The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joseph Malleske. Malleske enlisted in the Navy in January 1944 at Great Lakes, Illinois and took boot camp there. After boot camp, they sent him down to Norfolk (Camp Bradford) for amphibious training where he got picked up to go to radar school. After that he was formed into a crew for LST duty and sent to Little Creek, Virginia for a two week training cruise on the Chesapeake Bay in a LST. In late May 1944, they sent them to Evansville, Indiana to pick up their LST (number 569), a brand-new one from the shipyard there. In late July 1944, they sailed for Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides. From there, they went to Milne Bay, New Guinea, loaded up Seabee troops and then made their way to Tacloban, Leyte, arriving about D+4 (October 24, 1944). After a short stay at Leyte (until the battle was over), they headed back to Hollandia. They made several runs between Hollandia and Leyte and then landed troops on D-Day at Luzon. They also went to the Palawan Islands and Mindanao, landing supplies or troops. After more trips between the Philippines …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Joseph Malleske. Malleske enlisted in the Navy in January 1944 at Great Lakes, Illinois and took boot camp there. After boot camp, they sent him down to Norfolk (Camp Bradford) for amphibious training where he got picked up to go to radar school. After that he was formed into a crew for LST duty and sent to Little Creek, Virginia for a two week training cruise on the Chesapeake Bay in a LST. In late May 1944, they sent them to Evansville, Indiana to pick up their LST (number 569), a brand-new one from the shipyard there. In late July 1944, they sailed for Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides. From there, they went to Milne Bay, New Guinea, loaded up Seabee troops and then made their way to Tacloban, Leyte, arriving about D+4 (October 24, 1944). After a short stay at Leyte (until the battle was over), they headed back to Hollandia. They made several runs between Hollandia and Leyte and then landed troops on D-Day at Luzon. They also went to the Palawan Islands and Mindanao, landing supplies or troops. After more trips between the Philippines …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William A. Lockey. Lockey was born on 16 June 1920 in Weches, Texas and joined the Navy on 19 July 1941. He was aboard the USS New Orleans (CA-32) at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 when a Japanese aircraft fired on the ship, just missing his head but wounding him slightly. The New Orleans was moored about 300 yards from the USS Arizona (BB-39) and he watched that ship sink. The New Orleans crew hoisted the ammunition, aimed and fired the 5-inch anti-aircraft guns manually. He was manning one gun mount and remembers the ship shot down several Japanese aircraft. He heard the ship’s Chaplain, Howell Forgy, encouraging crew members to praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition. The New Orleans joined the Yorktown (CV-5) and the Lexington (CV-2) task forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Brodie watched the Lexington sink. He next recalls events in the Solomon Islands during the Battle of Tassafaronga in late November 1942, when the New Orleans’ bow was blown off by a Japanese torpedo. Following temporary repairs in Australia, the ship returned to the States by sailing stern first …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William A. Lockey. Lockey was born on 16 June 1920 in Weches, Texas and joined the Navy on 19 July 1941. He was aboard the USS New Orleans (CA-32) at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 when a Japanese aircraft fired on the ship, just missing his head but wounding him slightly. The New Orleans was moored about 300 yards from the USS Arizona (BB-39) and he watched that ship sink. The New Orleans crew hoisted the ammunition, aimed and fired the 5-inch anti-aircraft guns manually. He was manning one gun mount and remembers the ship shot down several Japanese aircraft. He heard the ship’s Chaplain, Howell Forgy, encouraging crew members to praise the Lord, and pass the ammunition. The New Orleans joined the Yorktown (CV-5) and the Lexington (CV-2) task forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea. Brodie watched the Lexington sink. He next recalls events in the Solomon Islands during the Battle of Tassafaronga in late November 1942, when the New Orleans’ bow was blown off by a Japanese torpedo. Following temporary repairs in Australia, the ship returned to the States by sailing stern first …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Sam Palermo. Palermo was born in 1924 in Melrose Park, Illinois. His parents came from Italy in 1902. He was drafted into the Navy in June 1943 and sent to Farragut, Idaho for boot training. Upon finishing, he went to Wahpeton, where he studied engineering at the North Dakota State College of Science for six months. In March 1944 he reported aboard the USS Dennis (DE-405) as a motor machinist in the engine room. The