The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Ramage. Ramage James D Ramage graduated from the Naval Academy in 1939. In 1943 he joined the USS Enterprise (CV-6), and became executive officer and later commanding officer of Bombing Squadron Ten (United States. Navy. Bombing Squadron 10 (VB-10)), flying the SBD Dauntless dive bomber. He saw his first combat in the Battle of Kwajalein in January 1944, and participated in the attack on Truk in February and landings at Hollandia in April. During the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944, he led 29 aircraft from Enterprise in a maximum-range twilight attack against the Japanese fleet, and was personally credited with crippling a Japanese aircraft carrier. Ramage additionally participated in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was promoted to rear admiral in June of 1967, and retired in January of 1976.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Will Scott. Scott joined the Navy in May of 1941. He served as a Gunner’s Mate aboard the USS Utah (BB-31). He shares his experiences living at sea, his work and general life aboard the Utah. Scott also provides details of the attack while berthed in Pearl Harbor. After the Utah was sunk, Scott was assigned to the USS Honolulu (CL-48) for ten months, and then transferred to the USS Denver (CL-58) for two and half years. From there he served aboard the USS Harold J. Ellison (DD-864) until the war ended. During his service he traveled to the Aleutian Islands, Guadalcanal and Leyte Gulf.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Raymond and Florence Bower. Raymond joined the Army in 1940. He completed aircraft mechanics school and joined the 86th Observation Squadron, 7th Air Force, at Bellows Field in Hawaii. He provides vivid details of his first-hand experiences through the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. He recalls the capture of a Japanese soldier from a midget sub, who later attended their 50th squadron reunion in Hawaii. Raymond stayed in Hawaii until July of 1945. Raymond flew all over the South Pacific in B-24s, and notes that his unit was converted into a combat mapping squadron. They traveled from Honolulu to Saipan, Kwajalein, Japan, Tinian. Florence completed nurse training and served in World War II with the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, from 1943 to 1945. She completed recruiting school and was assigned to the Northern New Jersey, Delaware recruiting area. She encouraged women, through TV, radio and speaking engagements to join the military. Florence provides details of her public relations work, her uniform, selling war bonds and overall enthusiasm in serving her country. She was then assigned to the Staten Island Area Station Hospital in New York from …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Theron MacKay. MacKay was born in Providence, Rhode Island 13 July 1924 and joined the Navy in June 1943. After completing boot camp at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center, Illinois, he was sent to Solomons, Maryland for amphibious training. He received four weeks of training in the duties of each member of a boat crew in various types of large landing craft and graduated as a qualified Coxswain. He then went aboard the USS Samuel Chase (APA-26) for more training. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Dorothea L. Dix (AP-67) and participated in the landing in North Africa on 8 November 1942. Upon returning to the US, MacKay reported aboard USS LST-342. After being outfitted with various guns, they departed in March 1943, along with twelve other LSTs, for the Solomon Islands. USS LST-342 was torpedoed by Japanese submarine Ro-106. The explosion blew the ship in half and only five of the 86-man crew survived. Over fifty of the soldiers on board were killed. MacKay was wounded and taken to a field hospital on Guadalcanal for emergency treatment and then to the Noumea, New Caledonia …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Walt McKinney. McKinney joined the Navy around 1944. He worked at the Naval Ammunition Depot in Fallbrook, California, dismantling depth charges. He later served as Yeoman Third-Class on the island of Guam for 4 months, where McKinney processed enlisted men deployed to the Pacific and returning to the US. He then worked aboard the USS Lunga Point (CVE-94). He returned to the US and was discharged in August of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ken Barden. Barden joined the Navy in 1942, and was called to active duty in July of 1943. He was assigned to the Navy V-12 program, graduating around March of 1944. He then completed Midshipman’s School in June, and was commissioned in the Naval Reserve. After finishing amphibious boat training in December, he was assigned to the USS Charles Carroll (APA-28). They participated in the Battle of Okinawa. He recalls Ernie Pyle riding in his landing craft to the beach at Okinawa. After the war ended, they became part of the Magic Carpet Fleet, making voyages from the west coast to the Philippines and the Far East, carrying occupation troops west-bound, and returning servicemen east-bound. Barden was discharged in August of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Warren S. Adams II. The day after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Adams set aside his law career and joined the Marine Corps. Adams began his Marine career as an instructor, but wished for another assignment. He ended up on Saipan and describes his experiences there.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ed Carseth. He discusses an early interest in aviation and earned his pilot's license through the Civilian Pilot Training program. He spent a year as an instructor before joining the Air Transport Command. Through 1944 he delivered aircraft to Australia before being assigned to Myitkyina, Burma. He speaks of living conditions at Myitkyina and flying materials over the Himalaya Mountains (the Hump) from Burma to Kunming, China. Carseth has anectdotes about meeting General Claire Chennault, Lord Louis Mountbatten, and a squadron mate who kept a baboon.