The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barry Atkins. In 1928, Atkins was appointed to the Naval Academy and graduated in 1932 and was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43). He was aboard at Long Beach, California during the 1933 earthquake. After that, he was transferred to the USS New Mexico (BB-40). his next assignment took him aboard the USS Mahan (DD-364). In 1941, Atkins was assigned to the USS Parrott (DD-218) in Manila Bay. He was aboard the Parrott during the Battle of Balikpapan in January 1942. When Atkins returned to the US in August, 1942, he was assigned as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 8 and sent to New Caledonia that November. His squadron became operational in New Guinea in December. He recalls setting up the PT base at the Morobe River and several patrols and encounters with Japanese shipping. In late 1943, Atkins returned to the US and asked for a destroyer. In October 1944, Atkins was given command of the USS Melvin (DD-680) at Manus Island. From there, the Melvin escorted the Leyte landing forces to the Philippines, then took up station guarding the Surigao Strait. He made a torpedo …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barry Atkins. In 1928, Atkins was appointed to the Naval Academy and graduated in 1932 and was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43). He was aboard at Long Beach, California during the 1933 earthquake. After that, he was transferred to the USS New Mexico (BB-40). his next assignment took him aboard the USS Mahan (DD-364). In 1941, Atkins was assigned to the USS Parrott (DD-218) in Manila Bay. He was aboard the Parrott during the Battle of Balikpapan in January 1942. When Atkins returned to the US in August, 1942, he was assigned as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 8 and sent to New Caledonia that November. His squadron became operational in New Guinea in December. He recalls setting up the PT base at the Morobe River and several patrols and encounters with Japanese shipping. In late 1943, Atkins returned to the US and asked for a destroyer. In October 1944, Atkins was given command of the USS Melvin (DD-680) at Manus Island. From there, the Melvin escorted the Leyte landing forces to the Philippines, then took up station guarding the Surigao Strait. He made a torpedo …

Transcript of an oral interview with Harry Litzelfelner. Mr Litzelfelner enlisted in the Missouri National Guard, 140th Infantry Regiment (medical detachment stationed in his hometown of Caruthersville, Missouri) around October 1940; they were called into Federal service on December 23, 1940. They trained for almost a year at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. Right after Pearl Harbor, they were on the train headed to California. Originally, the 140th Infantry Regiment was part of the 35th Division but they were removed from the 35th and most of the people sent out to other places; he was sent to Alaska. Litzelfelner spent about fifteen months in Seward, Alaska. One night they came and got him (and some others), loaded them on a Liberty ship, and took them to Shemya (a little island near Attu); the campaign had just ended at Attu. They lived in tents there and the winter of 1943-44 was real terrible. Mr Litzelfelner mainly worked in the Post Office. He left there in June when his replacement arrived. After home leave, he was sent to Fort Sam Houston for about two months and then to Camp Barkley in Abilene; Camp Crowder, Missouri and then to Neosho, Missouri. He was discharged in …

Transcript of an oral interview with Harry Litzelfelner. Mr Litzelfelner enlisted in the Missouri National Guard, 140th Infantry Regiment (medical detachment stationed in his hometown of Caruthersville, Missouri) around October 1940; they were called into Federal service on December 23, 1940. They trained for almost a year at Camp Robinson, Arkansas. Right after Pearl Harbor, they were on the train headed to California. Originally, the 140th Infantry Regiment was part of the 35th Division but they were removed from the 35th and most of the people sent out to other places; he was sent to Alaska. Litzelfelner spent about fifteen months in Seward, Alaska. One night they came and got him (and some others), loaded them on a Liberty ship, and took them to Shemya (a little island near Attu); the campaign had just ended at Attu. They lived in tents there and the winter of 1943-44 was real terrible. Mr Litzelfelner mainly worked in the Post Office. He left there in June when his replacement arrived. After home leave, he was sent to Fort Sam Houston for about two months and then to Camp Barkley in Abilene; Camp Crowder, Missouri and then to Neosho, Missouri. He was discharged in …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Leonard Kovar. Kovar joined the Marine Corps in October 1942 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion he was assigned to guard the Santa Ana Naval Lighter-Than-Air Station. He was then sent to New Caledonia, and he enjoyed his time in Nouméa. In New Guinea he joined L Company, 7th Marine Regiment, where he served as a bazooka-loader. His first landing was at Cape Gloucester, where he lived in a wet foxhole and defended himself against banzai-style attacks. Twice he received encouragement from Chesty Puller. His next landing was at Peleliu, where his amphibious tractor was one of the only ones to make it past the coral. He was wounded by machine gun fire on the final day of the Battle of Peleliu and received a blood transfusion in the field before being transferred to a first aid station. He was carried by the USS Solace (AH-5) to a hospital at the Admiralty Islands and then flown to a hospital at Guadalcanal. Kovar made a full recovery and was discharged in September 1945. He recalls a tremendous celebration on V-J Day.