The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James John. John joined the Navy in June of 1941. He operated the boilers in the engine room aboard the USS Case (DD-370). They were berthed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. He recalls dropping a depth charge on a Japanese midget submarine stuck in the mud 40 feet under water, and seeing it surface. After the attack they had patrol duty in the Harbor. From May to August of 1942, they patrolled off Kodiak, Alaska and participated in the pre-invasion bombardment of Kiska. They assisted with further engagements at Guadalcanal, the Marshall Islands, Truk Island, Iwo Jima and the Mariana Islands. He was later transferred to the USS Knight (DD-633), again serving with the Black Gang. John returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frederick Vinson. Vinson joined the Navy in March of 1942. He completed Midshipmen’s school, Recognition school and Gunnery school. He was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 25. Vinson served as a Lieutenant Senior Grade Squadron Gunnery Officer aboard the USS John Rodgers (DD-574). In 1943 they raided Marcus Island, Tarawa and Wake Island, participated in the Bougainville and Gilbert Islands campaigns. Going into 1944 they were involved with the Marshall Islands Campaign, the Battle of Kwajalein, the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Battle of Guam where they received a commendation for their work. They continued on through the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In 1945 they participated in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Vinson provides vivid details of his experiences through each of these battles. He was discharged in September of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Reed. Reed was born in Alice, Texas on 28 August 1922. Prior to joining the US Army Air Corps in 1942, he participated in the Civilian Pilot Training program. Upon entering the Air Corps he was sent to California and after testing, he was selected for pilot training. He tells of the various phases of flight training and the types of aircraft he flew. After graduating and receiving his wings, he was sent to Albuquerque, New Mexico for multi-engine transitional training in the B-24 bomber. Upon completing the training he was ordered to Fresno, California to pick up a crew. The newly formed crew flew numerous training missions until June, 1944, when they picked up a new B-24 and flew to Foggia, Italy. Upon their arrival the crew was assigned to the 456th Bomb Group, 745th Bomb Squadron. He describes in detail the intricacies involved in flying a mission, from the wake-up call through the debriefing following the mission. Reed flew thirty-five missions and was recalled into the service during the Korean War. He served as a B-29 instructor at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas until his …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jerold Barnes. Barnes joined the Coast Guard in September of 1940. He recalls serving aboard one of the ships that was turned over to the English during the Lend-Lease program in 1941. He remained aboard his ship to help train the English crew. Barnes was present in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. He completed Officer’s Training School at the Coast Guard Academy. He later served aboard the USS Shoshone (AKA-65), providing air and sea rescue services. He returned to the US and was discharged in 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Link. Link joined the Navy in March of 1939. He served as an electrician aboard a ship, though does not note the name. It is deduced that he was aboard USS California (BB-44), and stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. In March of 1942, Link boarded USS Lexington (CV-2), and participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea when the ship was sunk. He later served aboard USS YP-518 and Whipstock (YO-49). He was discharged in 1945.

