The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Kaufman. Kaufman joined the Navy in June of 1936. He graduated from the Naval Academy in June of 1940. Beginning in June, Kaufman served aboard the USS Wichita (CA-45), operating primarily in the North Atlantic. He worked in the Communications and Gunnery departments through December of 1942. Kaufman volunteered for submarine school, graduated in June of 1943 and served as Diving Officer and Executive Officer aboard the USS Gato (SS-212). He completed war patrols through Bougainville, Saipan and Midway. He was later assigned to the submarine training command at Pearl Harbor, where he remained through the end of the war. Kaufman continued his service after the war, retiring as a captain in June of 1970.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Kaufman. Kaufman joined the Navy in June of 1936. He graduated from the Naval Academy in June of 1940. Beginning in June, Kaufman served aboard the USS Wichita (CA-45), operating primarily in the North Atlantic. He worked in the Communications and Gunnery departments through December of 1942. Kaufman volunteered for submarine school, graduated in June of 1943 and served as Diving Officer and Executive Officer aboard the USS Gato (SS-212). He completed war patrols through Bougainville, Saipan and Midway. He was later assigned to the submarine training command at Pearl Harbor, where he remained through the end of the war. Kaufman continued his service after the war, retiring as a captain in June of 1970.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Edwin. Edwin was born in 1932. As a young elementary school student in Houston, Texas, he volunteered with the aircraft warning services during World War II. From mid-1942 through December of 1943, Edwin served as an aircraft observer on Sunday afternoons, reporting to the 3rd Fighter Command of the 3rd Air Force.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Edwin. Edwin was born in 1932. As a young elementary school student in Houston, Texas, he volunteered with the aircraft warning services during World War II. From mid-1942 through December of 1943, Edwin served as an aircraft observer on Sunday afternoons, reporting to the 3rd Fighter Command of the 3rd Air Force.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Frazier. Frazier was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania on 19 May 1927. Upon joining the Navy in 1945 he went to boot camp at Samson Naval Training Base in New York. Upon completing boot training, he was sent to Iwo Jima where he went aboard the USS Susanville (PC-1149). He developed an ingenious method to make ice cream on board the ship. He recalls that after providing shuttle services for several months the ship went to Guam where they began the decommissioning process. They returned to the United States in 1947 and Frazier was discharged having spent seventeen months in active service.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Frazier. Frazier was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania on 19 May 1927. Upon joining the Navy in 1945 he went to boot camp at Samson Naval Training Base in New York. Upon completing boot training, he was sent to Iwo Jima where he went aboard the USS Susanville (PC-1149). He developed an ingenious method to make ice cream on board the ship. He recalls that after providing shuttle services for several months the ship went to Guam where they began the decommissioning process. They returned to the United States in 1947 and Frazier was discharged having spent seventeen months in active service.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Alden. Alden was born in San Diego, California on 23 October 1921. While attending Cornell University he entered the US Navy V-7 Program. Upon graduating from Cornell he was ordered to attend Midshipman School at Columbia University. While there he was hospitalized for an extended period of time. Later, Alden was ordered to Midshipman’s School at Notre Dame University. Upon graduating in September 1943, he was sent to Diesel school at Cornell University. When he completed the course, he was selected for the Submarine Service and reported to the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. Alden received training aboard the USS Pike (SS-173) and the USS Cachalot (SS-170) before being assigned as communications officer on the USS Lamprey (SS-372). During January 1945 the boat arrived in Saipan where they began patrol duties. He describes encounters with Chinese junks during these patrols. During their third patrol they were notified the Japanese surrendered and they returned to Subic Bay. The USS Lamprey was then ordered to return to the United States where it was placed into the mothball fleet. Alden concludes the interview by telling of his various assignments …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Alden. Alden was born in San Diego, California on 23 October 1921. While attending Cornell University he entered the US Navy V-7 Program. Upon graduating from Cornell he was ordered to attend Midshipman School at Columbia University. While there he was hospitalized for an extended period of time. Later, Alden was ordered to Midshipman’s School at Notre Dame University. Upon graduating in September 1943, he was sent to Diesel school at Cornell University. When he completed the course, he was selected for the Submarine Service and reported to the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, Connecticut. Alden received training aboard the USS Pike (SS-173) and the USS Cachalot (SS-170) before being assigned as communications officer on the USS Lamprey (SS-372). During January 1945 the boat arrived in Saipan where they began patrol duties. He describes encounters with Chinese junks during these patrols. During their third patrol they were notified the Japanese surrendered and they returned to Subic Bay. The USS Lamprey was then ordered to return to the United States where it was placed into the mothball fleet. Alden concludes the interview by telling of his various assignments …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Maurice Rindskopf. Rindskopf graduated from the Naval Academy in 1938. He completed submarine school in 1940. Beginning November of 1941, Rindskopf served as Commanding Officer aboard the USS Drum (SS-228). He completed 11 war patrols around Japan, Truk, Tulagi, Marshall Islands and the Philippines. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring in 1972 as a rear admiral and the Director of Naval Intelligence.