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Leonard Kovar. Kovar joined the Marine Corps in October 1942 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion he was assigned to guard the Santa Ana Naval Lighter-Than-Air Station. He was then sent to New Caledonia, and he enjoyed his time in Nouméa. In New Guinea he joined L Company, 7th Marine Regiment, where he served as a bazooka-loader. His first landing was at Cape Gloucester, where he lived in a wet foxhole and defended himself against banzai-style attacks. Twice he received encouragement from Chesty Puller. His next landing was at Peleliu, where his amphibious tractor was one of the only ones to make it past the coral. He was wounded by machine gun fire on the final day of the Battle of Peleliu and received a blood transfusion in the field before being transferred to a first aid station. He was carried by the USS Solace (AH-5) to a hospital at the Admiralty Islands and then flown to a hospital at Guadalcanal. Kovar made a full recovery and was discharged in September 1945. He recalls a tremendous celebration on V-J Day.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Karl Everitt. Everitt joined the Navy in June of 1942. He served aboard the USS Electra (AKA-4), and worked on a salvage boat. They participated in the invasion landings on North Africa. He was transferred to shore in England, and assigned to the USS LST-48. Everitt participated in the Normandy landings. He was then assigned to join the 3rd Army, and participated with them through the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to the US in the spring of 1945, and was discharged in November.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Karl Everitt. Everitt joined the Navy in June of 1942. He served aboard the USS Electra (AKA-4), and worked on a salvage boat. They participated in the invasion landings on North Africa. He was transferred to shore in England, and assigned to the USS LST-48. Everitt participated in the Normandy landings. He was then assigned to join the 3rd Army, and participated with them through the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to the US in the spring of 1945, and was discharged in November.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Ramsey. Ramsey joined the Navy in 1941 and attended aviation radio school in Alameda, California. Upon completion, he was assigned to the Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station, where he served as radioman in Patrol Squadron 1 and then Patrol Squadron 11. He describes the special treatment given to radiomen so that they could be well-rested and alert. During the attack on Kaneohe, Ramsey helped to shoot down the attack force's highest-ranking officer, Lieutenant Fusata Iida, commander of the Japanese 3rd Air Group. Ramsey was sent to San Diego eight months later to pick up a new plane, but his records were lost, and he was instead sent to the South Pacific on the USS Denver (CL-58), captained by Robert Carney. Ramsey flew night patrols at the Solomon Islands and covered the invasion of Bougainville. On the way to the invasion of the Philippines, his ship became lost in a typhoon. Ramsey used his aviation training to give the ship’s bearings to the radio officer. When the Denver arrived at Leyte, Ramsay witnessed the HUMS Yamashiro sink. The Japanese refused to be rescued by American lifeboats. Ramsey saw …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Ramsey. Ramsey joined the Navy in 1941 and attended aviation radio school in Alameda, California. Upon completion, he was assigned to the Kaneohe Bay Naval Air Station, where he served as radioman in Patrol Squadron 1 and then Patrol Squadron 11. He describes the special treatment given to radiomen so that they could be well-rested and alert. During the attack on Kaneohe, Ramsey helped to shoot down the attack force's highest-ranking officer, Lieutenant Fusata Iida, commander of the Japanese 3rd Air Group. Ramsey was sent to San Diego eight months later to pick up a new plane, but his records were lost, and he was instead sent to the South Pacific on the USS Denver (CL-58), captained by Robert Carney. Ramsey flew night patrols at the Solomon Islands and covered the invasion of Bougainville. On the way to the invasion of the Philippines, his ship became lost in a typhoon. Ramsey used his aviation training to give the ship’s bearings to the radio officer. When the Denver arrived at Leyte, Ramsay witnessed the HUMS Yamashiro sink. The Japanese refused to be rescued by American lifeboats. Ramsey saw …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents on oral interview with Carl McKenzie. McKenzie was born in Boise, Idaho in November, 1921. After working at Boeing briefly, McKenzie volunteered for service in the Navy in June, 1942. Once in the Navy, he attended fire control and radar operator schools before being assigned to the USS Earl (DD-635) at Boston. He recalls several convoy trips across the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and the United Kingdom. When the war in Europe ended, the Earle was being converted to a minesweeper and preparing for duty in the Pacific. Shortly after arriving in the Pacific, the war with Japan ended and the Earle went to Sasebo where minesweeping operations got underway. McKenzie also served aboard the USS McCook (DD-496) for more minesweeping operations in the China Sea.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents on oral interview with Carl McKenzie. McKenzie was born in Boise, Idaho in November, 1921. After working at Boeing briefly, McKenzie volunteered for service in the Navy in June, 1942. Once in the Navy, he attended fire control and radar operator schools before being assigned to the USS Earl (DD-635) at Boston. He recalls several convoy trips across the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea and the United Kingdom. When the war in Europe ended, the Earle was being converted to a minesweeper and preparing for duty in the Pacific. Shortly after arriving in the Pacific, the war with Japan ended and the Earle went to Sasebo where minesweeping operations got underway. McKenzie also served aboard the USS McCook (DD-496) for more minesweeping operations in the China Sea.