Transcript of an oral interview with Mary Jane Holsey. She married Ray Holsey, a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps, at Hickam Field in Hawaii in November 1941. She relates her experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor and subsequent evacuation to San Francisco, California. She comments on the state of communication at the time as well as rationing. Her husband served in Hawaii and New Guinea. The interview includes information about her parents and her children.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Anthony Ganarelli. Ganarellis was born in Huntington, Pennsylvania in 1913 and enlisted in the Navy in May 1934. Upon completing basic training in Norfolk, Virginia he was assigned as a gunner’s mate to the USS Tennessee (BB-43), where he remained for seven years. He recalls that, when the Japanese attacked on the morning of December 7, 1941, the Tennessee was in Pearl Harbor, inboard of the USS Arizona (BB-39) and forward of the USS West Virginia (BB-48), and his battle station was turret four. He describes being surrounded by fires caused by explosions on the Arizona and West Virginia, which necessitated flooding all the ship’s magazines. He also remembers observing the devastation at Ford Island and Hickam Field. His next assignment was to the commissioning crew of the USS Indiana (BB-58), and he describes the Indiana’s role in supporting carrier groups at Iwo Jima, Tinian and Saipan. Ganarelli received a field commission and achieved the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) by the time he left the Indiana in April 1945. He retired in October 1959.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Fred Hilger. Hilger was born in Tyler, Texas. Joining the US Navy in 1940 he was sent to San Diego for boot camp. Upon completion of the training he was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43) as a store keeper. His primary battle station was as a powder handler for one of the sixteen inch guns. He describes the scene at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 and tells of seeing the USS Arizona (BB-39) explode. He recalls the Tennessee was hit with two bombs, which damaged the ship extensively. The ship was taken to the Bremerton (Washington) Naval Yard for repair and joined the Pacific Fleet in time for the invasion of Guadalcanal. Hilger left the ship to attend the ninety days Officer’s Candidate School. He was placed in a Patrol Boat Squadron following his commissioning. He makes candid remarks regarding a fellow boat commander. He returned to the United States and spent the remainder of the war years as an instructor.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Douglas Harper. Harper joined the Navy in July of 1941. He was transferred to the Naval Receiving Station at Pearl Harbor, and served as 2nd Class Carpenter’s Mate aboard the USS Kingfisher (AM-25). They were on station, and Harper was located at Bishop’s Point base at the entrance of the Harbor when then Japanese attacked. Harper remained at Pearl Harbor through October of 1943. He later served at a motor torpedo boat base at Toguchi, Okinawa.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Orvil and Linda Kathleen High, on behalf of Linda’s father Vincent Brophy. Both Orvil and Vincent are Pearl Harbor survivors. Orvil joined the Coast Guard in September of 1939, and traveled to Hawaii in September of 1940. He served as a motor machinist mate in the engine room of the USCGC Reliance (WPC-150). They were tied up at Pier 5 when the Japanese attacked on 7 December 1941. Orvil shares vivid details of his experiences through that fateful event. Shortly after the attack their cutter was re-outfitted to be a submarine chaser and they patrolled the islands. Orvil was later assigned to a US Army freight and supply ship, the FS-349, delivering supplies stateside to Army units. They joined a convoy in Mindoro, Philippines and then Orvil returned to the US and was discharged in 1945. Vincent joined around 1940, completed basic flight school, received his private pilot’s license in Honolulu, Hawaii and served as a fighter pilot. He engaged the Japanese on a number of missions, and flew escorts for Pappy Boyington. The morning of 7 December 1941, Vincent was circling the island in a private plane enjoying …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Crider. Crider joined the Marine Corps in early 1941. He completed Communications School, and served with the Base Guard Battalion, maintaining security of the main gates and other designated areas. In November he joined a garrison at Pearl Harbor, where he was during the Japanese attack. After the attack, his battalion traveled to Midway Island and installed two 7-inch Navy gun mounts on the island. He later traveled to New Hebrides, where they provided shore defense for the air strip. In Guadalcanal they helped with anti-aircraft operations. Crider contracted malaria several times while overseas. He returned to the US in November of 1945, though remained in the inactive reserves until 1956.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Levin Barbour. Barbour joined the Marine Corps in June of 1940. He completed additional training with the 5th Artillery, and served with an assault battalion. He was at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. After the attack, they traveled to New Hebrides, to eliminate the Japanese Coast Guard. He shares his life and work experiences on the island. Barbour was later transferred to the 1st Marine Division in Melbourne, Australia. He returned to the US and was discharged in December of 1943, though re-enlisted for another 2 years. He participated in the China Occupation, returned home and was discharged in June of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with R A Barbezat. Barbazet joined the Navy in 1939. He served as a second-class fireman aboard USS California (BB-44). They were moored on the southern side of Ford Island, the southernmost ship along Battleship Row when the Japanese attack occurred. Barbezat later served aboard USS Astoria (CA-34) until it was sunk during the Battle of Savo Island in August of 1942. He then served two years aboard USS Coral Sea (CVE-57). They completed naval operations supporting attacks on the Gilbert and Marshall Islands. Barbezat returned to the US and was discharged in November of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Dickman. Dickman was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1920 and joined the Marine Corps in 1938. After finishing Sea School, he joined the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) as an admiral’s orderly. He was eventually transferred to North Island Naval Air Station. There he began flying as a radio operator/rear gunner. In January 1941 Dickman’s unit boarded the USS Enterprise (CV-6) bound for Ewa, Hawaii. Once there, he had courses in Japanese aircraft identification and rear seat gunnery practice. During sector searches on 5 December 1941, planes from Dickman’s squadron reported seeing submarines of unknown origin. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Dickman was wounded by aircraft machine gun fire. In March 1942 he was sent to the Mainland to assist in forming a Marine transportation squadron. Assigned as a crew chief aboard a C-47, his squadron flew to New Caledonia where they flew supplies and munitions into Guadalcanal and returned with wounded. On one occasion, their flight was threatened by Japanese fighters and Allied planes under the command of Joe Foss came to their aid. While on New Caledonia, Dickman contracted malaria and was hospitalized in Australia …