Dennis was part of Taffy 3 and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf off Samar during which the ship was hit five times by Japanese gunfire. After the battle, the Dennis picked up 434 survivors from the USS St. Lo (CVE-63) and Palermo describes burials at sea of five shipmates and a casualty from the St. Lo. After dropping off the injured at Peleliu, the ship returned to Alameda for repairs. Returning to the Pacific, the Dennis provided support during the invasion of Iwo Jima. After twenty-seven days on station at Iwo Jima the ship went to Ulithi for provisions and to prepare for the next invasion. After participating in the invasion …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Sam Palermo. Palermo was born in 1924 in Melrose Park, Illinois. His parents came from Italy in 1902. He was drafted into the Navy in June 1943 and sent to Farragut, Idaho for boot training. Upon finishing, he went to Wahpeton, where he studied engineering at the North Dakota State College of Science for six months. In March 1944 he reported aboard the USS Dennis (DE-405) as a motor machinist in the engine room. The Dennis was part of Taffy 3 and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf off Samar during which the ship was hit five times by Japanese gunfire. After the battle, the Dennis picked up 434 survivors from the USS St. Lo (CVE-63) and Palermo describes burials at sea of five shipmates and a casualty from the St. Lo. After dropping off the injured at Peleliu, the ship returned to Alameda for repairs. Returning to the Pacific, the Dennis provided support during the invasion of Iwo Jima. After twenty-seven days on station at Iwo Jima the ship went to Ulithi for provisions and to prepare for the next invasion. After participating in the invasion …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Walter Skeldon. Skeldon recalls several anecdotes from growing up during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the Navy in August 1941 and trained at Newport, Rhode Island. He was in aviation mechanic school when the war started. Skeldon describes the initiation when a ship crosses the Equator while aboard USS Santee (CVE-29) and was involved in the invasion of North Africa. He shares stories from Morocco. He went to arresting gear school before he served aboard USS Kadashan Bay (CVE-76). Skeldon shares several anecdotes about life aboard an aircraft carrier during World War II. He also talks about the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He also served as a plane captain aboard an SBD. He also describes his experiences at Okinawa. Skeldon shares a few post war anecdotes about hauling former Italian POWs back to Italy. He retired from the Navy in 1947 and went to work on the railroad. He was recalled for the Korean War.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Walter Skeldon. Skeldon recalls several anecdotes from growing up during the Great Depression. He enlisted in the Navy in August 1941 and trained at Newport, Rhode Island. He was in aviation mechanic school when the war started. Skeldon describes the initiation when a ship crosses the Equator while aboard USS Santee (CVE-29) and was involved in the invasion of North Africa. He shares stories from Morocco. He went to arresting gear school before he served aboard USS Kadashan Bay (CVE-76). Skeldon shares several anecdotes about life aboard an aircraft carrier during World War II. He also talks about the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He also served as a plane captain aboard an SBD. He also describes his experiences at Okinawa. Skeldon shares a few post war anecdotes about hauling former Italian POWs back to Italy. He retired from the Navy in 1947 and went to work on the railroad. He was recalled for the Korean War.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carlyle Herring. Herring joined the Navy after high school, in 1937. His initial assignment was as a boatswain’s mate, in charge of anchors and small boats. Herring was aboard the Enterprise (CV-6) when Pearl Harbor was attacked. While sailing to Wake Island in the weeks before the Pearl Harbor attack, Herring was stationed at an anti-aircraft gun mount as Admiral Halsey announced that he anticipated imminent Japanese aggression, putting the ship at general quarters. While on the Enterprise, he was sent to work on the flight deck, pulling chocks from aircraft, putting him in dangerously close proximity to moving propellers. For a time, he worked with a dive bomber squadron until being erroneously court martialed for his buddies’ antics. During combat, Herring witnessed the sinking of other ships in his group, yet he never was afraid for his own life. Herring ended his service as an aviation machinist’s mate.