The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Benjamin Gruetter. Gruetter was drafted into the Army in February 1945. He suffered appendicitis during boot camp and was held back. His last day of training was the last day of the war. He was sent to Japan for occupation duty and stayed about 13 months.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Benjamin Gruetter. Gruetter was drafted into the Army in February 1945. He suffered appendicitis during boot camp and was held back. His last day of training was the last day of the war. He was sent to Japan for occupation duty and stayed about 13 months.

Letter from Admiral William Halsey, Jr., to the Third Fleet informing them that US currency will not be legal tender in Japan and that US forces going ashore will need to use US military Yen, available for exchange at a rate of 15 to 1, or Bank of Taiwan and Bank of Chosen notes. However, US currency is legal tender in vessels in Japanese ports.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with W T Hardi. Hardi joined the Navy in August, 1942 and trained at San Diego. He went aboard USS Mustin (DD-413) at Noumea. He recalls watching USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) go down in the Gilberts. Hardi served on the radar watch. After promotion, Hardi joined the crew of USS Houston (CL-81). Hardi was aboard when the Houston was severely damaged by Japanese aircraft off Formosa. He was blown into the water and rescued by USS Ingersoll (DD-652). He eventually made his way back to the Houston in December 1944. Hardi opted for discharge when the war ended.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with W T Hardi. Hardi joined the Navy in August, 1942 and trained at San Diego. He went aboard USS Mustin (DD-413) at Noumea. He recalls watching USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) go down in the Gilberts. Hardi served on the radar watch. After promotion, Hardi joined the crew of USS Houston (CL-81). Hardi was aboard when the Houston was severely damaged by Japanese aircraft off Formosa. He was blown into the water and rescued by USS Ingersoll (DD-652). He eventually made his way back to the Houston in December 1944. Hardi opted for discharge when the war ended.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Hejl. Hejl joined the Navy in September of 1942. He volunteered for the Submarine Service and completed Underwater Sound School and Radar School. Beginning January of 1945, Hejl served USS Moray (SS-300). They conducted lifeguard duty off the coast of Saipan, Midway and Japan, attacking a Japanese convoy off Kinkazan, Honshū. Hejl returned to the US and was discharged in early 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Hejl. Hejl joined the Navy in September of 1942. He volunteered for the Submarine Service and completed Underwater Sound School and Radar School. Beginning January of 1945, Hejl served USS Moray (SS-300). They conducted lifeguard duty off the coast of Saipan, Midway and Japan, attacking a Japanese convoy off Kinkazan, Honshū. Hejl returned to the US and was discharged in early 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Wilbur H. Hendrix. Hendrix was born on 4 October 1921 in Ray County, Missouri. He entered the Army Air Corps in June, 1942. After basic training at Jefferson Barracks, he went to a civilian aircraft mechanic school in Chicago. From there he went to Blythe Army Airfield in California. After three months, he went to Spokane Army Airfield. There he was assigned as a crew chief for B-17s in the 569th Squadron, 390th Bomb Group. The squadron went overseas to Parham Airfield in Suffolk, England in July, 1943. Hendrix's only direct experience with an aircraft accident occurred when a B-17 was cleared to fly despite heavy icing on the wings. It crashed on takeoff, killing all 9 aboard. Hendrix was involved in the post-crash recovery. In his time off, he visited friends in and around London. He never slept in a shelter until a German V-1 buzz bomb exploded near the house where he was sleeping. Eventually Hendrix was responsible for two aircraft, a Pathfinder, and a trainer for new crews. After Germany surrendered, Hendrix flew on a mission to return 20 French POWs from Austria. The squadron …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Wilbur H. Hendrix. Hendrix was born on 4 October 1921 in Ray County, Missouri. He entered the Army Air Corps in June, 1942. After basic training at Jefferson Barracks, he went to a civilian aircraft mechanic school in Chicago. From there he went to Blythe Army Airfield in California. After three months, he went to Spokane Army Airfield. There he was assigned as a crew chief for B-17s in the 569th Squadron, 390th Bomb Group. The squadron went overseas to Parham Airfield in Suffolk, England in July, 1943. Hendrix's only direct experience with an aircraft accident occurred when a B-17 was cleared to fly despite heavy icing on the wings. It crashed on takeoff, killing all 9 aboard. Hendrix was involved in the post-crash recovery. In his time off, he visited friends in and around London. He never slept in a shelter until a German V-1 buzz bomb exploded near the house where he was sleeping. Eventually Hendrix was responsible for two aircraft, a Pathfinder, and a trainer for new crews. After Germany surrendered, Hendrix flew on a mission to return 20 French POWs from Austria. The squadron …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Peter Hennessey. Hennessey attended a West Point prep school and helped his widowed mother run the family business. After earning a business degree at the University of Texas, he enlisted in the Army and became an aviation cadet in September 1941. After earning his wings in April 1942, he became an instructor in Douglas, Arizona. Hennessey flew every model of B-25 produced and was promoted to captain. Hoping to see combat, he volunteered for a bomber assignment but V-E Day occurred soon after. He was then transferred to Pampa, Texas, again as an instructor. Making flight commander and squadron commander, he would often fly with struggling students to assess their instructors. While doing so, he once avoided disaster by saving a plane from a violent spin. Hennessey joined a night squadron as commander, but it was soon disbanded near the end of the war. He was released from active duty in October 1945 with over 2,000 hours of flight time.