Oral History Interview with Robert Hilburn, January 19, 2011 transcript

Oral History Interview with Robert Hilburn, January 19, 2011

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Hilburn. Hilburn joined the Marine Corps after he graduated from journalism school. He describes his time in boot camp at Paris Island. Hilburn received some assistance from a congressman who recommended he be placed in a correspondent role. He was sent to headquarters in Washington D.C. where he began writing stories about marines who had been awarded medals for home town newspapers. Hilburn was then sent to the 2nd Marine Division to become a Combat Correspondent. He describes some of his fellow correspondents and the equipment that they used. Hilburn landed on Okinawa towards the end of the battle and describes being with General Buckner when he was killed. He also traveled to Nagasaki after the surrender. Hilburn left the service after the war, but continued his career as a journalist. He was in a press vehicle that was part of the motorcade when John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Hilburn describes the events and aftermath.
Date: January 19, 2011
Creator: Hilburn, Robert
System: The Portal to Texas History