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Carlyle Herring. Herring joined the Navy after high school, in 1937. His initial assignment was as a boatswain’s mate, in charge of anchors and small boats. Herring was aboard the Enterprise (CV-6) when Pearl Harbor was attacked. While sailing to Wake Island in the weeks before the Pearl Harbor attack, Herring was stationed at an anti-aircraft gun mount as Admiral Halsey announced that he anticipated imminent Japanese aggression, putting the ship at general quarters. While on the Enterprise, he was sent to work on the flight deck, pulling chocks from aircraft, putting him in dangerously close proximity to moving propellers. For a time, he worked with a dive bomber squadron until being erroneously court martialed for his buddies’ antics. During combat, Herring witnessed the sinking of other ships in his group, yet he never was afraid for his own life. Herring ended his service as an aviation machinist’s mate.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clarence Haverland. Haverland joined the Navy in 1943 and received basic training in San Diego. He went to aviation metalsmith school in Oklahoma. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a chock man, assisting in the maneuvering of planes aboard ship. While on his way ashore for liberty, a friend dared him to ignore rather than salute the first officer he passed. He agreed and immediately encountered 18 admirals, including Nimitz, Spruance, Fletcher, and Halsey. Haverland pretended to be busy inspecting cranes as they passed by. Later, Admiral Halsey found Haverland aboard ship and questioned him about the incident. Haverland explained the bet he had made with a friend, and Halsey replied that he was lucky it was a group of admirals and not ensigns that he passed. Haverland went on to serve in United States. Navy. Carrier Air Service Unit 1 (CASU-1) and CASU-38 as an aviation metalsmith. He returned home and was discharged in January 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clarence Haverland. Haverland joined the Navy in 1943 and received basic training in San Diego. He went to aviation metalsmith school in Oklahoma. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a chock man, assisting in the maneuvering of planes aboard ship. While on his way ashore for liberty, a friend dared him to ignore rather than salute the first officer he passed. He agreed and immediately encountered 18 admirals, including Nimitz, Spruance, Fletcher, and Halsey. Haverland pretended to be busy inspecting cranes as they passed by. Later, Admiral Halsey found Haverland aboard ship and questioned him about the incident. Haverland explained the bet he had made with a friend, and Halsey replied that he was lucky it was a group of admirals and not ensigns that he passed. Haverland went on to serve in United States. Navy. Carrier Air Service Unit 1 (CASU-1) and CASU-38 as an aviation metalsmith. He returned home and was discharged in January 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Frank Albert. Albert joined the Navy in 1941. Growing up in poverty with 12 siblings, enlisting was a way to ensure three square meals a day and to finally have his own bed. Albert was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a shipfitter, involved in routine maintenance and damage control. As such, he was appreciated by many people and often repaid with alcohol, which he would share with others before stowing the remainder inside the ship’s walls, welding the makeshift cubby shut each time. At Pearl Harbor, he conducted shore patrol and once broke up an altercation involving his own brother. The two of them, along with about 15 other pairs of brothers, worked together on the Enterprise, in the early days. Albert encountered many dangerous events, particularly surviving a weeklong typhoon, and watching from the crow’s nest as a kamikaze approached and blew out the number two elevator. In the aftermath, part of his duties in damage control included administering morphine to the wounded. Albert was discharged shortly before the war ended, having spent four years in the service. For a time thereafter, he suffered from …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Frank Albert. Albert joined the Navy in 1941. Growing up in poverty with 12 siblings, enlisting was a way to ensure three square meals a day and to finally have his own bed. Albert was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-6) as a shipfitter, involved in routine maintenance and damage control. As such, he was appreciated by many people and often repaid with alcohol, which he would share with others before stowing the remainder inside the ship’s walls, welding the makeshift cubby shut each time. At Pearl Harbor, he conducted shore patrol and once broke up an altercation involving his own brother. The two of them, along with about 15 other pairs of brothers, worked together on the Enterprise, in the early days. Albert encountered many dangerous events, particularly surviving a weeklong typhoon, and watching from the crow’s nest as a kamikaze approached and blew out the number two elevator. In the aftermath, part of his duties in damage control included administering morphine to the wounded. Albert was discharged shortly before the war ended, having spent four years in the service. For a time thereafter, he suffered from …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Harry Lyons. Lyons joined the