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Peter Hennessey. Hennessey attended a West Point prep school and helped his widowed mother run the family business. After earning a business degree at the University of Texas, he enlisted in the Army and became an aviation cadet in September 1941. After earning his wings in April 1942, he became an instructor in Douglas, Arizona. Hennessey flew every model of B-25 produced and was promoted to captain. Hoping to see combat, he volunteered for a bomber assignment but V-E Day occurred soon after. He was then transferred to Pampa, Texas, again as an instructor. Making flight commander and squadron commander, he would often fly with struggling students to assess their instructors. While doing so, he once avoided disaster by saving a plane from a violent spin. Hennessey joined a night squadron as commander, but it was soon disbanded near the end of the war. He was released from active duty in October 1945 with over 2,000 hours of flight time.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arthur Herriford. Herriford joined the Navy in April of 1940. In July of 1940 he was assigned to the USS Detroit (CL-8). They traveled to Hilo, Hawaii. He completed Fire Control School and worked as a striker for the Fire Control gang. He later became a rangefinder Operator. He describes both of these positions, and life aboard the ship in general. The Detroit was moored at her base with the USS Raleigh (CL-7) and the USS Utah (BB-31/AG-16) in Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He describes what he witnessed that fateful day aboard his ship and those around him. He remained aboard the Detroit until May of 1942. He operated in the Bering Sea during the winter of 1942 and into 1943, after the Japanese had taken over Attu and Kiska. In May of 1943 he was ordered back to the Advanced Fire Control School in Washington, D.C. to complete advanced training. He spent over five years in Navy Technical Service Schools. He served in the Navy for 21 years.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arthur Herriford. Herriford joined the Navy in April of 1940. In July of 1940 he was assigned to the USS Detroit (CL-8). They traveled to Hilo, Hawaii. He completed Fire Control School and worked as a striker for the Fire Control gang. He later became a rangefinder Operator. He describes both of these positions, and life aboard the ship in general. The Detroit was moored at her base with the USS Raleigh (CL-7) and the USS Utah (BB-31/AG-16) in Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. He describes what he witnessed that fateful day aboard his ship and those around him. He remained aboard the Detroit until May of 1942. He operated in the Bering Sea during the winter of 1942 and into 1943, after the Japanese had taken over Attu and Kiska. In May of 1943 he was ordered back to the Advanced Fire Control School in Washington, D.C. to complete advanced training. He spent over five years in Navy Technical Service Schools. He served in the Navy for 21 years.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Hodenson. Hodenson joined the Navy around May of 1940. He completed Fire Control School. He served aboard the USS Whitney (AD-4) as Fire Controlman. Their job was to tend destroyers, either at sea, in port or in dry dock within Pearl Harbor. He was in Pearl Harbor during the attack in December of 1941 and describes what he witnessed and his actions through that fateful day. The day after the attack, Hodenson recalls his crew assisting the destroyers and other vessels for several months. In 1944 he was transferred to the USS Hugh W. Hadley (DD-774) and traveled to Okinawa in the spring of 1945, where they were assigned to radar picket duty. While at sea they were attacked by over a hundred enemy planes, which he describes, including shooting down 25 kamikazes.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Hodenson. Hodenson joined the Navy around May of 1940. He completed Fire Control School. He served aboard the USS Whitney (AD-4) as Fire Controlman. Their job was to tend destroyers, either at sea, in port or in dry dock within Pearl Harbor. He was in Pearl Harbor during the attack in December of 1941 and describes what he witnessed and his actions through that fateful day. The day after the attack, Hodenson recalls his crew assisting the destroyers and other vessels for several months. In 1944 he was transferred to the USS Hugh W. Hadley (DD-774) and traveled to Okinawa in the spring of 1945, where they were assigned to radar picket duty. While at sea they were attacked by over a hundred enemy planes, which he describes, including shooting down 25 kamikazes.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Holt. Holt was drafted into the Army in May 1944 and had basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After basic training, Holt was assigned as an infantryman in the 16th Armored infantry Battalion, 13th Armored Division. He describes his experiences in France and Germany being under sniper fire and moving forward to the Ruhr Valley. Holt returned to the US with his unit in June, 1945, as they were slated to invade Japan. He was discharged in February, 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Holt. Holt was drafted into the Army in May 1944 and had basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. After basic training, Holt was assigned as an infantryman in the 16th Armored infantry Battalion, 13th Armored Division. He describes his experiences in France and Germany being under sniper fire and moving forward to the Ruhr Valley. Holt returned to the US with his unit in June, 1945, as they were slated to invade Japan. He was discharged in February, 1946.

