The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Tom Anderson. Anderson dropped out of college in 1941 and hitchhiked from Texas to San Diego. There he worked for Consolidated Aircraft, drafting plans for the B-32, B-36, and C-99. He then transferred to the Fort Worth plant, where he stayed until 1944, when he enlisted in the Navy. He was selected for radar technician training, and after boot camp he studied electronics in Chicago, followed by airborne radar training in Corpus Christi. He had a lifelong interest in flying and looked forward to his first duty assignment. But when the war ended in Japan, his radar conning class was cancelled and he was reassigned to the radar shop of CASU-5 at the Naval Air Station in San Diego. Anderson was discharged into the Armed Guard in March 1946, taking up work at the Fiscal and Disbursement Office of the Adjutant General at Camp Mabry. In 1950 he returned to school and joined the Army Reserves, retiring in 1966 as a lieutenant colonel.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Tom Anderson. Anderson dropped out of college in 1941 and hitchhiked from Texas to San Diego. There he worked for Consolidated Aircraft, drafting plans for the B-32, B-36, and C-99. He then transferred to the Fort Worth plant, where he stayed until 1944, when he enlisted in the Navy. He was selected for radar technician training, and after boot camp he studied electronics in Chicago, followed by airborne radar training in Corpus Christi. He had a lifelong interest in flying and looked forward to his first duty assignment. But when the war ended in Japan, his radar conning class was cancelled and he was reassigned to the radar shop of CASU-5 at the Naval Air Station in San Diego. Anderson was discharged into the Armed Guard in March 1946, taking up work at the Fiscal and Disbursement Office of the Adjutant General at Camp Mabry. In 1950 he returned to school and joined the Army Reserves, retiring in 1966 as a lieutenant colonel.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Felix “George” Appleton. Appleton was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, 21 July 1924. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1943 and following boot camp, entered the hospital corps school. Later he went aboard USS LST-523 and sailed in convoy to England and witnessed submarine attacks and a number of ships being lost. He tells of participating in Operation Overlord with Omaha Beach being USS LST-523’s objective. He describes the carnage he witnessed both in the water and on the beach. After off-loading supplies, the ship was designated a hospital ship and he describes the various combat injuries he treated. The ship made numerous trips between England and the Normandy beaches until the ship struck a mine and sank. Numerous fatalities occurred among the doctors and medical staff. He was treated for minor wounds and ultimately returned to the United States on HMS Queen Elizabeth. He was assigned to the Lambert Naval Air Station at St. Louis, Missouri until his discharge in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Felix “George” Appleton. Appleton was born in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, 21 July 1924. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1943 and following boot camp, entered the hospital corps school. Later he went aboard USS LST-523 and sailed in convoy to England and witnessed submarine attacks and a number of ships being lost. He tells of participating in Operation Overlord with Omaha Beach being USS LST-523’s objective. He describes the carnage he witnessed both in the water and on the beach. After off-loading supplies, the ship was designated a hospital ship and he describes the various combat injuries he treated. The ship made numerous trips between England and the Normandy beaches until the ship struck a mine and sank. Numerous fatalities occurred among the doctors and medical staff. He was treated for minor wounds and ultimately returned to the United States on HMS Queen Elizabeth. He was assigned to the Lambert Naval Air Station at St. Louis, Missouri until his discharge in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Bartlett. Bartlett was drafted March 3, 1943 and went to Camp Roberts for basic infantry training. From there he went to Fort Benning, Georgia for parachute training. Eventually, they were shipped to Brisbane, Australia and after some additional training in Australia they were shipped to Port Moresby, New Guinea to join the 503rd Regimental Combat Team (RCT). The 503rd jumped (from C-47s) onto Corregidor but there were so many causalities that many went in by boat. Bartlett's one combat jump was onto Corregidor. Before Corregidor, the 503rd RCT went onto Mindoro Island by sea. After Corregidor, they went to Negros Island, Philippines as regular infantry. They were there, moving around into different areas, until the war ended. Bartlett describes the Japanese surrendering on the island at the end of the war. He came home in December 1945 and was discharged on Christmas Day.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Bartlett. Bartlett was drafted March 3, 1943 and went to Camp Roberts for basic infantry training. From there he went to Fort Benning, Georgia for parachute training. Eventually, they were shipped to Brisbane, Australia and after some additional training in Australia they were shipped to Port Moresby, New Guinea to join the 503rd Regimental Combat Team (RCT). The 503rd jumped (from C-47s) onto Corregidor but there were so many causalities that many went in by boat. Bartlett's one combat jump was onto Corregidor. Before Corregidor, the 503rd RCT went onto Mindoro Island by sea. After Corregidor, they went to Negros Island, Philippines as regular infantry. They were there, moving around into different areas, until the war ended. Bartlett describes the Japanese surrendering on the island at the end of the war. He came home in December 1945 and was discharged on Christmas Day.