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Betty Kaiser. Kaiser was born in Glasgow, Scotland prior to World War II. She tells of hearing air raid warnings that signaled the approach of German bombers in the area and describes the air raid shelters in the local neighborhood and those at school. Recalling a normal day’s activities during those times, she reflects upon the shortages and of rationing many necessities.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dick Williams. Williams joined the Army Air Forces in May of 1943. He completed mechanic school, and served as an airplane and engine mechanic. He also completed infantry basic training and was assigned as a mechanic to the 13th Air Force. Williams did not participate in any ground fighting. He traveled to New Caledonia, Borneo, Palawan and Leyte. He was discharged in late 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chester Gacek. Gacek joined the Navy in 1943. He was trained as a radioman and was assigned to the USS El Dorado (AGC-11). Gacek was aboard during the invasion of Okinawa and mentions how he recorded messages received in Morse Code. He was in Manila when the Japanese surrendered and describes transporting Japanese officers onboard the USS Okala (ARST-2) to war crimes trails.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Wilhelm. Wilhelm joined the Navy in April of 1944. He served as a Gunner’s Mate aboard USS El Dorado (AGC-11) from August of 1944 through August 1945. They served as a communications ship through the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Wilhelm was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Harold Ryan. Ryan joined the Army in September of 1944. He served with the 96th Infantry Division. He worked with and trained fellow servicemen on the M1 rifle. Ryan participated in the Battle of Okinawa. He was discharged in September of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arnold Spielberg. Spielberg was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on 6 February 1917. His mother and father migrated from the Ukraine. He joined the United States Army and based on his experience as a “Ham” radio operator and knowledge of Morse code, he was assigned to the 442nd Signal Corps. Soon afterwards, he was assigned to the United States Army Air Forces and went aboard the SS Santa Paul in May 1942 bound for Karachi, India. After a short stint in supply, Spielberg was transferred to the 490th Bombardment Group where he set up a communications center at Ondal, India. The unit then moved to Bishnapur, India where he became the communications chief. During this time he was instrumental in setting up a rhombic directional antenna to improve communication with New Delhi. He describes instances where he went directly to the manufacturer for parts that were badly needed. Following his tour in India, Spielberg was assigned to research and development at Wright Field where he stayed until he was discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mose Davie. Davie was born in Clarksville, Tennessee on 12 July 1918. He graduated from high school in 1938 and attended Tennessee State University majoring in engineering. In 1941 he was drafted into the United States Army under the Selective Training and Service Act. Following basic training he was assigned to the 382nd Engineer Construction Battalion. He tells of the segregated unit boarding the USS Hermitage (AP-54) bound for Bombay, India. Once in India, the battalion was assigned the job of building the Ledo Road. Working in jungles, swamps and over mountains and rivers, malaria was prevalent and many of the men died. He relates how food and supplies were brought in by C-46 and C-47 transport planes that flew over The Hump and of being subjected to periodic Japanese air raids over the construction camps. Upon completion of the Ledo Road, the battalion returned to India. Davie also attended USO shows that featured Joe E. Brown and Hank Greenberg. Following the surrender of Japan, Davie returned to the United States and received his discharge in 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Lee ""Tex"" Hill. He discusses his time with the Flying Tigers and with Air Force Fighter Groups flying missions in China, particularly the Salween Gorge bombing to keep the Japanese from crossing into China there.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Raymond Mnichowicz. Mnichowicz was born in Chicago, Illinois on 10 November 1927. He joined the US Navy in 1944 and attended boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Station. Following boot camp he was assigned to the engine room of the USS Pochard (AM-375). He tells of the ship being involved in the laying of smokescreens and minesweeping operations prior to the invasion of Okinawa and of the shooting down of Japanese aircraft during the operation. He also tells of the ship sweeping mines in both Sagami Bay and Tokyo Bay prior to the surrender of Japan and of being one of the first Americans to set foot on Japan following the surrender. Mnichowicz was discharged in 1946, but reenlisted shortly thereafter and retired from the Navy in 1967.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Salvatore Rascati. Rascati was born in New Haven, Connecticut on 12 May 1925. Entering the Navy in 1943 he attended boot camp at Sampson, New York. He then attended electrical school for four months followed by several months of training at the motion picture technical school in Brooklyn, New York. He was then assigned to the USS El Dorado (AGC-11). In 1944 the ship went to Guam at which time Vice Admiral Richmond Kelly Turner came on board with his staff. Rascati tells of the ship participating in the invasion of Iwo Jima and taking many of the Marine casualties on board. He also tells of the ship participating in the invasion of Okinawa and General Simon Bucker and Ernie Pyle being on board. Following the Okinawa operation the ship went to Manila. While there they heard about the atomic bomb attack. The ship returned to the United States soon after the Japanese surrender.