The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joedy Adams. The daughter of Naval aviator Joseph Cronin, 12-year-old Adams lived on Kaneohe Naval Air Station in 1941. On 7 December 1941, the drone of Japanese planes shook her family home. When her father left and reported to base, Adams and her mother fled to Honolulu. Their Japanese maid had gone missing earlier that morning; she was later found to be a spy. While Adams was en route to Honolulu, she saw a Japanese plane strafe and kill two men. Eventually, her car came under fire. Arriving safely in Honolulu, Adams had no communication with her father for 10 days, until he finally sent a driver to bring her to Pearl Harbor. As school was temporarily closed, due to the emergency situation, Adams worked in the servicemen’s commissary until she and her mother could fly back to the States. Adams’ father remained at his post and was aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) during the surrender. By the time he retired from service, he had attained the rank of rear admiral.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joedy Adams. The daughter of Naval aviator Joseph Cronin, 12-year-old Adams lived on Kaneohe Naval Air Station in 1941. On 7 December 1941, the drone of Japanese planes shook her family home. When her father left and reported to base, Adams and her mother fled to Honolulu. Their Japanese maid had gone missing earlier that morning; she was later found to be a spy. While Adams was en route to Honolulu, she saw a Japanese plane strafe and kill two men. Eventually, her car came under fire. Arriving safely in Honolulu, Adams had no communication with her father for 10 days, until he finally sent a driver to bring her to Pearl Harbor. As school was temporarily closed, due to the emergency situation, Adams worked in the servicemen’s commissary until she and her mother could fly back to the States. Adams’ father remained at his post and was aboard the USS Missouri (BB-63) during the surrender. By the time he retired from service, he had attained the rank of rear admiral.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Belt. Belt joined the Navy after earning a master's degree and went to midshipman' school. He earned a commission and reported aboard USS Tuscaloosa (CA-37)in May 1943. Belt was aboard when the Tuscaloosa participated in the invasion of France and was at Iwo Jima. He also recalls being off Okinawa. Belt went aboard HMS Duke of York and met Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser one day. He also attended the Japanese Language School and was there when the war ended.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Belt. Belt joined the Navy after earning a master's degree and went to midshipman' school. He earned a commission and reported aboard USS Tuscaloosa (CA-37)in May 1943. Belt was aboard when the Tuscaloosa participated in the invasion of France and was at Iwo Jima. He also recalls being off Okinawa. Belt went aboard HMS Duke of York and met Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser one day. He also attended the Japanese Language School and was there when the war ended.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Bland. Bland joined the Navy in April of 1944. He served as Signalman Third-Class aboard the SS Francis Preston Blair (1943). They traveled to Australia, New Zealand, India and Manila picking up and delivering cargo. Bland served aboard the ship until it got stranded on Saumarez Reef in the Coral Sea during a cyclone in 1945. Bland continued his service after the war ended, receiving his discharge in May of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Bland. Bland joined the Navy in April of 1944. He served as Signalman Third-Class aboard the SS Francis Preston Blair (1943). They traveled to Australia, New Zealand, India and Manila picking up and delivering cargo. Bland served aboard the ship until it got stranded on Saumarez Reef in the Coral Sea during a cyclone in 1945. Bland continued his service after the war ended, receiving his discharge in May of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Brunk. In November 1940, 17-year-old Brunk joined the Navy. Upon finishing hospital corps school, he was assigned to the USS Curtiss (AV-4), a seaplane tender at Pearl Harbor. While on liberty ashore on the morning of 7 December, he received orders to report to his station. As he passed Battleship Row, he gaped at the extensive damage to other ships and soon found the Curtiss listing. He climbed aboard and fulfilled his duty of collecting and identifying the deceased. Brunk later sailed with the Curtiss to New Caledonia to set up a seaplane base. At Espiritu Santo the Curtiss became a flagship, with Admiral McCain aboard. Brunk was later transferred to Los Alamitos Naval Air Station as the senior pharmacist’s mate for CASU-33. After making chief, he developed an ulcer and was put on limited duty until the end of the war. Returning to full duty in October 1945, Brunk spent some time aboard the USS Dorothea Dix (AP-67) before his discharge in June 1946, whereupon he went to work for the VA, retiring as a hospital director.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Brunk. In November 1940, 17-year-old Brunk joined the Navy. Upon finishing hospital corps school, he was assigned to the USS Curtiss (AV-4), a seaplane tender at Pearl Harbor. While on liberty ashore on the morning of 7 December, he received orders to report to his station. As he passed Battleship Row, he gaped at the extensive damage to other ships and soon found the Curtiss listing. He climbed aboard and fulfilled his duty of collecting and identifying the deceased. Brunk later sailed with the Curtiss to New Caledonia to set up a seaplane base. At Espiritu Santo the Curtiss became a flagship, with Admiral McCain aboard. Brunk was later transferred to Los Alamitos Naval Air Station as the senior pharmacist’s mate for CASU-33. After making chief, he developed an ulcer and was put on limited duty until the end of the war. Returning to full duty in October 1945, Brunk spent some time aboard the USS Dorothea Dix (AP-67) before his discharge in June 1946, whereupon he went to work for the VA, retiring as a hospital director.