Navy in October of 1940. He served briefly aboard the USS Nevada (BB-36) as a machinist mate working in the boiler room. He was then assigned to the Engineering Department aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) from December of 1940 to August of 1944, where he served as Fireman First Class in the boiler room. Lyons describes the intensely hot work in the boiler room, while stationed in the Pacific. The Enterprise was 150 miles south of Oahu, Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7, 1941. Lyons describes their participation in combating the Japanese. In February of 1942 the Enterprise group swept the central Pacific, attacking enemy installations on Wake and Marcus Islands. In April of that same year the Enterprise participated in the Battle of Midway. Beginning in August of 1942 they participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, and a few months later Lyons was injured during the Battle of Santa Cruz. In July of 1943 Lyons was promoted to Second Class Watertender. In June of 1944 they participated in the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign. In August of that same year, Lyons was …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Harry Lyons. Lyons joined the Navy in October of 1940. He served briefly aboard the USS Nevada (BB-36) as a machinist mate working in the boiler room. He was then assigned to the Engineering Department aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) from December of 1940 to August of 1944, where he served as Fireman First Class in the boiler room. Lyons describes the intensely hot work in the boiler room, while stationed in the Pacific. The Enterprise was 150 miles south of Oahu, Pearl Harbor the morning of December 7, 1941. Lyons describes their participation in combating the Japanese. In February of 1942 the Enterprise group swept the central Pacific, attacking enemy installations on Wake and Marcus Islands. In April of that same year the Enterprise participated in the Battle of Midway. Beginning in August of 1942 they participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, and a few months later Lyons was injured during the Battle of Santa Cruz. In July of 1943 Lyons was promoted to Second Class Watertender. In June of 1944 they participated in the Mariana and Palau Islands campaign. In August of that same year, Lyons was …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jack Glass. Glass was born in Forsyth, Georgia on 27 March 1924. Upon graduation from high school in 1941, he joined the Navy. After completing boot camp in Norfolk, Virginia he attended a radio operator school in Alameda, California. In June 1942, he was assigned to VF-6 aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). He was later assigned as to Bombing Squadron 10 (United States. Navy. Bombing Squadron 10 (VB-10)) as a radio operator aboard SBD dive bombers. Glass participated in various battles including Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. In 1944 he was transferred off the ship and flew as the radio operator on PBYs. He was discharged in 1947 and enlisted in the Air Force. He briefly tells of the time spent in the Air Force.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jack Glass. Glass was born in Forsyth, Georgia on 27 March 1924. Upon graduation from high school in 1941, he joined the Navy. After completing boot camp in Norfolk, Virginia he attended a radio operator school in Alameda, California. In June 1942, he was assigned to VF-6 aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6). He was later assigned as to Bombing Squadron 10 (United States. Navy. Bombing Squadron 10 (VB-10)) as a radio operator aboard SBD dive bombers. Glass participated in various battles including Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. In 1944 he was transferred off the ship and flew as the radio operator on PBYs. He was discharged in 1947 and enlisted in the Air Force. He briefly tells of the time spent in the Air Force.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Barnhill. Barnhill joined the Navy after graduating from high school in 1940. Upon completion of bugle school, he was a regimental bugler until receiving orders to board the USS Enterprise (CV-6). He was assigned a second station as assistant photographer. Barnhill’s first voyage was to Hawaii in March 1941 for training. When news of the attack on Pearl Harbor arrived, Barnhill recalls sounding general quarters from the bridge with his bugle. His first mission was at the Marshall Islands, where the ship came under attack. As the war developed, Barnhill volunteered to fuse bombs, a task he performed with his younger brother, who had requested to be assigned with him. There were no less than a dozen sets of brothers on the ship at that time. At the Battle of Rennell Island, Barnhill remembers the ship was under strict orders to leave behind any men in the water, leaving them to be rescued by other ships. He left the Enterprise in July 1944 and enjoyed easy duty in Oregon, where his unit worked part-time civilian jobs at local factories, which was appreciated