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Lucille Wilson. Wilson, nee Werner, born in Indiana in 1918. When war was declared, she was attending Purdue University. Soon, though, she went to Fort Wayne and took a job at General Electric. Wilson married during the war and her husband was in the Navy. She recalls travelling to New York on several occasions to meet him during the war. She also comments on rationing.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Lucille Wilson. Wilson, nee Werner, born in Indiana in 1918. When war was declared, she was attending Purdue University. Soon, though, she went to Fort Wayne and took a job at General Electric. Wilson married during the war and her husband was in the Navy. She recalls travelling to New York on several occasions to meet him during the war. She also comments on rationing.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frederick Vinson. Vinson joined the Navy in March of 1942. He completed Midshipmen’s school, Recognition school and Gunnery school. He was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 25. Vinson served as a Lieutenant Senior Grade Squadron Gunnery Officer aboard the USS John Rodgers (DD-574). In 1943 they raided Marcus Island, Tarawa and Wake Island, participated in the Bougainville and Gilbert Islands campaigns. Going into 1944 they were involved with the Marshall Islands Campaign, the Battle of Kwajalein, the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Battle of Guam where they received a commendation for their work. They continued on through the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In 1945 they participated in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Vinson provides vivid details of his experiences through each of these battles. He was discharged in September of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frederick Vinson. Vinson joined the Navy in March of 1942. He completed Midshipmen’s school, Recognition school and Gunnery school. He was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 25. Vinson served as a Lieutenant Senior Grade Squadron Gunnery Officer aboard the USS John Rodgers (DD-574). In 1943 they raided Marcus Island, Tarawa and Wake Island, participated in the Bougainville and Gilbert Islands campaigns. Going into 1944 they were involved with the Marshall Islands Campaign, the Battle of Kwajalein, the Guadalcanal Campaign and the Battle of Guam where they received a commendation for their work. They continued on through the Battle of Leyte Gulf. In 1945 they participated in the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Vinson provides vivid details of his experiences through each of these battles. He was discharged in September of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Manuel Garcia. Garcia was born in Goliad, Texas on 11 June 1920. He attended the Rincon Bend County School, a segregated school, until the seventh grade. In 1940, he joined the Army and underwent basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was then assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Infantry Regiment. The division moved to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. In 1943 the division went to Camp Shanks, New York where they boarded a ship bound for Ireland. After ten months of intensive training the division participated in Operation Overlord, landing on Omaha Beach on June 7 1944. Garcia describes leaving the transport ship to land on the beach and seeing wreckage and bodies stacked like wood. He was slightly wounded and went to a field hospital for treatment. Several days later he was severely wounded by German artillery fire. After being taken to another field hospital, he was placed aboard a Piper Cub and flown to the Army hospital in Cheltenham, England where surgeons amputated one of his legs. Garcia returned to the United States by a hospital ship and was placed in several military hospitals until …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Manuel Garcia. Garcia was born in Goliad, Texas on 11 June 1920. He attended the Rincon Bend County School, a segregated school, until the seventh grade. In 1940, he joined the Army and underwent basic training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He was then assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division, 38th Infantry Regiment. The division moved to Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. In 1943 the division went to Camp Shanks, New York where they boarded a ship bound for Ireland. After ten months of intensive training the division participated in Operation Overlord, landing on Omaha Beach on June 7 1944. Garcia describes leaving the transport ship to land on the beach and seeing wreckage and bodies stacked like wood. He was slightly wounded and went to a field hospital for treatment. Several days later he was severely wounded by German artillery fire. After being taken to another field hospital, he was placed aboard a Piper Cub and flown to the Army hospital in Cheltenham, England where surgeons amputated one of his legs. Garcia returned to the United States by a hospital ship and was placed in several military hospitals until …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Gwynn. Gwynn was born 8 October 1921 in Lima, Ohio. Joining the Army Air Corps 28 October 1940, he took basic training at March Field, California. He entered the enlisted pilot training program in December 1941. Upon graduating he received his staff sergeant rating and went to Wisconsin for C-47 transition. Upon completing the course he was assigned to Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. After a period of time he went to Florida where he received his instrument rating. He recalls participating in the invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943 and comments on the high loss of aircraft that occurred. Gwynn also dropped paratroopers during the invasion of Anzio. He remembers witnessing from afar the German air raid on Bari, Italy during which 17 ships were sunk. On 6 June 1944 he piloted aircraft which dropped paratroopers over France. On 8 May 1945 he returned home and was discharged. He tells of being recalled in 1949 and participating in the Berlin Airlift.