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Oral History Interview with Robert Dyches, February 17, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Robert Dyches, February 17, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Dyches. Dyches joined the Marine Corps in 1943. After boot training, he was assigned to the 4th Marine Division. He landed at Iwo Jima and served as a BAR man carrying the Browning Automatic Rifle. He landed on the first day of the invasion and was wounded and evacuated on the fifth day. His wounds kept in various hospitals for over a year. He was discharged in August, 1946.
Date: February 17, 2005
Creator: Dyches, Robert
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Robert Harker, February 17, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Robert Harker, February 17, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Harker. Harker entered the Navy with a direct commission in July 1944. Upon arriving at Pearl harbor, he assumed duties as the engineering officer aboard USS LCI(G)-474, going aboard in November. When Harker’s LCI went close to shore to support the underwater demolition teams prior to the landing at Iwo Jima, his ship was shot up by shore batteries and had to retire from the line. After everyone transferred to a destroyer, the 474 rolled over and sank. Harker was transferred to USS LCI(G)-449 and travelled back to Saipan. Before the war ended, Harker was assigned to LST-226. He shares a few anecdotes about being aboard it. He was recalled for the Korean War.
Date: February 17, 2005
Creator: Harker, Robert
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Robert Harker, February 17, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Robert Harker, February 17, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Harker. Harker entered the Navy with a direct commission in July 1944. Upon arriving at Pearl harbor, he assumed duties as the engineering officer aboard USS LCI(G)-474, going aboard in November. When Harker’s LCI went close to shore to support the underwater demolition teams prior to the landing at Iwo Jima, his ship was shot up by shore batteries and had to retire from the line. After everyone transferred to a destroyer, the 474 rolled over and sank. Harker was transferred to USS LCI(G)-449 and travelled back to Saipan. Before the war ended, Harker was assigned to LST-226. He shares a few anecdotes about being aboard it. He was recalled for the Korean War.
Date: February 17, 2005
Creator: Harker, Robert
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Bud Nardecchia, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Bud Nardecchia, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bud Nardecchia. After turning 18 years old in 1943, he voluntarily joined the Marine Corps and was sent to boot camp in San Diego, California. He was sent to Guam in 1944. He discusses sailing to Iwo Jima, going ashore on an LST (Landing Ship, Tank), and his experiences on the island. After returning to Guam, he was sent to northern China where he spent nine months. He includes an anecdote about experiencing a typhoon while on board a ship returning to San Diego, California. He also recounts his memory of learning about the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was discharged from the Marines in San Diego, California.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Nardecchia, Bud
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Bud Nardecchia, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Bud Nardecchia, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bud Nardecchia. After turning 18 years old in 1943, he voluntarily joined the Marine Corps and was sent to boot camp in San Diego, California. He was sent to Guam in 1944. He discusses sailing to Iwo Jima, going ashore on an LST (Landing Ship, Tank), and his experiences on the island. After returning to Guam, he was sent to northern China where he spent nine months. He includes an anecdote about experiencing a typhoon while on board a ship returning to San Diego, California. He also recounts his memory of learning about the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was discharged from the Marines in San Diego, California.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Nardecchia, Bud
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Carey Randall, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Carey Randall, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Major General Carey Randall. Randall was born in Gloster, Mississippi, 15 November 1912. Entering Louisiana State University In 1930 he participated in ROTC and in 1935 accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps. Upon acceptance, he was sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for additional training. Afterwards, he was assigned to the shipyard at Bremerton, Washington as platoon leader in one of the guardhouses. In 1937 he was sent to Shanghai, China and assigned to the 4th Marine Regiment. Leaving China in 1939, he was assigned as an aid to the commanding general at Quantico, Virginia. In early 1941 Randall received orders to the USS Enterprise (CV-6) as senior marine officer. He recalls 7 December 1941, when he was on temporary shore duty when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Going aboard the Enterprise he served as the anti-aircraft control officer and participated in the battle of Midway. He then received orders to report to San Diego to help organize the 9th Marine Battalion. In January 1943 the unit left California and went to New Zealand where they continued their training. They went to Guadalcanal and assisted in mop-up …