by the community as the …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James Barnhill. Barnhill joined the Navy after graduating from high school in 1940. Upon completion of bugle school, he was a regimental bugler until receiving orders to board the USS Enterprise (CV-6). He was assigned a second station as assistant photographer. Barnhill’s first voyage was to Hawaii in March 1941 for training. When news of the attack on Pearl Harbor arrived, Barnhill recalls sounding general quarters from the bridge with his bugle. His first mission was at the Marshall Islands, where the ship came under attack. As the war developed, Barnhill volunteered to fuse bombs, a task he performed with his younger brother, who had requested to be assigned with him. There were no less than a dozen sets of brothers on the ship at that time. At the Battle of Rennell Island, Barnhill remembers the ship was under strict orders to leave behind any men in the water, leaving them to be rescued by other ships. He left the Enterprise in July 1944 and enjoyed easy duty in Oregon, where his unit worked part-time civilian jobs at local factories, which was appreciated by the community as the …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Merrill Hofer. Hofer joined the Navy in April 1941. He received basic training at Great Lakes and attended aviation radio school at Sand Point. Upon completion, he was assigned to the communications center of the USS Enterprise (CV-6). Hofer lists the many campaigns he participated in aboard the Enterprise, making special note of the Battle of the Stewart Islands. In December 1942 he was assigned to Torpedo Squadron 10 as a TBF radio gunner. His next assignment was with VF-72 at the Farallon Islands, where, due to heavy losses, the OS3Cs were replaced by SBDs. He applied for Naval Aviation Pilot Training and graduated in 1947. Hofer flew atomic weapons testing surveillance missions and later received financial compensation for complications potentially arising from radiation exposure. He was discharged in 1964 and spent 30 years as a flight instructor for United Airlines.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Merrill Hofer. Hofer joined the Navy in April 1941. He received basic training at Great Lakes and attended aviation radio school at Sand Point. Upon completion, he was assigned to the communications center of the USS Enterprise (CV-6). Hofer lists the many campaigns he participated in aboard the Enterprise, making special note of the Battle of the Stewart Islands. In December 1942 he was assigned to Torpedo Squadron 10 as a TBF radio gunner. His next assignment was with VF-72 at the Farallon Islands, where, due to heavy losses, the OS3Cs were replaced by SBDs. He applied for Naval Aviation Pilot Training and graduated in 1947. Hofer flew atomic weapons testing surveillance missions and later received financial compensation for complications potentially arising from radiation exposure. He was discharged in 1964 and spent 30 years as a flight instructor for United Airlines.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ora Bull Durham. After initially volunteering for the Army Air Forces after high school and being rejected for high blood pressure, Durham was drafted in 1942 by the Navy. His basic training in Farragut was held indoors because of snow. He came down with rheumatic fever and the mumps, and upon recovery went aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) in July 1943. He became a barrier operator for VF(N)-90, using a wheel to control one of the four barriers that stopped inbound planes that failed to latch to the arresting gear. At Okinawa he recalled seeing 70 kamikazes in the air around the time the Enterprise was hit. In Bremerton for repairs, the crew began celebrating the end of the war one week before it was officially declared, sensing its inevitability. Afterward, they traveled to San Francisco to pick up sailors bound for Hawaii. Durham stayed on for further troop transports and was soon discharged, retiring with the rank of aviation boatswain’s mate.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ora Bull Durham. After initially volunteering for the Army Air Forces after high school and being rejected for high blood pressure, Durham was drafted in 1942 by the Navy. His basic training in Farragut was held indoors because of snow. He came down with rheumatic fever and the mumps, and upon recovery went aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) in July 1943. He became a barrier operator for VF(N)-90, using a wheel to control one of the four barriers that stopped inbound planes that failed to latch to the arresting gear. At Okinawa he recalled seeing 70 kamikazes in the air around the time the Enterprise was hit. In Bremerton for repairs, the crew began celebrating the end of the war one week before it was officially declared, sensing its inevitability. Afterward, they traveled to San Francisco to pick up sailors bound for Hawaii. Durham stayed on for further troop transports and was soon discharged, retiring with the rank of aviation boatswain’s mate.