The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joe Drastata. Drastata was born in El Campo, Texas on 1 August 1924 and entered the Army Air Forces in March 1943. After receiving initial training at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri he was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he was assigned to the 65th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403rd Troop Carrier Group. During July 1943 the unit went on board the USAT Maui bound for Australia. Drastata tells of the 28 day trip and describes the King Neptune ceremony when crossing the Equator. He describes the uncomfortable sleeping accommodations coupled with extensive rain and swarms of mosquitoes encountered at Port Moresby, New Guinea. He was assigned to communications assisting in duties that involved flag or light signals, land lines, switchboards and public address systems. The unit moved to various locations including Biak where he recounts an accident that claimed the life of a young officer. On 3 February 1945, the 65th Troop Carrier Squadron dropped paratroopers on the Los Banos prison camp to free the allied captives. Although Drastata was not personally involved in the operation he discusses various facets of this successful operation. He returned to the …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joe Drastata. Drastata was born in El Campo, Texas on 1 August 1924 and entered the Army Air Forces in March 1943. After receiving initial training at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri he was sent to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he was assigned to the 65th Troop Carrier Squadron, 403rd Troop Carrier Group. During July 1943 the unit went on board the USAT Maui bound for Australia. Drastata tells of the 28 day trip and describes the King Neptune ceremony when crossing the Equator. He describes the uncomfortable sleeping accommodations coupled with extensive rain and swarms of mosquitoes encountered at Port Moresby, New Guinea. He was assigned to communications assisting in duties that involved flag or light signals, land lines, switchboards and public address systems. The unit moved to various locations including Biak where he recounts an accident that claimed the life of a young officer. On 3 February 1945, the 65th Troop Carrier Squadron dropped paratroopers on the Los Banos prison camp to free the allied captives. Although Drastata was not personally involved in the operation he discusses various facets of this successful operation. He returned to the …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Thomas DuPree. DuPree joined the Navy in March 1941 (accepted as a naval cadet), went to Pensacola in May 1942, went to fighter school in Miami (finishing there on December 6, 1941) and then reported to the USS Wasp (CV-7) in Norfolk, Virginia. DuPree tells the story (while he was on the Wasp) of Admiral Wilcox falling off the admiral's bridge on the USS Washington during a North Atlantic gale; he was never found. After a couple of runs ferrying Spitfires from Scapa Flow to Malta, the Wasp headed for the South Pacific in early May 1942. DuPree was part of Air Group 7, Scouting Squadron 72. They were headed at flank speed towards Midway but the battle came off early so the Wasp turned around and went to San Diego. After refueling and reloading, the Wasp supported the Marine landings on Guadalcanal, August 7, 1942. DuPree gives a good description of the three torpedo hits on the Wasp by submarine I-19, the damage to the ship and his rescue after getting off the ship. After the sinking, he was eventually put on a Dutch transport that sailed …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Thomas DuPree. DuPree joined the Navy in March 1941 (accepted as a naval cadet), went to Pensacola in May 1942, went to fighter school in Miami (finishing there on December 6, 1941) and then reported to the USS Wasp (CV-7) in Norfolk, Virginia. DuPree tells the story (while he was on the Wasp) of Admiral Wilcox falling off the admiral's bridge on the USS Washington during a North Atlantic gale; he was never found. After a couple of runs ferrying Spitfires from Scapa Flow to Malta, the Wasp headed for the South Pacific in early May 1942. DuPree was part of Air Group 7, Scouting Squadron 72. They were headed at flank speed towards Midway but the battle came off early so the Wasp turned around and went to San Diego. After refueling and reloading, the Wasp supported the Marine landings on Guadalcanal, August 7, 1942. DuPree gives a good description of the three torpedo hits on the Wasp by submarine I-19, the damage to the ship and his rescue after getting off the ship. After the sinking, he was eventually put on a Dutch transport that sailed …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Edwards. Edwards joined the Army Air Forces in 1944. He was trained as an aircraft engine mechanic and was sent to the Philippines where he became a crewman on an A-26 bomber. Edwards describes how his plane flew missions with P-61s as escorts and gives some detail on the types of targets that were selected. He talks about how his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and forced down during an attack on a Japanese airfield. Edwards was captured and interrogated by the Japanese. He describes the treatment that he received and how he lost half of his total body weight in his six months as a POW. Edwards was liberated at the end of the war, hospitalized in Tokyo, and returned to the US where he reenlisted and remained in the service until 1949.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Edwards. Edwards joined the Army Air Forces in 1944. He was trained as an aircraft engine mechanic and was sent to the Philippines where he became a crewman on an A-26 bomber. Edwards describes how his plane flew missions with P-61s as escorts and gives some detail on the types of targets that were selected. He talks about how his plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire and forced down during an attack on a Japanese airfield. Edwards was captured and interrogated by the Japanese. He describes the treatment that he received and how he lost half of his total body weight in his six months as a POW. Edwards was liberated at the end of the war, hospitalized in Tokyo, and returned to the US where he reenlisted and remained in the service until 1949.

