunteered for yeoman duty at the Panama Canal Zone in 1935. While there, he met Admiral John S. McCain. He re-enlisted in 1938 and was assigned to the USS Davis (DD-395). He stayed aboard for a short time patrolling the Outer Banks before transferring to the USS Warrington (DD-383). He served aboard her with Chester Nimitz, Jr. King volunteered for China duty and was assigned to the USS Augusta (CA-31). While on Asiatic Station, King mentions going to Shanghai on liberty. He served aboard the USS Houston (CA-30) prior to the outbreak of WWII. He was sick with dengue fever in Manila when the Japanese attacked the naval base at Cavite. King managed to escape from Corregidor aboard the USS Peary (DD-226) and debarked in Darwin, Australia. He eventually made it to Java before pulling out on the USS Sturgeon (SS-187) for Perth. King finally made it to …

Video footage from a symposium sponsored by the National Museum of the Pacific War entitled Up Periscope! discussing submarine operations in the Pacific from 1941 to 1945. The first session is included in this recording, "Historical Perspectives". The program is moderated by Paul Stillwell. Panelists include Adm. Chester Nimitz Jr., Dr. Eric Holmes, Cpt. Edward L. Beech, and Dr. Carl Boyd.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ivan Hammond. Hammond joined the Marine Corps in 1943. After training as an air liaison as a part of Joint Assault Signal Company (JASCO), He became a part of the invasion force for Iwo Jima and describes landing on the beach, trying to dig a foxhole, and moving across the island. He witnessed the flag raisings from the base of Mount Suribachi and saw some of the first B-29s land on the island detailing the battle damage. His enlistment ended in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Michael Pohorilla. Pohorilla enlisted in the aviation cadet program for the Army Air Force in December of 1942. He provides great detail of his training. In the fall of 1943 to the spring of 1944 he trained in aerial gunnery and shares his experiences in school. In June of 1944 he landed in Liverpool, England. He was assigned to the 385th Bomb Group, 550th Bomb Squadron in the 8th Air Force. He served as a navigator aboard a B-17 and describes each of his crew members. He details a number of his missions, which were all in the industrial centers of Germany. He provides some information on their targets, which included Germany’s manufacturing and transportation complexes. They flew 35 missions overall. He talks some on life in England, where they were still subjected to the V-1 and V-2 bombs overhead. He returned to the States in April of 1945, where he taught special courses at Brooks Field. He was discharged in October of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Gunner Johnson. Johnson joined the Marines in January, 1944. He trained at San Diego and was assigned as a machine gunner to the Fifth Marine Division. He travelled with the division to Hawaii, then Iwo Jima, where he landed with the second wave with the 27th Marines. He spent several weeks in combat and relates several stories. On 12 March, Johnson was wounded and then evacuated to Guam via C-47. He rejoined his unit and was loading out for the invasion of Japan when the war ended. He went for occupation duty at Sasebo. He returned to the US and was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Zane Puckett. Puckett joined the Navy in April, 1942. After boot training, he qualified for communications school. Upon graduation, Puckett was assigned aboard USS PC-602. After transiting the Panama Canal, Puckett joined USS YMS-93 as her signalman in August, 1943. At the Marshall Islands, they patrolled for submarines and accidentally damaged their wooden keel. After repairs at Pearl Harbor, YMS-93 headed for Okinawa in time for the invasion. Puckett explains how minesweepers operated. When the war ended, YMS-93 swept waters off the coast of Japan.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Thomas B. Dabney. Dabney wanted to go to the Naval Academy, but was denied entry as a second alternate. Undaunted, he enlisted in the Navy, working toward receiving an appointment to the Academy from the ranks, which he achieved in May 1932, after serving aboard the USS Texas (BB-35). He graduated from the Academy in 1936 and served aboard surface ships: USS New York (BB-34), USS Chester (CA-27), USS Indianapolis (CA-35). During this period, Dabney befriended Joe Rochefort. In May, 1940, he was transferred to the USS Bernadou (DD-153) and began escorting supplies across the Atlantic to Iceland. Dabney was assigned to submarine school in September, 1941 and was graduated early after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He joined the Pacific Fleet in January 1942. At first, he was assigned to the USS Pompano (SS-181), but was in the hospital when it sailed. He instead boarded the USS Plunger (SS-179) and describes some of its war patrols while he was aboard. In May, 1944, Dabney was assigned to the USS Becuna (SS-319) before being called to command the USS Guitarro (SS-363) in December in Fremantle, Australia. After the …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arnold Peters. Peters joined the Navy in 1944. He served in the commissary department as a butcher at a Naval Air Base in San Diego. His wife