Oral History Interview with Thomas Warneke, December 18, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Thomas Warneke, December 18, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Thomas Warneke. Warneke joined the Navy in December of 1942. He completed Torpedo School and beginning January of 1944, Warneke served as Torpedoman aboard the USS Wesson (DE-184). They traveled to Pearl Harbor, the Philippines, Iwo Jima and Okinawa, supporting invasions. He recalls his experiences through a kamikaze attack on their ship. Warneke continued his service after the war ended, receiving his discharge in early 1948.
Date: December 18, 2013
Creator: Warneke, Thomas
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with John Corbisiero, December 19, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with John Corbisiero, December 19, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Corbisiero. Corbisiero was a freshman on Notre Dame's national champion football team when he was drafted, in 1944. With draft board approval, he joined the Merchant Marine Officer Training School at Alameda, where he was welcomed by officers who would become professional football stars. After running the academy's football team, Corbisiero boarded the SS Clovis Victory (1944), in the spring of 1945. As an engineer cadet, he answered directional commands, maintained the engine log, and operated the captain's gig. At Okinawa, he laid smokescreens, ever alert to the sound of suicide boats. At times, Corbisiero assisted the gun crew in fending off kamikazes. When it seemed safe to go ashore, Corbisiero went on a souvenir-hunting exhibition but soon found himself under enemy fire. With the help of Marines, he made it safely to his ship and soon received orders to return to the academy, at the request of its football coaching staff.
Date: December 19, 2013
Creator: Corbisiero, John
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Richard Overton, December 3, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Richard Overton, December 3, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard Overton. Overton joined the Army in 1942. He served with the 1887th Engineer Aviation Battalion, an all-black unit that served on various islands in the Pacific. They participated in the Palau Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. Their battalion assisted in building an airfield. He returned to the US and was discharged in 1945. He gained fame as the oldest living WWII veteran until his death in 2018.
Date: December 3, 2013
Creator: Overton, Richard
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Carthon Phillips, November 17, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Carthon Phillips, November 17, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carthon Phillips. Phillips was born in Vera, Texas on 17 April 1920 and grew up during the Depression. Soon after joining the Army Air Corps in 1941, he attended the Aviation School of Medicine in San Antonio. Upon completing the course, he qualified as a flight surgeon assistant assigned to the 7th Bomb Squadron and boarded USS Republic (AP-33) bound for Australia. He tells of being assigned to Cloncurry, Australia and graphically describes a combat mission he flew in a B-17 involving the use of Thermite bombs. Returning to the United States in 1942, he commenced flight training and he tells of the various aircraft he flew. Phillips also relates his experiences as a ground control approach instructor and his involvement in the Berlin Airlift. He retired after twenty-eight years of service.
Date: November 17, 2013
Creator: Phillips, Carthon
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Everett Ike McKay, August 6, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Everett Ike McKay, August 6, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Everett Ike McKay. McKay joined the Navy as a part of the V-7 program. He was commissioned as an ensign in July 1943. McKay was sent to minesweeper school and then assigned to the commissioning crew of the YMS-293. He discusses his duties as the executive officer. McKay also describes the operations, types of mines, and capabilities of the ship. He describes sweeping the invasion approaches. McKay discusses an incident where USS Mount Hood exploded, killing 3 men that he had just been with and severely damaging his ship. He describes going through a major typhoon, losing one engine, and all electric power. McKay also describes the role minesweepers played as a utility ship performing duties such as generating smoke and delivering mail. He was transferred back to the US and sent to demobilization school soon after he became a member of the inactive reserves.
Date: August 6, 2013
Creator: McKay, Everett
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with A. J. Durham, October 12, 2013 transcript