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with R.E. Broadwell. Broadwell was born in Hamlin, Texas in 1921. In 1938 he joined the National Guard and was discharged in August 1941. In February 1942 he joined the US Army and was sent directly to jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon graduating, he reported to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he was assigned to the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In October, 1942, the regiment boarded the SS Poelau Laut for a forty-two day voyage to Australia. Upon arriving at their base in Gordonvale, they began advanced training and made practice jumps. On 5 September 1943 the battalion made a parachute assault on Nadzab, New Guinea. After three weeks at Nadzab, the battalion went overland to Lae, New Guinea to assist the 25th Infantry in clearing the area of Japanese forces. In July 1944, the regiment made a combat jump at Noemfoor, New Guinea. Broadwell describes a number of combat situations and was wounded by a sniper. After recovering, he rejoined his battalion and saw action on Mindoro, Philippines. Upon returning to the United States, he became a jump master at Fort Benning and remained at this …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with R.E. Broadwell. Broadwell was born in Hamlin, Texas in 1921. In 1938 he joined the National Guard and was discharged in August 1941. In February 1942 he joined the US Army and was sent directly to jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon graduating, he reported to Fort Bragg, North Carolina where he was assigned to the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In October, 1942, the regiment boarded the SS Poelau Laut for a forty-two day voyage to Australia. Upon arriving at their base in Gordonvale, they began advanced training and made practice jumps. On 5 September 1943 the battalion made a parachute assault on Nadzab, New Guinea. After three weeks at Nadzab, the battalion went overland to Lae, New Guinea to assist the 25th Infantry in clearing the area of Japanese forces. In July 1944, the regiment made a combat jump at Noemfoor, New Guinea. Broadwell describes a number of combat situations and was wounded by a sniper. After recovering, he rejoined his battalion and saw action on Mindoro, Philippines. Upon returning to the United States, he became a jump master at Fort Benning and remained at this …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Calhoun. Born in 1922, he joined the Army Air Corps when he was 18 years old. He completed armament school, where he received Bendix power turret training, before volunteering for Army paratroop training. In January 1944, after completing parachute school and Officer Candidate School (OCS), he joined Company F, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment in Port Moresby. He describes activities in Hollandia and Wewak. He also describes actions on Noemfoor, including an incident in which he was wounded. Upon his recovery, he returned to his platoon. They were sent to Leyte as well as Mindoro. At Mindoro, they were subjected to intense shelling by Japanese naval forces. He provides a detailed account of his experiences during the retaking of the fortress on Corregidor Island including parachuting from the airplane to Topside and battling the Japanese on the island at Wheeler Battery, Smith Battery, Grubbs Battery, and Way Battery. He recounts the actions of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Lloyd G. McCarter. After Corregidor, he participated in operations to destroy Japanese positions on Negros and Murcia as well as to operate a patrol base out of the …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Calhoun. Born in 1922, he joined the Army Air Corps when he was 18 years old. He completed armament school, where he received Bendix power turret training, before volunteering for Army paratroop training. In January 1944, after completing parachute school and Officer Candidate School (OCS), he joined Company F, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment in Port Moresby. He describes activities in Hollandia and Wewak. He also describes actions on Noemfoor, including an incident in which he was wounded. Upon his recovery, he returned to his platoon. They were sent to Leyte as well as Mindoro. At Mindoro, they were subjected to intense shelling by Japanese naval forces. He provides a detailed account of his experiences during the retaking of the fortress on Corregidor Island including parachuting from the airplane to Topside and battling the Japanese on the island at Wheeler Battery, Smith Battery, Grubbs Battery, and Way Battery. He recounts the actions of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Lloyd G. McCarter. After Corregidor, he participated in operations to destroy Japanese positions on Negros and Murcia as well as to operate a patrol base out of the …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Clay. Clay joined the Army in 1940. Beginning August of 1941, he served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, serving in the Pacific Theater. In September of 1943, they participated in the New Guinea Campaign. Clay served until late 1943, early 1944. His discharge date is not noted.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Clay. Clay joined the Army in 1940. Beginning August of 1941, he served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, serving in the Pacific Theater. In September of 1943, they participated in the New Guinea Campaign. Clay served until late 1943, early 1944. His discharge date is not noted.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Roscoe Corder. Corder joined the Army in March of 1940. He completed Officer Candidate School and Parachute School. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Corder participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in June of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Roscoe Corder. Corder joined the Army in March of 1940. He completed Officer Candidate School and Parachute School. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Corder participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in June of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Leroy Cox. Cox was flying a crop duster in Colorado when he was drafted into the Army. He did not tell the Army he could fly and was trained as an armorer for B-17 bombers. Once someone found he could fly, he was sent to flight school. He eventually trained as a tow pilot for gliders, then as a glider pilot in South Carolina. He never was called to go overseas and was discharged in November 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Albert Day. Day was born in Olney, Texas 23 September 1921 and graduated from high school in Vivian, Louisiana in 1942. Upon joining the Navy 4 June 1942, he was sent to The Great Lakes Naval Training Station for boot training. Afterwards, Day was assigned to the Amphibious Forces at Solomons, Maryland for training where he learned navigation and signal communications. Completing the course in October 1942 he went to Redwood City, California for further training. Assigned to LCT(5)-62, he describes the size, propulsion, crew compliment and purpose of the craft. Day tells of breaking the LCT into sections that were put aboard an AKA and sailing to New Caledonia arriving in December 1942. On a trip to Guadalcanal he witnessed a Japanese plane dropping a bomb on the USS De Haven (DD-469). He recalls a night trip to New Georgia when he saw St. Elmo’s fire on the railing of his ship. At Tulagi on 7 April 1943, Day personally shot down an attacking Japanese plane. He participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima and tells of being on the USS Estes (ACG-12) and describes an intense …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Albert Day. Day was born in Olney, Texas 23 September 1921 and graduated from high school in Vivian, Louisiana in 1942. Upon joining the Navy 4 June 1942, he was sent to The Great Lakes Naval Training Station for boot training. Afterwards, Day was assigned to the Amphibious Forces at Solomons, Maryland for training where he learned navigation and signal communications. Completing the course in October 1942 he went to Redwood City, California for further training. Assigned to LCT(5)-62, he describes the size, propulsion, crew compliment and purpose of the craft. Day tells of breaking the LCT into sections that were put aboard an AKA and sailing to New Caledonia arriving in December 1942. On a trip to Guadalcanal he witnessed a Japanese plane dropping a bomb on the USS De Haven (DD-469). He recalls a night trip to New Georgia when he saw St. Elmo’s fire on the railing of his ship. At Tulagi on 7 April 1943, Day personally shot down an attacking Japanese plane. He participated in the invasion of Iwo Jima and tells of being on the USS Estes (ACG-12) and describes an intense …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Victor Erdahl. Erdahl joined the Army in 1942. He completed Parachute School. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Erdahl participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in January of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Victor Erdahl. Erdahl joined the Army in 1942. He completed Parachute School. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Erdahl participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in January of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Nelson Gatewood. Gatewood joined the Army in January of 1943. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Gatewood participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in December of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Nelson Gatewood. Gatewood joined the Army in January of 1943. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Gatewood participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in December of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Leon Geromanos. Geromanos joined the Army in November of 1940. He graduated from Parachute School in 1942. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Geromanos participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Leon Geromanos. Geromanos joined the Army in November of 1940. He graduated from Parachute School in 1942. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Geromanos participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Philip M. Grass. Grass was born in Mark, Louisiana 5 April 1924. He dropped out of high school and enlisted in the Army in 1942. After basic training at Camp Roberts, California he went to Ft. Benning, Georgia for airborne training, from which he graduated in 1942. Injuring his knee, he was incapacitated for a period of time. Upon recovering, he attended ordnance school at Camp Connelly, Georgia. His knee problem resulted in surgery requiring lengthy recovery time. Upon being returned to active duty in 1943 he went aboard the USS Sea Snipe (APA) and went to Brisbane, Australia. He arrived at Port Moresby and was assigned to F Company, 503rd Army Parachute Infantry Regiment and recalls his experiences while in Australia and Hollandia. The Regiment traveled by LCIs to Noemfoor, New Guinea at which time he was assigned to Headquarters Company and became a wireman and a runner. He recalls parachuting onto Corregidor and describes combat casualties that occurred. He returned to the United States in 1945 and was discharged. He tells of reenlisting in the army, receiving a commission and describes some of his experiences during …