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Gwynn. Gwynn was born 8 October 1921 in Lima, Ohio. Joining the Army Air Corps 28 October 1940, he took basic training at March Field, California. He entered the enlisted pilot training program in December 1941. Upon graduating he received his staff sergeant rating and went to Wisconsin for C-47 transition. Upon completing the course he was assigned to Bergstrom Air Force Base, Austin, Texas. After a period of time he went to Florida where he received his instrument rating. He recalls participating in the invasion of Sicily on 10 July 1943 and comments on the high loss of aircraft that occurred. Gwynn also dropped paratroopers during the invasion of Anzio. He remembers witnessing from afar the German air raid on Bari, Italy during which 17 ships were sunk. On 6 June 1944 he piloted aircraft which dropped paratroopers over France. On 8 May 1945 he returned home and was discharged. He tells of being recalled in 1949 and participating in the Berlin Airlift.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Alebis. Alebis was born in Detroit, Michigan on 7 February 1926 to immigrant Lithuanian parents. Upon entering the Army Air Forces in May 1944, he was sent to Shepherd Field, Texas for basic training. After three weeks of training he was sent to gunnery school at Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the training he received as a gunner. Upon completion of gunnery training he was sent to Ellsworth Field, North Dakota where he was assigned to a B-17 bomber crew as right waist gunner. The crew flew a B-17 to Capital Stone, England, arriving on 5 April 1945. Upon arrival Alebis was assigned to the 398th Bomb Group, 605th Bomb Squadron. He flew three bombing missions and describes them from the beginning of the day to the return to base. Following the surrender of Germany the unit began flying survey mission over Europe and he describes the devastation he saw. On 1 June 1945 he returned to the United States and was sent to McDill Field, Florida to begin training as a gunner on a B-29. With the surrender of Japan, his training was curtailed and he …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Alebis. Alebis was born in Detroit, Michigan on 7 February 1926 to immigrant Lithuanian parents. Upon entering the Army Air Forces in May 1944, he was sent to Shepherd Field, Texas for basic training. After three weeks of training he was sent to gunnery school at Las Vegas, Nevada. He describes the training he received as a gunner. Upon completion of gunnery training he was sent to Ellsworth Field, North Dakota where he was assigned to a B-17 bomber crew as right waist gunner. The crew flew a B-17 to Capital Stone, England, arriving on 5 April 1945. Upon arrival Alebis was assigned to the 398th Bomb Group, 605th Bomb Squadron. He flew three bombing missions and describes them from the beginning of the day to the return to base. Following the surrender of Germany the unit began flying survey mission over Europe and he describes the devastation he saw. On 1 June 1945 he returned to the United States and was sent to McDill Field, Florida to begin training as a gunner on a B-29. With the surrender of Japan, his training was curtailed and he …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward Kicklighter. Kicklighter attended Armstrong Jr. College in Savannah, Georgia and secured a pilot’s license through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. He had an appointment to the US Naval Academy, but joined the US Marine Corps instead. Selected for flight training, he became one of six marines in the aviation class of 106 at Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Florida. Upon graduation he was assigned to multi-engine training and sent to Meacham Field, Texas for transition instruction. Upon graduation, as a reserve officer, he was assigned to fly for United Airlines. In 1942 he received orders to report to the 9th Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point, North Carolina. He recalls several experiences while in this assignment. In 1944, he became the personal pilot for General Roy Geiger. One experience Kicklighter recalls is hearing a conversation between Ernie Pyle and the general shortly before Pyle’s death. He also tells of escorting the body of General Buckner after his death on Okinawa. Kicklighter stayed in the Marine Corps after World War II and he tells of his career prior to retirement including flying 100 combat missions over Korea, instructing midshipmen at …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edward Kicklighter. Kicklighter attended Armstrong Jr. College in Savannah, Georgia and secured a pilot’s license through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. He had an appointment to the US Naval Academy, but joined the US Marine Corps instead. Selected for flight training, he became one of six marines in the aviation class of 106 at Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Florida. Upon graduation he was assigned to multi-engine training and sent to Meacham Field, Texas for transition instruction. Upon graduation, as a reserve officer, he was assigned to fly for United Airlines. In 1942 he received orders to report to the 9th Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point, North Carolina. He recalls several experiences while in this assignment. In 1944, he became the personal pilot for General Roy Geiger. One experience Kicklighter recalls is hearing a conversation between Ernie Pyle and the general shortly before Pyle’s death. He also tells of escorting the body of General Buckner after his death on Okinawa. Kicklighter stayed in the Marine Corps after World War II and he tells of his career prior to retirement including flying 100 combat missions over Korea, instructing midshipmen at …