Oral History Interview with A. J. Durham, October 12, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with A J Durham. Durham joined the Navy in February of 1943. He served with Composite Squadron 55 (VC-55). After basic training, Durham worked at the Naval Air Station in Astoria, Oregon and unloaded ammunition ships. He later served with the Ordnance Department, synchronizing 30 caliber machine guns aboard TBMs. Durham transferred to Composite Squadron 4 (VC-4), and completed Torpedo School, and served as a Torpedo man and an Aviation Ordnance Mate aboard a TBF Avenger. In April of 1944, he began serving aboard USS White Plains (CVE-66) and recalls his experiences aboard the carrier during invasions of the Mariana and Palau Islands, and through the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Durham remained aboard during Operation MAGIC CARPET, returning troops back to the US. He continued his service in the Reserves, receiving his discharge in the early 1950s.
Date: October 12, 2013
Creator: Durham, A. J.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with A. J. Durham, October 12, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with A. J. Durham, October 12, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with A J Durham. Durham joined the Navy in February of 1943. He served with Composite Squadron 55 (VC-55). After basic training, Durham worked at the Naval Air Station in Astoria, Oregon and unloaded ammunition ships. He later served with the Ordnance Department, synchronizing 30 caliber machine guns aboard TBMs. Durham transferred to Composite Squadron 4 (VC-4), and completed Torpedo School, and served as a Torpedo man and an Aviation Ordnance Mate aboard a TBF Avenger. In April of 1944, he began serving aboard USS White Plains (CVE-66) and recalls his experiences aboard the carrier during invasions of the Mariana and Palau Islands, and through the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Durham remained aboard during Operation MAGIC CARPET, returning troops back to the US. He continued his service in the Reserves, receiving his discharge in the early 1950s.
Date: October 12, 2013
Creator: Durham, A. J.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Abner Aust, March 19, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Abner Aust, March 19, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Abner Aust. Aust joined the Army Air Forces in September 1941 and completed flight school in April 1943. He was assigned to Venice, Florida, as an instructor, often receiving extra runway duty on account of his mischievous acrobatics. In October 1944, he joined the 506th Fighter Group, 457th Fighter Squadron, as flight commander. Upon familiarizing himself with the P-51, he flew his first missions out of Tinian, moving next to Iwo Jima. While escorting B-29s, he sometimes broke away to lead his group of eight fighters to strafe opportunistically. He is credited with five victories, the last of which occurred on 10 August 1945, distinguishing him as the last fighter ace of World War II. Aust then served in the Air Force and participated in the Vietnam War. Just before his retirement, he worked at Bolling Air Force Base to develop the F-15. After all of his experience in fighters, his favorite plane is the P-40N.
Date: March 19, 2013
Creator: Aust, Abner
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Abner Aust, March 19, 2013 transcript

Oral History Interview with Abner Aust, March 19, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Abner Aust. Aust joined the Army Air Forces in September 1941 and completed flight school in April 1943. He was assigned to Venice, Florida, as an instructor, often receiving extra runway duty on account of his mischievous acrobatics. In October 1944, he joined the 506th Fighter Group, 457th Fighter Squadron, as flight commander. Upon familiarizing himself with the P-51, he flew his first missions out of Tinian, moving next to Iwo Jima. While escorting B-29s, he sometimes broke away to lead his group of eight fighters to strafe opportunistically. He is credited with five victories, the last of which occurred on 10 August 1945, distinguishing him as the last fighter ace of World War II. Aust then served in the Air Force and participated in the Vietnam War. Just before his retirement, he worked at Bolling Air Force Base to develop the F-15. After all of his experience in fighters, his favorite plane is the P-40N.
Date: March 19, 2013
Creator: Aust, Abner
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Robert Bearden, March 25, 2013 transcript

Oral History Interview with Robert Bearden, March 25, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Bearden. Bearden was in the Texas National Guard when Japan started the war. He was in the 144th Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division and trained at Camp Bowie. His unit went to Fort Lewis in Washington to guard the coast. Bearden then joined the paratroopers and trained at Fort Benning in August, 1942. Bearden speaks a lot about parachute infantry training. He went to England in December, 1943. He jumped into Normandy on 6 June 1944. Around D+5, Bearden was captured by German soldiers. Liberated by Russians in January, 1945, Bearden headed east and eventually reached Moscow, then Odessa, where he was repatriated. He returned to San Antonio and was discharged in July, 1945.
Date: March 25, 2013
Creator: Bearden, Robert
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Robert Bearden, March 25, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Robert Bearden, March 25, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Bearden. Bearden was in the Texas National Guard when Japan started the war. He was in the 144th Infantry Regiment, 36th Infantry Division and trained at Camp Bowie. His unit went to Fort Lewis in Washington to guard the coast. Bearden then joined the paratroopers and trained at Fort Benning in August, 1942. Bearden speaks a lot about parachute infantry training. He went to England in December, 1943. He jumped into Normandy on 6 June 1944. Around D+5, Bearden was captured by German soldiers. Liberated by Russians in January, 1945, Bearden headed east and eventually reached Moscow, then Odessa, where he was repatriated. He returned to San Antonio and was discharged in July, 1945.
Date: March 25, 2013
Creator: Bearden, Robert
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Leonard Tracy, April 16, 2013 transcript