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr. James E.T. Hopkins. Hopkins was born in Howard County, Maryland on 19 January 1915. Following high school, he attended The Johns Hopkins University graduating from the Medical School in 1941. He volunteered to go overseas with the Johns Hopkins Hospital Unit and was transported to Fiji aboard the SS President Coolidge (1931). On Fiji, they built the barracks out of reeds and bamboo and the hospital was a prefabricated building. In 1943 he volunteered to go to Guadalcanal and was assigned to the148th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion as a battle surgeon. On July 18 he was assigned to the 37th Infantry Division whose assignment was to capture Munda air field. He recalls the combat conditions encountered by the battalion and of the heroic actions of Private Roger Young, for which he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He comments on the number of cases of war neurosis (shell shock) that were treated. Heeding a call by President Roosevelt for volunteers for a dangerous mission, James was sent to Bombay, India where he joined the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional). It was commanded by Frank D. Merrill and …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dr. Wesley Furste. Furste was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on 19 April 1915. Having attended Harvard Medical School, Dr. Furste joined the US Army Medical Corps in August 1942 and was sent to the Field Medical Service School at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he was sent to Kunming, China and assigned as a surgeon in the United States Army 22nd Field Hospital. He tells of training various Chinese people in medical procedures and of treating combat casualties of the Salween River battle and the battle for Tengchong. He describes the various preventative measures taken to combat malaria. Following the surrender of Japan, Furste returned to the United States and continued his medical internship and training going into private practice in 1951. He is of the opinion that his wartime experiences prepared him for being noted as a world authority on gas gangrene and tetanus.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Witts. Witts was born in Texas 13 December 1920. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Texas until 1941. Leaving college during his senior year, he joined the FBI as a special agent in training and before completing the training he resigned and joined the US Army Air Corps in October 1941. After training at various installations he became a navigator in 1944. Witts received combat training in PBY5A aircraft at Kessler Field, Mississippi. He tells of picking up an aircraft at Hunter Field, Savannah, Georgia and flying to New Guinea where the plane and crew were assigned to the 13th Air Force. He describes the various types of missions flown and strong relationships the crew members formed. He tells of the living conditions encountered and the various types of landing strips from which they had to operate. Following the surrender of Japan he returned to the United States on a troop ship, received his discharge and reentered the University of Texas from which he graduated with a law degree.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Julius Casarez. Casarez was born in Austin, Texas on 9 May 1920. Upon joining the Army in December 1941, he had basic training in El Paso, Texas. Assigned to a machine gun anti-aircraft unit, he tells of sailing in convoy to Karachi, India. During July 1942, the unit moved to New Delhi. After six months they flew to Kunming, China. He describes traveling on the Burma Road to the Mekong River where they engaged in combat with the Japanese. In February 1945, Casarez returned to the United States.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Koch. Koch was born 31 October 1920 in Rochester, Indiana. He graduated from high school in 1939 and began working at various farms for one dollar per day. Upon being drafted into the US Army Air Forces in 1942, he was sent to Buckley Field, Colorado for six weeks of training in the operations and maintenance of machine guns. This was followed by gunnery training at Las Vegas Army Airfield in Nevada. Upon completion of the training he reported to Davis Monthan Air Base in Tucson, Arizona where he was assigned as a tail gunner on a B-24. After spending some time at several air fields, he was sent to Wendover Field, Utah. Here he was assigned to the crew of a new B-24 of the 489th Bomb Group, 847th Bomb Squadron. They flew to Holton, England. Soon after his arrival, he was assigned to the crew of another B-24 bearing the name Pregnant Peggy. He describes various mission flown, commenting on one where they returned to England on two engines with wounded crewmen on board. On 9 November 1944, he was transferred to the 9th Air …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with William Hunter. Hunter completed Civilian Pilot Training in college, acquired his pilot???s license and enlisted in the Army Air Forces in September of 1942. Hunter graduated from pilot training in July of 1943 and was commissioned. He joined the 94th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group flying a P-38. He provides some details of his trainings and the various planes he flew, including the P-38. In October of 1943 they traveled to North Africa, Italy and France, escorting bombers and going on strafing missions. They completed 35 combat missions. He later joined up with a service squadron, hauling freight, testing aircraft after repairs and transporting passengers. He was discharged in June of 1945. He received the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.