Transcript of an oral interview with Orrin W. Johnson. In March, 1942 Johnson joined the Marine Corps while in law school at the University of Texas. He took his officer's basic course at Quantico, Virginia. Whe nhe completed it, he was a newly-minted 2nd lieutenant and assigend to an artillery battalion as a forward observer. When he went overseas in 1943, his first stop was New Zealand for more training. Then, Johnson's unit went to Bougainville i nNovember, 1943 to capture the island from the Japanese. Johnson relates several experiences he had while on Bougainville. Johnson also relates several anecdotes about his experiences fighting on Guam, including a banzai attack by the Japanese. After the battle at Guam, Johnson was made a captain and promoted to S-3 (the operations officer for the 4th Battalion, 12th Marines) before the Iwo Jima campaign. After the battle, JOhnson shiiped back to the US to go to Advanced Artillery School. When the war ended, Johnson stayed in the Marine Corps Reserve and returned to law school using the G.I. Bill.

Transcript of an oral interview with Orrin W. Johnson. In March, 1942 Johnson joined the Marine Corps while in law school at the University of Texas. He took his officer's basic course at Quantico, Virginia. Whe nhe completed it, he was a newly-minted 2nd lieutenant and assigend to an artillery battalion as a forward observer. When he went overseas in 1943, his first stop was New Zealand for more training. Then, Johnson's unit went to Bougainville i nNovember, 1943 to capture the island from the Japanese. Johnson relates several experiences he had while on Bougainville. Johnson also relates several anecdotes about his experiences fighting on Guam, including a banzai attack by the Japanese. After the battle at Guam, Johnson was made a captain and promoted to S-3 (the operations officer for the 4th Battalion, 12th Marines) before the Iwo Jima campaign. After the battle, JOhnson shiiped back to the US to go to Advanced Artillery School. When the war ended, Johnson stayed in the Marine Corps Reserve and returned to law school using the G.I. Bill.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ronald Jones. Jones joined the Navy in 1943 and received basic training in Illinois. He received advanced sonar training in San Diego and preliminary radar training at Mare Island, in case he would be needed as a replacement aboard ship. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Callaghan (DD-792) as the captain’s talker. His ship provided fire support at the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Guam, protecting against enemy submarines and airplanes, and also firing at Japanese positions on land. He recalls running short on supplies when taking over the patrol of a damaged sister ship, and that the food shortage wasn’t remedied until there was a change of command some months later. At Okinawa his ship was sunk by a kamikaze, and Jones was nearly sucked into the propellers of the rescue ship, which fortunately reversed its propellers and washed him out at the last minute. While he was in the Philippines awaiting new orders, the atomic bombs were dropped. Jones returned home and was discharged in 1946. Jones returned home and was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ronald Jones. Jones joined the Navy in 1943 and received basic training in Illinois. He received advanced sonar training in San Diego and preliminary radar training at Mare Island, in case he would be needed as a replacement aboard ship. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Callaghan (DD-792) as the captain’s talker. His ship provided fire support at the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Guam, protecting against enemy submarines and airplanes, and also firing at Japanese positions on land. He recalls running short on supplies when taking over the patrol of a damaged sister ship, and that the food shortage wasn’t remedied until there was a change of command some months later. At Okinawa his ship was sunk by a kamikaze, and Jones was nearly sucked into the propellers of the rescue ship, which fortunately reversed its propellers and washed him out at the last minute. While he was in the Philippines awaiting new orders, the atomic bombs were dropped. Jones returned home and was discharged in 1946. Jones returned home and was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Weldon Kaspar. Kaspar joined the Army Air Forces in 1944 and received basic training in Amarillo. He wanted to be a pilot, but was ineligible due to poor eyesight. He received aircraft radio mechanic training at Truax Field. He was in Boca Raton maintaining equipment at a training center for high-altitude bombing when the war ended. He reenlisted as a supply clerk for one year and was in the Reserves for three years. He went to Coyne Electrical School on the GI Bill. Kaspar’s wife, Sheila L. Mack, served as a second lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps from 30 March 1945 to 20 June 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Weldon Kaspar. Kaspar joined the Army Air Forces in 1944 and received basic training in Amarillo. He wanted to be a pilot, but was ineligible due to poor eyesight. He received aircraft radio mechanic training at Truax Field. He was in Boca Raton maintaining equipment at a training center for high-altitude bombing when the war ended. He reenlisted as a supply clerk for one year and was in the Reserves for three years. He went to Coyne Electrical School on the GI Bill. Kaspar’s wife, Sheila L. Mack, served as a second lieutenant in the Army Nurse Corps from 30 March 1945 to 20 June 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Kayhart. Kayhart joined the Army in December of 1942. He completed training in radar and radio engineering. He served with the 3116th Signal Service Battalion. Kayhart’s headquarters were in Hawaii. He set up an underground radio station, installing and fine tuning all radio transmitters. He completed the same work on Iwo Jima in order to have direct communication with the Pentagon in Washington, DC, with San Francisco and with all of the Orient. Kayhart and his crew completed the installation on the island during the battle, and shares details of his experiences. He returned to the US and received his discharge in March of 1946.