Oral History Interview with Leonard Tracy, April 16, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Leonard Tracy. Tracy entered the Navy at 16 years old in 1940. When the Navy discovered his real age, he was allowed to stay in the service. Tracy served as a gunner on the USS Lexington (CV-2) and was aboard when the war started as well as when the ship sank during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He spent a half hour in the water before being rescued by a destroyer. He was then assigned to the USS Nevada (BB-36) and then the USS Texas (BB-35), still working as a gunner. When the war ended, Tracy took his discharge.
Date: April 16, 2013
Creator: Tracy, Leonard
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Clyde Jauer, March 15, 2013 transcript

Oral History Interview with Clyde Jauer, March 15, 2013

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Clyde Jauer. Jauer joined the Navy in January 1945 and trained at San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Terror (CM-5) in June. Jauer recalls a few anecdotes about life aboard ship. By the time he reached Okinawa, the island was secure. He also spent some time in Sasebo after the war and shares a few anecdotes. After the war, he made several trips from the Mainland to Hawaii and back repatriating troops. Jauer was discharged in July, 1946.
Date: March 15, 2013
Creator: Jauer, Clyde
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Clyde Jauer, March 15, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Clyde Jauer, March 15, 2013

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Clyde Jauer. Jauer joined the Navy in January 1945 and trained at San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Terror (CM-5) in June. Jauer recalls a few anecdotes about life aboard ship. By the time he reached Okinawa, the island was secure. He also spent some time in Sasebo after the war and shares a few anecdotes. After the war, he made several trips from the Mainland to Hawaii and back repatriating troops. Jauer was discharged in July, 1946.
Date: March 15, 2013
Creator: Jauer, Clyde
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Bill Smith, April 11, 2013 transcript

Oral History Interview with Bill Smith, April 11, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents and interview Bill Smith. Smith went into the Army in February 1942. After basic training, Smith was shipped to Australia with the 440th Signal Construction Battalion and they built telephone lines. From there, he went to Port Moresby, still building communications infrastructure. When the invasion of the Philippines occurred, Smith went to Luzon and continued with the 440th. He also went to Okinawa with them. When the war ended, Smith went home and was discharged in late 1945.
Date: April 11, 2013
Creator: Smith, Bill
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Bill Smith, April 11, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Bill Smith, April 11, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents and interview Bill Smith. Smith went into the Army in February 1942. After basic training, Smith was shipped to Australia with the 440th Signal Construction Battalion and they built telephone lines. From there, he went to Port Moresby, still building communications infrastructure. When the invasion of the Philippines occurred, Smith went to Luzon and continued with the 440th. He also went to Okinawa with them. When the war ended, Smith went home and was discharged in late 1945.
Date: April 11, 2013
Creator: Smith, Bill
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Leonard Tracy, April 16, 2013 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Leonard Tracy, April 16, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Leonard Tracy. Tracy entered the Navy at 16 years old in 1940. When the Navy discovered his real age, he was allowed to stay in the service. Tracy served as a gunner on the USS Lexington (CV-2) and was aboard when the war started as well as when the ship sank during the Battle of the Coral Sea. He spent a half hour in the water before being rescued by a destroyer. He was then assigned to the USS Nevada (BB-36) and then the USS Texas (BB-35), still working as a gunner. When the war ended, Tracy took his discharge.
Date: April 16, 2013
Creator: Tracy, Leonard
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with P. B. Snyder, July 18, 2013 transcript

Oral History Interview with P. B. Snyder, July 18, 2013

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with P B Snyder. Snyder graduated from high school in 1944 and enlisted in the Navy in early 1945 and trained at San Diego. He was still in training when the war ended and was assigned to USS Arenac (APA-128). Snyder describes what life was like on a troop/cargo transport in the Pacific right after the war ended. He shares several anecdotes about being aboard and traveling the Pacific with stops in Manila, Ulithi, Japan and other places. He amde three round-trip crossings of the Pacific bringing soldiers home from the war during Operation MAGIC CARPET.
Date: July 18, 2013
Creator: Snyder, Philip Burton
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History