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 Rudolph Fanska. Fanska was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1943. He mentions his first landing at Cape Gloucester. Fanska then took part in the landing at Peleliu and describes how he was wounded and the treatment he received on a hospital ship. He also served at Okinawa and earned a Silver Star. Fanska was wounded in the leg and describes lengthy recovery. He was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Rudolph Fanska. Fanska was drafted into the Marine Corps in 1943. He mentions his first landing at Cape Gloucester. Fanska then took part in the landing at Peleliu and describes how he was wounded and the treatment he received on a hospital ship. He also served at Okinawa and earned a Silver Star. Fanska was wounded in the leg and describes lengthy recovery. He was discharged in 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 George T. Foy. Foy joined the Navy in January 1943. He trained at Great lakes for basic and took an electrician's course there, too before being assigned to the amphibious corps in Solomons, Maryland. He joined an USS LST-282 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In January, 1944, USS LST-282 steamed to Plymouth, England. Foy was aboard the 282 when it went to Normandy on 6 June 1944. It delivered amphibious vehicles and medical supplies during the landing operation and also served as a floating hospital. Foy got separated from his ship, but was able to return to it later on in England. In Southern France in August, USS LST-282 was hit by a German bomb and Foy abandoned ship and made it to shore. He returned to the US and was assigned to an auxiliary repair ship that went to the Pacific right as the war ended. He was discharged in March 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George T. Foy. Foy joined the Navy in January 1943. He trained at Great lakes for basic and took an electrician's course there, too before being assigned to the amphibious corps in Solomons, Maryland. He joined an USS LST-282 at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In January, 1944, USS LST-282 steamed to Plymouth, England. Foy was aboard the 282 when it went to Normandy on 6 June 1944. It delivered amphibious vehicles and medical supplies during the landing operation and also served as a floating hospital. Foy got separated from his ship, but was able to return to it later on in England. In Southern France in August, USS LST-282 was hit by a German bomb and Foy abandoned ship and made it to shore. He returned to the US and was assigned to an auxiliary repair ship that went to the Pacific right as the war ended. He was discharged in March 1946.

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.

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.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Wesley Fronk. Fronk joined the Army Air Forces in December 1942 after starting college at the University of North Dakota and working as a mechanic for Lockheed. He received basic training in Fresno and was sent to engineering and operations clerical school. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 347th Airdrome Squadron. He was sent to India, where his unit supported the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group. In his spare time, he helped build engines on the flight line. His unit dropped aerial supplies to British troops in Burma, American mountainside detachments, and the OSS. Supplies for Chinese troops included oats for their mules, since they had no motor vehicles. These missions were flown in C-47s, and after the war the unit switched to the larger C-46s, moving Chinese Nationalist troops to where they would face off against the Chinese Communists. Fronk returned home and was discharged in December 1945. He began a civilian career with the Department of Defense and retired after 48 years of service.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Wesley Fronk. Fronk joined the Army Air Forces in December 1942 after starting college at the University of North Dakota and working as a mechanic for Lockheed. He received basic training in Fresno and was sent to engineering and operations clerical school. Upon completion, he was assigned to the 347th Airdrome Squadron. He was sent to India, where his unit supported the 4th Combat Cargo Squadron, 1st Combat Cargo Group. In his spare time, he helped build engines on the flight line. His unit dropped aerial supplies to British troops in Burma, American mountainside detachments, and the OSS. Supplies for Chinese troops included oats for their mules, since they had no motor vehicles. These missions were flown in C-47s, and after the war the unit switched to the larger C-46s, moving Chinese Nationalist troops to where they would face off against the Chinese Communists. Fronk returned home and was discharged in December 1945. He began a civilian career with the Department of Defense and retired after 48 years of service.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Kenneth Gardner. Gardner joined the Navy in March of 1943. He served as Storekeeper First-Class. In December he deployed to New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), where all supply work was being conducted. Gardner worked in an oil and grease warehouse for the duration of the war. He shares details of his living and working conditions on the island. He was discharged in April of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Kenneth Gardner. Gardner joined the Navy in March of 1943. He served as Storekeeper First-Class. In December he deployed to New Hebrides (now Vanuatu), where all supply work was being conducted. Gardner worked in an oil and grease warehouse for the duration of the war. He shares details of his living and working conditions on the island. He was discharged in April of 1946.