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Randall, Carey
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Carey Randall, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Carey Randall, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Major General Carey Randall. Randall was born in Gloster, Mississippi, 15 November 1912. Entering Louisiana State University In 1930 he participated in ROTC and in 1935 accepted a commission in the United States Marine Corps. Upon acceptance, he was sent to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for additional training. Afterwards, he was assigned to the shipyard at Bremerton, Washington as platoon leader in one of the guardhouses. In 1937 he was sent to Shanghai, China and assigned to the 4th Marine Regiment. Leaving China in 1939, he was assigned as an aid to the commanding general at Quantico, Virginia. In early 1941 Randall received orders to the USS Enterprise (CV-6) as senior marine officer. He recalls 7 December 1941, when he was on temporary shore duty when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Going aboard the Enterprise he served as the anti-aircraft control officer and participated in the battle of Midway. He then received orders to report to San Diego to help organize the 9th Marine Battalion. In January 1943 the unit left California and went to New Zealand where they continued their training. They went to Guadalcanal and assisted in mop-up …
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Randall, Carey
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Charles Cavanaugh, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Charles Cavanaugh, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh managed to enlist in the Marine Corps when he was 15 years old by getting a stranger to sign the parental release documents. After training, he was in Australia demonstrating the Marines Corps' new tale of organization when it was discovered he was only 15 years old. He was returned to the US, but some friendly Marines arranged for him to get a new birthdate and new serial number, thus allowing him to stay in the Marines because he did not want to go home. He was in the assaults at Saipan and Guam, as well as Iwo Jima. He had occupation duty in China and Japan before returning to the US to be a drill instructor. Cavanaugh also served in the Korean War until he was wounded and medically discharged.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Cavanaugh, Charles
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Charles Cavanaugh, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Charles Cavanaugh, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh managed to enlist in the Marine Corps when he was 15 years old by getting a stranger to sign the parental release documents. After training, he was in Australia demonstrating the Marines Corps' new tale of organization when it was discovered he was only 15 years old. He was returned to the US, but some friendly Marines arranged for him to get a new birthdate and new serial number, thus allowing him to stay in the Marines because he did not want to go home. He was in the assaults at Saipan and Guam, as well as Iwo Jima. He had occupation duty in China and Japan before returning to the US to be a drill instructor. Cavanaugh also served in the Korean War until he was wounded and medically discharged.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Cavanaugh, Charles
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Charles Watson, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Charles Watson, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Watson. Watson joined the Marine Corps in 1943, and went to San Diego for boot camp training, then to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, then to Camp Pendleton. He trained as an engineer. From Pendleton he was shipped to Eniwetok, then to Guam. He landed on Iwo Jima on the second day of the battle, and remained for thirty days. He recalls the flares coming in over him and how deafening the 105s could be. He went to Sasebo, Japan with the occupation forces for about six months and his job was to supply water. He also went to Nagasaki. He was in the service a total of 3 years and was discharged in San Francisco before going to college to earn a degree in Education.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Watson, Charles
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Charles Watson, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Charles Watson, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Watson. Watson joined the Marine Corps in 1943, and went to San Diego for boot camp training, then to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, then to Camp Pendleton. He trained as an engineer. From Pendleton he was shipped to Eniwetok, then to Guam. He landed on Iwo Jima on the second day of the battle, and remained for thirty days. He recalls the flares coming in over him and how deafening the 105s could be. He went to Sasebo, Japan with the occupation forces for about six months and his job was to supply water. He also went to Nagasaki. He was in the service a total of 3 years and was discharged in San Francisco before going to college to earn a degree in Education.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Watson, Charles
