Interview with Chris Walker, a carpenter during World War II. He discusses working as a carpenter in the Marines at Camp Pendleton and on Tinian and Saipan. He was present at Okinawa and in Nagasaki after Japan surrendered. He also tells stories about generals, his colonel, rations, and friendly fire. He describes some of the memorabilia he kept.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Grealish. Grealish joined the Navy in April of 1942. He completed Midshipman School. He served aboard the USS Waters (APD-8), transporting troops to the Solomon Islands, New Georgia, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and rescuing survivors from the USS Helena (CL-50). He was later assigned as Commanding Officer of USS Cronin (DE-704). Grealish was discharged in 1946, though continued active duty through 1953 and service in the Reserves through his retirement in 1979, having acquired the rank of rear admiral.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Reedle. Reedle joined the Navy in January 1942. He served as a boatswain’s mate on the USS McKean (APD-5). Reedle describes how his ship landed Marine Raiders throughout the Solomon Islands. He also discusses being critically hit by an aerial torpedo and being the last man off before it sank. Reedle then joined the crew of the USS Preston (DD-795) and became a captain of one of the five-inch guns. He describes providing gunnery support at Okinawa and screening carrier task groups. Reedle also discusses kamikaze attacks and going through a typhoon. He left the service in November 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Paul Livingston. Livingston joined the Navy in April of 1943. He served aboard the USS Rathburne (DD-113), a training ship for the West Coast Sound School in San Diego. Livingston helped train prospective Commanding and Executive Officers in anti-submarine warfare using sonar as a guide. In May of 1944 they were converted to a to a high-speed transport, and reclassified as (APD-25). They traveled to Hawaii to complete amphibious training with Underwater Demolition Team 10. They participated in the invasions of Peleliu, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf and Okinawa. They returned to the US and Livingston was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Meehan. Meehan was born in Lambertville, New Jersey. He attended midshipman’s school at Northwestern in Chicago completing the course in December 1940. He was commissioned by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Meehan received orders to report to the USS Goldsborough (AVD-5), a seaplane tender, as the communications officer. He recounts various missions to Mexico and Iceland and describes a trip to Greenland during which the ship encountered a storm that resulted in the loss of a crewmember. He was sent to Panama in early 1942 as part of a force to protect the Canal Zone. In June 1942 the ship went to Honduras to patrol for German submarines. He witnessed two PBY patrol aircraft capturing two large boats that provided support to German submarines. In July 1943, Meehan was made captain of the Goldsborough. He recalls being part of a hunter-killer group and describes an encounter with a German submarine. In March 1944 the ship was converted to a high speed transport and designated APD-32. Moving to the Pacific, the Goldsborough participated in the invasion of Saipan. The ship also delivered an Under Water Demolition Team (UDT) to …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dwight Mayo. Mayo joined the Marine Corps in October of 1942. Beginning in late 1944, he served as an F4U Corsair fighter pilot, stationed aboard USS Bennington (CV-20) in the Pacific. He took part in strikes against the Japanese home islands, and in raids in support of the Okinawa campaign. Mayo completed 100 missions. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring in 1962 with the rank of major.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Curtis G. Clark. Born in 1918, he joined the Navy in 1937. He served on the USS Talbot throughout the war, beginning as a Radioman third class and working his way up to the rank of Warrant Officer. He provides information about the Battle of Dutch Harbor in Alaska. He discusses the conversion of four-stack destroyer ships (DD), such as the USS Talbot, into high-speed transport ships (Auxiliary Personnel Destroyer or APD) on Mare Island, California. As part of the conversion, the torpedo tubes were replaced with Welin davits and landing craft. He discusses the sinking of the USS McKean (PAD-5) near Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. He talks about landing reconnaissance forces in preparation for the Battle of the Green Islands. He also discusses transporting Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) as well as the teams? method of operation. He describes the collision with the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) on the way to Saipan as well as the trip to San Francisco for repairs. After the repairs, the ship transported other UDT units to the Philippines. He was on the USS Talbot when it returned to the United States for …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Walter B. Neitsch: He was inducted at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas and received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and later at the Army Engineer Vancouver Barracks. He speaks of working with the 340th Army Engineers Construction Battalion to construct the ALCAN (Alaska-Canadian) Highway as well as rebuilding an airport in Darwin, Australia, and repairing roads and bridges in Luzon in the Phillipines where he saw Japanese soldiers coming in to surrender at the end of the war. He also told of the death from seasickness of a fellow soldier while in transit on the US Motorship Pennant and becoming a shellback when their ship crossed the equator.