Transcript of an oral interview with Cliff Robertson. Robertson was a crewman on a small, old freighter (SS Admiral Cole) about 150 miles out of Iloilo (in the vicinity of Philippines Islands) when his ship was bombed by a Japanese 4-engine amphibious plane - the same time Pearl Harbor was being bombed. Although their ship was damaged by the bombs, they got to Zamboanga and then were in the China Sea when the USS Houston (CA-30) was sunk. They finally got out down through Tora Straits and then out along the Great Barrier Reef to Sidney, Australia. They went to New Zealand for repairs and then sailed for San Francisco, California which is where they had started. Robertson signed off the ship. He went off to Antioch College and worked for the Springfield Daily News in Springfield, Ohio at the same time. Robertson wanted to fly but his eyesight wasn't good enough so he went into the Merchant Marine. After training on Catalina Island, he was assigned to a tanker. The other ships he remembered being on were SS Craig and SS Jonathan. Robertson made several trips to the South Pacific and contracted malaria on one. Later on, he went …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Leonard. Leonard grew up during the Great Depression and shares details of his family’s experiences during that economic downturn. He joined the Marine Corps in November of 1939. By 1940 he was in Bremerton, Washington and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 2. They were stationed 10 miles from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii by 1941. Leonard completed gunnery school. He also grew up learning much about mechanics and pursued that skill set on the island. Leonard was at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941, and provides vivid details of his experiences through that fateful event. In March of 1942 he joined Marine Aircraft Group 25. They initially operated from New Caledonia, flying missions in support of the Marines at Guadalcanal in September of 1942. In March of 1943 he took a job in the US delivering planes to factories, and sharing design changes with engineers for optimal flight performance. He was discharged in November of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Wallace Pickard. Pickard was born in New York City on 2 August 1919. In 1940 he was accepted into the US Army Air Corps and tells of the various aircraft in which he trained and the different air fields to which he was assigned. In September 1941 he was assigned to Reconnaissance Squadron Four at Hickam Field, Hawaii. He was awakened by the sounds of explosions on 7 December 1941 as the Japanese launched their attack on Pearl Harbor. During the attack, Pickard received shell fragment wounds to his hand, back and hip. He was transported to Tripler Hospital for treatment. While preparations were being made to amputate his hand a visiting trauma surgeon took interest in his case and ultimately saved it. In February 1942 he was sent to Letterman General Hospital, then to Walter Reed Hospital for treatment. He underwent twenty-two operations for his injuries. In June 1942 he was assigned as aide to General George Marshall. He tells of the circumstances that precluded his assignment and describes his duties. In 1944 he was discharged for medical reasons but was recalled and became an executive officer …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Gwynn. Gwynn was born 8 October 1921 in Lima, Ohio. Joining the Army Air Corps 28 October 1940, he took basic training at March Field, California. He entered the enlisted pilot training program in December 1941. Upon graduating he received his staff sergeant rating and went to Wisconsin for C-47 transition. Upon completing the course he was assigned to Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. After a period of time he went to Florida where he received his instrument rating. He recalls participating in the invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943 and comments on the high loss of aircraft that occurred. Gwynn also dropped paratroopers during the invasion of Anzio. He remembers witnessing from afar the German air raid on Bari, Italy during which 17 ships were sunk. On 6 June 1944 he piloted aircraft which dropped paratroopers over France. On 8 May 1945 he returned home and was discharged. He tells of being recalled in 1949 and participating in the Berlin Airlift.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bennet Reed. Reed was born in Tom Green County, Texas in 1923. In 1943 he was drafted and entered the Navy. Reed was sent to Keyport, Washington to torpedo school. In September he was sent to Guadalcanal and assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 5. In January 1944 Reed was assigned to the USS PT-65 [Editor Note: PT-65 was in Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 4, a training unit in Rhode Island]. He relates that the boat drive screws were often damaged and discusses the methods involved in replacing them. Reed also tells of returning to the United States in December 1944 on leave. In March 1945 he was sent to the Philippines. No longer in a PT boat squadron, he worked as a stevedore. He returned to the United States in January 1946 and discharged.

Interview with Staff Sergeant Robert E. Kelley, an Army veteran of the Korean War. Kelley answers questions pertaining to his training, experiences, and his thoughts on the war in Afghanistan as well as his thoughts in hindsight of the Korean War.

Interview with Joe Dreyer, Jr., a member of the United States Navy during the Korean War, originally from Baytown, Texas. He answers questions and elaborates on his experiences in boot camp, where he was stationed, what his jobs were, etc.; also covered are his thoughts on the war going on in Afghanistan.

Interview with Leopoldo Chapa, a veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in the Vietnam War from Baytown, Texas. Chapa describes his time in boot camp, what he experienced while in combat, and his opinions on war in general.