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Chaffin. Chaffin was born on 30 March 1922 in Spring Valley, Texas. After graduating from high school in 1940 he worked for the National Youth Administration as an aircraft mechanic trainee. He joined the US Navy and had two weeks of boot camp at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (NAS), Texas. Upon completing boot training he was sent to the Beeville NAS, Texas. In 1943 he was assigned to United States. Navy. Carrier Air Service Unit 1 (CASU-1) and reported to the Ford Island NAS at Pearl Harbor. During February 1944 he went aboard the USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) in time to deliver of planes to the Marshall Islands. On 2 May 1944, he went aboard the USS Essex (CV-9) as a member of the ship’s crew. He describes characteristics of the various planes he worked on aboard ship and also explains the procedures followed to determine whether a damaged plane was to be repaired or destroyed. On 25, November 1944, the Essex was struck by a kamikaze and Chaffin was severely wounded. After the ship arrived at Ulithi for repairs, he was transferred to the USS …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Chaffin. Chaffin was born on 30 March 1922 in Spring Valley, Texas. After graduating from high school in 1940 he worked for the National Youth Administration as an aircraft mechanic trainee. He joined the US Navy and had two weeks of boot camp at Corpus Christi Naval Air Station (NAS), Texas. Upon completing boot training he was sent to the Beeville NAS, Texas. In 1943 he was assigned to United States. Navy. Carrier Air Service Unit 1 (CASU-1) and reported to the Ford Island NAS at Pearl Harbor. During February 1944 he went aboard the USS Gambier Bay (CVE-73) in time to deliver of planes to the Marshall Islands. On 2 May 1944, he went aboard the USS Essex (CV-9) as a member of the ship’s crew. He describes characteristics of the various planes he worked on aboard ship and also explains the procedures followed to determine whether a damaged plane was to be repaired or destroyed. On 25, November 1944, the Essex was struck by a kamikaze and Chaffin was severely wounded. After the ship arrived at Ulithi for repairs, he was transferred to the USS …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernard Comito. Comito joined the Navy in September 1941 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was sent to Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station as a seaman. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, he fired a Lewis gun, despite having only learned to shoot a carbine. After the bombing, he and a group of soldiers stood watch until the following morning, expecting to be invaded. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). He was transferred to the USS Avocet (AVP-4), carrying out patrols and transporting supplies. He brought PBY motors into Dutch Harbor under combat conditions. When the war ended, Comito was discharged and began a long career as a school administrator. He worked at international schools for military dependents worldwide, which included a post in Japan, where he came to appreciate Japanese culture.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernard Comito. Comito joined the Navy in September 1941 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was sent to Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station as a seaman. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, he fired a Lewis gun, despite having only learned to shoot a carbine. After the bombing, he and a group of soldiers stood watch until the following morning, expecting to be invaded. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). He was transferred to the USS Avocet (AVP-4), carrying out patrols and transporting supplies. He brought PBY motors into Dutch Harbor under combat conditions. When the war ended, Comito was discharged and began a long career as a school administrator. He worked at international schools for military dependents worldwide, which included a post in Japan, where he came to appreciate Japanese culture.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with William Crawmer. Crawmer joined the Marine Corps in 1939. He was assigned to the 4th Defense Battalion, trained as a .50 and .30 caliber machine gunner. In September of 1941, they transferred to the Navy Yard at Pearl Harbor. Crawmer was stationed on the island when the Japanese attacked. Shortly after the attack, he was transferred to Johnston Island. In mid-1944, he joined an aviation group in New Hebrides, repairing military aircraft. He participated in the Battle of Peleliu, and remained on the island through the end of the war. He returned to the US, completing 20 years of service in the Marine Corps.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with William Crawmer. Crawmer joined the Marine Corps in 1939. He was assigned to the 4th Defense Battalion, trained as a .50 and .30 caliber machine gunner. In September of 1941, they transferred to the Navy Yard at Pearl Harbor. Crawmer was stationed on the island when the Japanese attacked. Shortly after the attack, he was transferred to Johnston Island. In mid-1944, he joined an aviation group in New Hebrides, repairing military aircraft. He participated in the Battle of Peleliu, and remained on the island through the end of the war. He returned to the US, completing 20 years of service in the Marine Corps.

Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home. including her busy day at work and Mr. Knight's death by suicide.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Herbert Elfring. Elfring was with the California National Guard, 251st Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), when it was federalized in September 1940. He was sent to Honolulu and trained with a searchlight battery. Elfring became leader of the radar squad, directing antiaircraft searchlights. On 7 December 1941 he was in his office when a string of bullets struck the ground 15 feet from where he stood. His radar equipment was damaged by strafing, but Elfring survived the attack. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). He was transferred to Fiji in June 1942 and was selected for OCS. He became Radar Officer and Transportation Officer for the 37th Infantry Division at Bougainville. During ground combat, Elfring directed searchlights at the clouds, illuminating the front lines. At the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Elfring set up radar operations at Clark Field. He carried a wounded man out of battle who died soon after. Elfring was on leave in the States when the war ended and he was discharged. He went on to …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Herbert Elfring. Elfring was with the California National Guard, 251st Coast Artillery Regiment (Anti-Aircraft), when it was federalized in September 1940. He was sent to Honolulu and trained with a searchlight battery. Elfring became leader of the radar squad, directing antiaircraft searchlights. On 7 December 1941 he was in his office when a string of bullets struck the ground 15 feet from where he stood. His radar equipment was damaged by strafing, but Elfring survived the attack. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). He was transferred to Fiji in June 1942 and was selected for OCS. He became Radar Officer and Transportation Officer for the 37th Infantry Division at Bougainville. During ground combat, Elfring directed searchlights at the clouds, illuminating the front lines. At the Invasion of Lingayen Gulf, Elfring set up radar operations at Clark Field. He carried a wounded man out of battle who died soon after. Elfring was on leave in the States when the war ended and he was discharged. He went on to …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hilliard Elliott. Elliott joined the Navy in March 1940 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Lexington (CV-2) at Pearl Harbor as part of the landing crew. On 7 December 1941 he fought fires in a seaplane hangar and manned a gun late into the night in anticipation of a Japanese invasion. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). Elliott was back aboard the Lexington when it sank at the Battle of the Coral Sea. He was later transferred to the USS Sangamon (CVE-26). After participating in Operation Torch, he was sent to Advanced Aviation School in Chicago. Elliott then served as leading chief at a training base in San Diego until his discharge in March 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Hilliard Elliott. Elliott joined the Navy in March 1940 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Lexington (CV-2) at Pearl Harbor as part of the landing crew. On 7 December 1941 he fought fires in a seaplane hangar and manned a gun late into the night in anticipation of a Japanese invasion. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). Elliott was back aboard the Lexington when it sank at the Battle of the Coral Sea. He was later transferred to the USS Sangamon (CVE-26). After participating in Operation Torch, he was sent to Advanced Aviation School in Chicago. Elliott then served as leading chief at a training base in San Diego until his discharge in March 1946.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Nicholas Fedesma. Fedesma joined the Navy when he was 17 in 1942. After training, he was assigned to Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21) and went aboard USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) in March 1944. He specialized in aviation hydraulics. Fedesma recounts several anecdotes about his experiences aboard the Marcus Island. After he left the Navy in 1848, Fedesma studied mechanical engineering in Chicago on the GI Bill.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Nicholas Fedesma. Fedesma joined the Navy when he was 17 in 1942. After training, he was assigned to Composite Squadron 21 (VC-21) and went aboard USS Marcus Island (CVE-77) in March 1944. He specialized in aviation hydraulics. Fedesma recounts several anecdotes about his experiences aboard the Marcus Island. After he left the Navy in 1848, Fedesma studied mechanical engineering in Chicago on the GI Bill.

Transcript of an oral interview with John W. Finn. Finn grew up in California and joined the Navy in 1926. He went through training. By 1941, he has been made Chief Petty Officer and is in the BP-14 squadron. This squadron arrived in Kaneohe Bay on the USS Enterprise in May 1941. Finn has become the Chief Ordnance and Bombsight man. He describes the Japanese bombing Kaneohe Bay just before Pearl Harbor. He took a gun outside and is exposed to Japanese strafing while he fires at the airplanes. He received the Medal of Honor for his efforts.

Transcript of an oral interview with John W. Finn. Finn grew up in California and joined the Navy in 1926. He went through training. By 1941, he has been made Chief Petty Officer and is in the BP-14 squadron. This squadron arrived in Kaneohe Bay on the USS Enterprise in May 1941. Finn has become the Chief Ordnance and Bombsight man. He describes the Japanese bombing Kaneohe Bay just before Pearl Harbor. He took a gun outside and is exposed to Japanese strafing while he fires at the airplanes. He received the Medal of Honor for his efforts.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joe Fritcher. Fritcher joined the Navy in 1940 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS California (BB-44) where he operated the catapult, launching seaplanes. Although he survived the attack on Pearl Harbor, his family received notice that both he and his brother were killed in action; his family held a memorial service, and Fritcher later married one of the musicians who performed at the funeral. He recalls that American planes were shot down by friendly fire later that evening, before personnel were quickly advised on nighttime Identify Friend or Foe (IFF). Fritcher was reassigned to the USS Astoria (CA-34) and participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. At the Battle of Savo Island, he abandoned ship and spent 10 hours in the water, awaiting rescue. Fritcher spent the remainder of the war as a gunnery instructor at Great Lakes. Afterward, he was assigned to the South Pole with Admiral Byrd. He then spent nine months in Japan on occupation duty. Fritcher returned home and was discharged in 1948.