worked as a cook for a children’s nursery at an aircraft factory. He ranked Petty Officer, Third Class, and received his discharge in early 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John P. Starkey. Starkey was born in Kansas City, Missouri 8 March 1925 and graduated from high school in 1941. He enlisted in the Navy and went to Great Lakes Naval Training Station, Illinois for six weeks of boot training. After graduation, he attended fire control school for four months. Upon completion of the training, he was assigned to the USS Wyoming (BB-32). In April 1943, he was assigned to the USS Boise (CL-47). During July 1943 the ship provided fire support for the invasion of Sicily. When the Boise returned to Philadelphia, Starkey was selected to attend submarine school at New London, Connecticut. Following eight weeks of basics, four weeks of battery and gyro school and six weeks of specialized training he reported aboard the USS Mackerel (SS-204) at New London. In 1944 he was accepted into the V-12 program at Park University, Missouri. His father, at age forty-four, joined the US Coast Guard. Starkey lost his brother, killed in action in Europe. The V-12 program was terminated and Starkey was assigned temporarily to the USS Texas (BB-35). He was then assigned to the USS Pargo (SS-264) …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Ernst. Ernst joined the Army and was assigned to an artillery unit in the 75th Infantry Division. He landed in France in October, 1944 and fought at the Battle of the Bulge attached to the 101st Airborne Division. He served briefly as a forward artillery observer. When the war ended, Ernst stayed in the Army and served in Korea and Vietnam.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Michael J. Bauman. Bauman was born 14 September 1919 in Star City, Indiana. Joining the Army Air Corps in 1940, he went to Patterson Field in Dayton, Ohio. He was then sent to Langley Field, Virginia where he volunteered for the bombardier program. Bauman and seven others began the training with no written instructions and very little equipment. In January 1941 he began practice bombing missions in a Douglas B-18 bomber. By May, Bauman was training in B-26s. He discusses the various attributes of each type of plane. Remembering 7 December 1941 he tells of being ordered back to the air field where they immediately began mounting machine guns and bomb racks on all the bombers. On 8 December they flew the planes to Muroc, California where he was assigned to the 22nd Bomb Group (Medium), 33rd Squadron. He relates several flying escapades that occurred prior to boarding the USS U.S. Grant (AP-29) for Hawaii. In March 1942 they flew to Townsville, Australia. On 10 April he flew his first bombing mission over Rabaul. He comments on the lack of success of the mission. Bauman flew sixteen combat …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Michael Pohorilla. Pohorilla enlisted in the aviation cadet program for the Army Air Force in December of 1942. He provides great detail of his training. In the fall of 1943 to the spring of 1944 he trained in aerial gunnery and shares his experiences in school. In June of 1944 he landed in Liverpool, England. He was assigned to the 385th Bomb Group, 550th Bomb Squadron in the 8th Air Force. He served as a navigator aboard a B-17 and describes each of his crew members. He details a number of his missions, which were all in the industrial centers of Germany. He provides some information on their targets, which included Germany’s manufacturing and transportation complexes. They flew 35 missions overall. He talks some on life in England, where they were still subjected to the V-1 and V-2 bombs overhead. He returned to the States in April of 1945, where he taught special courses at Brooks Field. He was discharged in October of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ivan Hammond. Hammond joined the Marine Corps in 1943. After training as an air liaison as a part of Joint Assault Signal Company (JASCO), He became a part of the invasion force for Iwo Jima and describes landing on the beach, trying to dig a foxhole, and moving across the island. He witnessed the flag raisings from the base of Mount Suribachi and saw some of the first B-29s land on the island detailing the battle damage. His enlistment ended in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Zane Puckett. Puckett joined the Navy in April, 1942. After boot training, he qualified for communications school. Upon graduation, Puckett was assigned aboard USS PC-602. After transiting the Panama Canal, Puckett joined USS YMS-93 as her signalman in August, 1943. At the Marshall Islands, they patrolled for submarines and accidentally damaged their wooden keel. After repairs at Pearl Harbor, YMS-93 headed for Okinawa in time for the invasion. Puckett explains how minesweepers operated. When the war ended, YMS-93 swept waters off the coast of Japan.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Ernst. Ernst joined the Army and was assigned to an artillery unit in the 75th Infantry Division. He landed in France in October, 1944 and fought at the Battle of the Bulge attached to the 101st Airborne Division. He served briefly as a forward artillery observer. When the war ended, Ernst stayed in the Army and served in Korea and Vietnam.