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Chester Ahr, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Chester Ahr, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chester Ahr. Ahr joined the Marine Corps in December, 1941. He trained in San Diego and shipped overseas in October, 1942 to Guadalcanal where he was attached to a base services unit, which assisted the Seabees and Army engineers in construction projects. He also was in the invasion of Guam, where he was wounded and evacuated. Once he returned to his unit, Ahr got very sick and missed the invasion of Iwo Jima. Shortly afterwards, he was discharged.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Ahr, Chester
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Chester Ahr, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Chester Ahr, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chester Ahr. Ahr joined the Marine Corps in December, 1941. He trained in San Diego and shipped overseas in October, 1942 to Guadalcanal where he was attached to a base services unit, which assisted the Seabees and Army engineers in construction projects. He also was in the invasion of Guam, where he was wounded and evacuated. Once he returned to his unit, Ahr got very sick and missed the invasion of Iwo Jima. Shortly afterwards, he was discharged.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Ahr, Chester
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Clyde Johnson, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Clyde Johnson, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clyde Johnson. Johnson joined the Navy in January, 1944 and went to San Diego for boot camp. From there, he went to the University of Kansas to electrician's school. He finally joined the USS Chester (CA-27) at Ulithi 31 October 1944 as an electrician's mate. Soon after, the Chester went to Iwo Jima to bombard the island prior to the invasion. Right as the invasion began, Chester collided with another ship and lost a screw. She was returned to Mare Island for repairs and updates. Toward the end of June, she returned to duty and made it to Okinawa for the end of the action there. Johnson separated the Navy in 1946 and returned to Hondo, Texas.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Johnson, Clyde
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Clyde Johnson, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Clyde Johnson, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Clyde Johnson. Johnson joined the Navy in January, 1944 and went to San Diego for boot camp. From there, he went to the University of Kansas to electrician's school. He finally joined the USS Chester (CA-27) at Ulithi 31 October 1944 as an electrician's mate. Soon after, the Chester went to Iwo Jima to bombard the island prior to the invasion. Right as the invasion began, Chester collided with another ship and lost a screw. She was returned to Mare Island for repairs and updates. Toward the end of June, she returned to duty and made it to Okinawa for the end of the action there. Johnson separated the Navy in 1946 and returned to Hondo, Texas.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Johnson, Clyde
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Curtis McGowen, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Curtis McGowen, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Curtis McGowen. McGowen enlisted in the Marine Corps in January, 1944. When finished with basic training, McGowen went to field telephone school. McGowen landed in the fifth wave at Iwo Jima and set up communications between shore and ships. He spotted for naval gunfire with his communications team. When the battle ended, he headed back to Hawaii and was there when the war ended. He then went to Guam to set up telephone communications on the island before leaving for the US. He was discharged in April, 1946.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: McGowen, Curtis
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Curtis McGowen, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Curtis McGowen, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Curtis McGowen. McGowen enlisted in the Marine Corps in January, 1944. When finished with basic training, McGowen went to field telephone school. McGowen landed in the fifth wave at Iwo Jima and set up communications between shore and ships. He spotted for naval gunfire with his communications team. When the battle ended, he headed back to Hawaii and was there when the war ended. He then went to Guam to set up telephone communications on the island before leaving for the US. He was discharged in April, 1946.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: McGowen, Curtis
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Evan Roberts, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Evan Roberts, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Evan Aron Roberts. Roberts was born in November 1933, and joined the Marine Corps Reserve at the Naval Air Station in Dallas in 1951. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, and was stationed at South Camp Fuji, near Gotemba, Japan. In early 1953, he was deployed to Iwo Jima to clean up unexploded ordinances and other hazards on the island around Mount Suribachi, and participate in training maneuvers. Roberts’ job was to review and log the remains of Japanese fortifications in caves and holes, including food items, ammunition, and cases of rifles, pistols and medical supplies. After review, the items were left, and the caves and holes were detonated and closed up. Roberts also worked in Okinawa and with Task Force 77 off the coast of China. He returned to the US and received his discharge as a corporal in 1955.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Roberts, Evan