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James D. Rothermel. Rothermel was born in Burton, Texas 20 February 1918. Enlisting in the Navy in 1942, he had boot camp at Norfolk, Virginia. After spending a short time at Providence, Rhode Island, he was sent to Treasure Island, California and assigned to the 14th Naval Construction Battalion. During September 1942 he went aboard the M.S. Sommelsdijk, a converted Dutch freighter, and tells of the trip to Noumea, New Caledonia. From there the unit was sent to Guadalcanal, which had not yet been secured. The unit constructed two new airstrips on the island and Rothermel describes the other work completed. He tells of the nightly visits by a Japanese bomber, which would indiscriminately drop bombs every night, primarily for harassment. The bomber was called “Washing Machine Charlie” by all the troops on the island. He recounts the devastating affect that malaria, dengue fever and other jungle diseases had on the members of the 14th Battalion. The unit returned to Camp Parker, California, during November 1943. He recalls that during October 1944 the unit was sent to Saipan where they spent several months before being sent to Okinawa …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alfred Rodriquez. Rodriguez was born in Santa Barbara, California on 9 September 1921 and joined the Navy in 1940. Upon completion of boot training at San Diego in July, he was assigned to the USS Bobolink (AM-20), based at Maui, Hawaii. He recalls the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and his ship’s efforts to keep the heavily damaged USS California (BB-44) afloat. Afterwards, the Bobolink began pulling barges with fuel, ammunition and other supplies, from Tulagi and Gavutu to Guadalcanal. Following major naval engagements the Bobolink towed severely damaged ships to various islands for repair. Among those towed were the USS Atlanta (CL-51), the USS Aaron Ward (DD-483), the USS Portland (CA-33) and the USS Minneapolis (CA-36). In 1943 he returned to the United States and was assigned to the USS Wedderburn (DD-684). While aboard, Rodriquez was involved in various battles including Okinawa. He describes being in the December 1944 typhoon during which three destroyers were sunk. He concludes the discussion by telling of his various assignments until he retired in 1960.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Hausladen. Hausladen joined the Marine Corps in 1939 after two years of college. After boot camp came sea school, after which Hausladen went aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB-37). He was aboard when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and recalls being in a 5-inch gun compartment when the ship rolled. He escaped and was rescued by a whaleboat. In April, 1942, he was sent to VMF-223 as an armory technician. He travelled with them to Guadalcanal, arriving in August, 1942. His unit returned to the US in October. He went to Bougainville briefly and was in the US training when the war ended. Hausladen was discharged in December, 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chris Walker. He discusses working as a carpenter in the Marines at Camp Pendleton and on Tinian and Saipan and being on Okinawa and in Nagasaki after Japan surrendered. He also ancedotes on Generals and his Colonel, rations, friendly fire and describes some of the memoriabilia he kept.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Cary Salter. Salter learned to fly in the Civilian Pilot Training program before entering the Army Air Forces in June 1942 and entering flight training. He was commissioned in August, 1943 and went to England in September 1944 where he joined the 354th Fighter Group to fly P-51s. Salter describes missions he flew over France and Germany where he attacked various ground targets and engaged in aerial combat. Salter flew over 60 combat missions and, after the war, took a flight in a German fighter. Slater shares several anecdotes from his time overseas. He was discharged in November, 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Cary Salter. Salter learned to fly in the Civilian Pilot Training program before entering the Army Air Forces in June 1942 and entering flight training. He was commissioned in August, 1943 and went to England in September 1944 where he joined the 354th Fighter Group to fly P-51s. Salter describes missions he flew over France and Germany where he attacked various ground targets and engaged in aerial combat. Salter flew over 60 combat missions and, after the war, took a flight in a German fighter. Slater shares several anecdotes from his time overseas. He was discharged in November, 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edward Duran. Duran joined the Navy in 1927. After achieving warrant officer, Duran was assigned to the USS West Virginia (BB-48) when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He was at the motor launch awaiting transport back to his ship when the Japanese attacked. When the dust cleared, Duran found himself in charge of the Japanese midget submarine Ha-19. Duran shares several anecdotes about his service during the war in the Pacific, including outfitting the USS Trout (SS-202) for a trip to Corregidor; ditching a PBY in the ocean; and being aboard the USS Marvin H. McIntyre at Okinawa. Duran retired from the Navy in 1957.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alfred Rodriquez. Rodriguez was born in Santa Barbara, California on 9 September 1921 and joined the Navy in 1940. Upon completion of boot training at San Diego in July, he was assigned to the USS Bobolink (AM-20), based at Maui, Hawaii. He recalls the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and his ship’s efforts to keep the heavily damaged USS California (BB-44) afloat. Afterwards, the Bobolink began pulling barges with fuel, ammunition and other supplies, from Tulagi and Gavutu to Guadalcanal. Following major naval engagements the Bobolink towed severely damaged ships to various islands for repair. Among those towed were the USS Atlanta (CL-51), the USS Aaron Ward (DD-483), the USS Portland (CA-33) and the USS Minneapolis (CA-36). In 1943 he returned to the United States and was assigned to the USS Wedderburn (DD-684). While aboard, Rodriquez was involved in various battles including Okinawa. He describes being in the December 1944 typhoon during which three destroyers were sunk. He concludes the discussion by telling of his various assignments until he retired in 1960.