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Maurice Rindskopf. Rindskopf graduated from the Naval Academy in 1938. He completed submarine school in 1940. Beginning November of 1941, Rindskopf served as Commanding Officer aboard the USS Drum (SS-228). He completed 11 war patrols around Japan, Truk, Tulagi, Marshall Islands and the Philippines. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring in 1972 as a rear admiral and the Director of Naval Intelligence.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ray Christensen. Christensen was born in Henry, South Dakota in December 1917. He joined the Navy in September 1941 and went to Great lakes Naval Training Station, Chicago, Illinois for boot training. Upon completion he reported aboard the USS Colorado (BB-45) at Bremerton, Washington. He tells of the ship taking part in the bombardment of Tarawa. After returning to the United States for overhaul, the ship took part in the invasion of several islands including Tinian. While bombarding Tinian, the ship was hit by Japanese shore batteries resulting in numerous casualties. Christensen recalls that after being repaired in the United States the Colorado participated in the invasion of Leyte. During this time the ship was hit by two kamikaze aircraft, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. After repairs at Manus Island the ship participated in the bombardment of Lingayen Gulf. During this operation the ship was hit by accidental shelling by the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) resulting in many casualties. The ship also participated in the invasion of Okinawa and Christensen saw people jumping off cliffs to avoid capture during this operation.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ray Christensen. Christensen was born in Henry, South Dakota in December 1917. He joined the Navy in September 1941 and went to Great lakes Naval Training Station, Chicago, Illinois for boot training. Upon completion he reported aboard the USS Colorado (BB-45) at Bremerton, Washington. He tells of the ship taking part in the bombardment of Tarawa. After returning to the United States for overhaul, the ship took part in the invasion of several islands including Tinian. While bombarding Tinian, the ship was hit by Japanese shore batteries resulting in numerous casualties. Christensen recalls that after being repaired in the United States the Colorado participated in the invasion of Leyte. During this time the ship was hit by two kamikaze aircraft, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. After repairs at Manus Island the ship participated in the bombardment of Lingayen Gulf. During this operation the ship was hit by accidental shelling by the USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) resulting in many casualties. The ship also participated in the invasion of Okinawa and Christensen saw people jumping off cliffs to avoid capture during this operation.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward McCreary. McCreary was born in Spain in 1928 and attended school in the Philippines beginning in 1935. He was a high school sophomore in Baguio when the Japanese invaded, and he managed to escape to the mountains, where he hid for three months. After he was caught, he was imprisoned for one year in a small camp. As guerillas began to recapture parts of the island, prisoners were transferred to Santo Tomas University. There American prisoners organized committees to serve as a form of self-government. Thanks to them, McCreary completed his high school education while there. By the spring of 1944, starvation was setting in, causing death and illness. In September 1944 a Navy air raid brought hope to the prisoners, but it was several weeks before American troops landed. Soldiers broke into the prison and spent three days barricaded there beside the prisoners; together they shared military rations and food that had been smuggled to them by Dominican priests. Upon being liberated, McCreary was evacuated to the States and enrolled in Harvard University.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward McCreary. McCreary was born in Spain in 1928 and attended school in the Philippines beginning in 1935. He was a high school sophomore in Baguio when the Japanese invaded, and he managed to escape to the mountains, where he hid for three months. After he was caught, he was imprisoned for one year in a small camp. As guerillas began to recapture parts of the island, prisoners were transferred to Santo Tomas University. There American prisoners organized committees to serve as a form of self-government. Thanks to them, McCreary completed his high school education while there. By the spring of 1944, starvation was setting in, causing death and illness. In September 1944 a Navy air raid brought hope to the prisoners, but it was several weeks before American troops landed. Soldiers broke into the prison and spent three days barricaded there beside the prisoners; together they shared military rations and food that had been smuggled to them by Dominican priests. Upon being liberated, McCreary was evacuated to the States and enrolled in Harvard University.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Eunice Marie Valencia Cavajeh. Cavajeh was born 16 October 1927 in Oskosura on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Her father was a Filipino doctor who was trained in the United States and her mother was an American nurse. They were married in the Philippines in 1919. Cavajeh recalls the Japanese invasion beginning 8 December 1941. She also recalls the confusion encountered upon leaving the city. She tells of the Japanese occupying the hospital her father managed. She joined a guerilla group and was assigned the duty of typing up reports that were sent to other guerilla units by runner. She mentions that a number of friends were executed for supporting the guerillas and of the Japanese burning houses as they retreated once the Allies invaded. She also recalls hearing of the surrender of Japan.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Eunice Marie Valencia Cavajeh. Cavajeh was born 16 October 1927 in Oskosura on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Her father was a Filipino doctor who was trained in the United States and her mother was an American nurse. They were married in the Philippines in 1919. Cavajeh recalls the Japanese invasion beginning 8 December 1941. She also recalls the confusion encountered upon leaving the city. She tells of the Japanese occupying the hospital her father managed. She joined a guerilla group and was assigned the duty of typing up reports that were sent to other guerilla units by runner. She mentions that a number of friends were executed for supporting the guerillas and of the Japanese burning houses as they retreated once the Allies invaded. She also recalls hearing of the surrender of Japan.