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Evan Roberts, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Evan Roberts, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Evan Aron Roberts. Roberts was born in November 1933, and joined the Marine Corps Reserve at the Naval Air Station in Dallas in 1951. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division, and was stationed at South Camp Fuji, near Gotemba, Japan. In early 1953, he was deployed to Iwo Jima to clean up unexploded ordinances and other hazards on the island around Mount Suribachi, and participate in training maneuvers. Roberts’ job was to review and log the remains of Japanese fortifications in caves and holes, including food items, ammunition, and cases of rifles, pistols and medical supplies. After review, the items were left, and the caves and holes were detonated and closed up. Roberts also worked in Okinawa and with Task Force 77 off the coast of China. He returned to the US and received his discharge as a corporal in 1955.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Roberts, Evan
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Gene F. Dauer, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Gene F. Dauer, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gene F. Dauer. Dauer joined the Marine Corps and trained at San Diego. While on leave after training, he missed returning in time to join his original unit and shipped out later to Hawaii. Eventually, he landed at Iwo Jima on D+4 four days after the initial assault. His duty on Iwo Jima included driving ambulances and working in the field hospital ward. He was on Hilo when the war ended and describes a tsunami on that island after the war.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Dauer, Gene F.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Gene F. Dauer, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Gene F. Dauer, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gene F. Dauer. Dauer joined the Marine Corps and trained at San Diego. While on leave after training, he missed returning in time to join his original unit and shipped out later to Hawaii. Eventually, he landed at Iwo Jima on D+4 four days after the initial assault. His duty on Iwo Jima included driving ambulances and working in the field hospital ward. He was on Hilo when the war ended and describes a tsunami on that island after the war.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Dauer, Gene F.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with George Alden, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with George Alden, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Alden. Alden had just finished Marine Corps boot training in San Diego when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He began clerking in the recruit depot office in San Diego shortly after the war started because he could type. In 1944, Alden was assigned to Company A, 27th Marines at Camp Pendleton. He was in the first wave to land on Iwo Jima. He was wounded and evacuated to USS Pinkney (APH-2), which, when it was full a few days later, shaped course for Guam, the Hawaii. Once recovered, Alden went to Saipan to serve in a military police unit in May, 1945. He returned to the US and was discharged in November, 1945. While attending Southern Methodist University, Alden participated in the Air Force ROTC and took a commission upon graduating. He worked as a procurement officer all over the world retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Alden, George
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with George Alden, February 18, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with George Alden, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Alden. Alden had just finished Marine Corps boot training in San Diego when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He began clerking in the recruit depot office in San Diego shortly after the war started because he could type. In 1944, Alden was assigned to Company A, 27th Marines at Camp Pendleton. He was in the first wave to land on Iwo Jima. He was wounded and evacuated to USS Pinkney (APH-2), which, when it was full a few days later, shaped course for Guam, the Hawaii. Once recovered, Alden went to Saipan to serve in a military police unit in May, 1945. He returned to the US and was discharged in November, 1945. While attending Southern Methodist University, Alden participated in the Air Force ROTC and took a commission upon graduating. He worked as a procurement officer all over the world retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Alden, George
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with George L. Craig, February 18, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with George L. Craig, February 18, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George L. Craig. In 1943, when he was 18, he signed up for service in the Marine Corps in Richmond, Virginia. He had basic training at Parris island, South Carolina. After that, Craig went to Quantico, Virginia to Field Artillery School where he trained as a surveyor. Then, he had more training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, before heading to Camp Pendleton, California where he joined the Fifth Marine Division. From there, he went to Hawaii for more advanced training at Camp Tarawa. Then, Craig speaks about landing at and fighting on Iwo Jima. He also talks about occupation duty at Sasebo, Japan when the war ended. Craig returnded home and attended the University of Maryland on the GI Bill and went into public education in Winchester, Virginia until he retired in 1985.
Date: February 18, 2005
Creator: Craig, George L.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History