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Hausladen. Hausladen joined the Marine Corps in 1939 after two years of college. After boot camp came sea school, after which Hausladen went aboard the USS Oklahoma (BB-37). He was aboard when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and recalls being in a 5-inch gun compartment when the ship rolled. He escaped and was rescued by a whaleboat. In April, 1942, he was sent to VMF-223 as an armory technician. He travelled with them to Guadalcanal, arriving in August, 1942. His unit returned to the US in October. He went to Bougainville briefly and was in the US training when the war ended. Hausladen was discharged in December, 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Grealish. Grealish joined the Navy in April of 1942. He completed Midshipman School. He served aboard the USS Waters (APD-8), transporting troops to the Solomon Islands, New Georgia, Saipan, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and rescuing survivors from the USS Helena (CL-50). He was later assigned as Commanding Officer of USS Cronin (DE-704). Grealish was discharged in 1946, though continued active duty through 1953 and service in the Reserves through his retirement in 1979, having acquired the rank of rear admiral.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Reedle. Reedle joined the Navy in January 1942. He served as a boatswain’s mate on the USS McKean (APD-5). Reedle describes how his ship landed Marine Raiders throughout the Solomon Islands. He also discusses being critically hit by an aerial torpedo and being the last man off before it sank. Reedle then joined the crew of the USS Preston (DD-795) and became a captain of one of the five-inch guns. He describes providing gunnery support at Okinawa and screening carrier task groups. Reedle also discusses kamikaze attacks and going through a typhoon. He left the service in November 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Paul Livingston. Livingston joined the Navy in April of 1943. He served aboard the USS Rathburne (DD-113), a training ship for the West Coast Sound School in San Diego. Livingston helped train prospective Commanding and Executive Officers in anti-submarine warfare using sonar as a guide. In May of 1944 they were converted to a to a high-speed transport, and reclassified as (APD-25). They traveled to Hawaii to complete amphibious training with Underwater Demolition Team 10. They participated in the invasions of Peleliu, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf and Okinawa. They returned to the US and Livingston was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Meehan. Meehan was born in Lambertville, New Jersey. He attended midshipman’s school at Northwestern in Chicago completing the course in December 1940. He was commissioned by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. Meehan received orders to report to the USS Goldsborough (AVD-5), a seaplane tender, as the communications officer. He recounts various missions to Mexico and Iceland and describes a trip to Greenland during which the ship encountered a storm that resulted in the loss of a crewmember. He was sent to Panama in early 1942 as part of a force to protect the Canal Zone. In June 1942 the ship went to Honduras to patrol for German submarines. He witnessed two PBY patrol aircraft capturing two large boats that provided support to German submarines. In July 1943, Meehan was made captain of the Goldsborough. He recalls being part of a hunter-killer group and describes an encounter with a German submarine. In March 1944 the ship was converted to a high speed transport and designated APD-32. Moving to the Pacific, the Goldsborough participated in the invasion of Saipan. The ship also delivered an Under Water Demolition Team (UDT) to …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dwight Mayo. Mayo joined the Marine Corps in October of 1942. Beginning in late 1944, he served as an F4U Corsair fighter pilot, stationed aboard USS Bennington (CV-20) in the Pacific. He took part in strikes against the Japanese home islands, and in raids in support of the Okinawa campaign. Mayo completed 100 missions. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring in 1962 with the rank of major.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Curtis G. Clark. Born in 1918, he joined the Navy in 1937. He served on the USS Talbot throughout the war, beginning as a Radioman third class and working his way up to the rank of Warrant Officer. He provides information about the Battle of Dutch Harbor in Alaska. He discusses the conversion of four-stack destroyer ships (DD), such as the USS Talbot, into high-speed transport ships (Auxiliary Personnel Destroyer or APD) on Mare Island, California. As part of the conversion, the torpedo tubes were replaced with Welin davits and landing craft. He discusses the sinking of the USS McKean (PAD-5) near Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. He talks about landing reconnaissance forces in preparation for the Battle of the Green Islands. He also discusses transporting Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) as well as the teams? method of operation. He describes the collision with the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) on the way to Saipan as well as the trip to San Francisco for repairs. After the repairs, the ship transported other UDT units to the Philippines. He was on the USS Talbot when it returned to the United States for …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Walter B. Neitsch: He was inducted at Ft. Sam Houston, Texas and received basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and later at the Army Engineer Vancouver Barracks. He speaks of working with the 340th Army Engineers Construction Battalion to construct the ALCAN (Alaska-Canadian) Highway as well as rebuilding an airport in Darwin, Australia, and repairing roads and bridges in Luzon in the Phillipines where he saw Japanese soldiers coming in to surrender at the end of the war. He also told of the death from seasickness of a fellow soldier while in transit on the US Motorship Pennant and becoming a shellback when their ship crossed the equator.