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Keith Wells. Wells was in the cavalry at Texas A&M when the war broke out. He joined the Marine Corps and attended officer’s school. There he learned parachuting, completing his final jumps with a broken leg, which he never sought medical care for. He received further training at Camp Pendleton and became the executive officer of his company. Landing on Iwo Jima in the third wave, he remained there for the duration of the campaign. While crossing the island, he received multiple shell fragment wounds to his leg and head. As a member of the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 28th Marine Regiment, he witnessed both the first and second flags atop Mount Suribachi. By the end of the war, he was on a first-name basis with a general, who was impressed by his grace under fire. Wells retired from the service as a major, earned a degree in geology and entered the oil industry.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Keith Wells. Wells was in the cavalry at Texas A&M when the war broke out. He joined the Marine Corps and attended officer’s school. There he learned parachuting, completing his final jumps with a broken leg, which he never sought medical care for. He received further training at Camp Pendleton and became the executive officer of his company. Landing on Iwo Jima in the third wave, he remained there for the duration of the campaign. While crossing the island, he received multiple shell fragment wounds to his leg and head. As a member of the 3rd Platoon, E Company, 28th Marine Regiment, he witnessed both the first and second flags atop Mount Suribachi. By the end of the war, he was on a first-name basis with a general, who was impressed by his grace under fire. Wells retired from the service as a major, earned a degree in geology and entered the oil industry.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ken Jones. Jones joined the Navy in January of 1944. Beginning in May, he served as a 20mm gunner aboard the USS Colorado (BB-45). Jones participated in the pre-invasion shelling of Saipan, Guam and Tinian. Additionally, he participated in the Philippines Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, they traveled to Tokyo Bay and witnessed the surrender of Japan. He returned to the US and was discharged around late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ken Jones. Jones joined the Navy in January of 1944. Beginning in May, he served as a 20mm gunner aboard the USS Colorado (BB-45). Jones participated in the pre-invasion shelling of Saipan, Guam and Tinian. Additionally, he participated in the Philippines Campaign and the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, they traveled to Tokyo Bay and witnessed the surrender of Japan. He returned to the US and was discharged around late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Martin DeVries. DeVries joined the Navy as a Seabee in 1942. Having experience in painting and hanging wallpaper, he was assigned as a painter to the 31st Naval Construction Battalion, attached to the 5th Marine Division at Port Hueneme. When DeVries deployed to Iwo Jima, he assisted the storekeeper with the cold storage of fruits and vegetables; his incentive in doing so was to stay cool and enjoy fresh food. DeVries watched the invasion of the island from afar, amazed by flamethrowers. When the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi, DeVries remembers hearing celebratory whistles and horns. Afterward he was sent ashore to help construct an airstrip and complete the nearly impossible task of building a road to the top of Mount Suribachi. Upon his discharge, DeVries returned to his work as a painter, eventually becoming president of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. For the benefit of his grandchildren, he wrote a book about his wartime experiences.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Martin DeVries. DeVries joined the Navy as a Seabee in 1942. Having experience in painting and hanging wallpaper, he was assigned as a painter to the 31st Naval Construction Battalion, attached to the 5th Marine Division at Port Hueneme. When DeVries deployed to Iwo Jima, he assisted the storekeeper with the cold storage of fruits and vegetables; his incentive in doing so was to stay cool and enjoy fresh food. DeVries watched the invasion of the island from afar, amazed by flamethrowers. When the flag was raised on Mount Suribachi, DeVries remembers hearing celebratory whistles and horns. Afterward he was sent ashore to help construct an airstrip and complete the nearly impossible task of building a road to the top of Mount Suribachi. Upon his discharge, DeVries returned to his work as a painter, eventually becoming president of the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. For the benefit of his grandchildren, he wrote a book about his wartime experiences.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Victor Nanadiego. Nanadiego was born in the Philippines and was a private in the Philippine Army at the time of the Japanese invasion. He was captured and participated in the Bataan Death March. He describes insect infestations, rampant disease, and the lack of food and water. Nanadiego also discusses the duties POWs performed including burying the dead. He was released after four months and joined the guerillas when he had recovered from his captivity. Nanadiego describes how he was promoted to the rank of captain and how he worked with an American named Lieutenant Townsend to move weapons. He continued to serve in the Philippine Army after the war and eventually became a general. Nanadiego also discusses how Philippine veterans were not given the same benefits as their American counterparts.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Victor Nanadiego. Nanadiego was born in the Philippines and was a private in the Philippine Army at the time of the Japanese invasion. He was captured and participated in the Bataan Death March. He describes insect infestations, rampant disease, and the lack of food and water. Nanadiego also discusses the duties POWs performed including burying the dead. He was released after four months and joined the guerillas when he had recovered from his captivity. Nanadiego describes how he was promoted to the rank of captain and how he worked with an American named Lieutenant Townsend to move weapons. He continued to serve in the Philippine Army after the war and eventually became a general. Nanadiego also discusses how Philippine veterans were not given the same benefits as their American counterparts.