The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jay Summers. Summers joined the Texas National Guard in 1937. His unit was mobilized and he became a supply sergeant. Summers was sent Java at the beginning of the war and became a prisoner of war soon after. He describes the locations that they were sent and the work performed. Summers was a part of the POW workforce that was sent to Burma to build a railroad which included a bridge over the River Kwai. He describes the hardships the prisoners endured due to malnourishment, harsh treatment, and disease. Summers mentions some friends he made with Dutch and Australian prisoners, including one who helped save his life. He describes an incident where a Japanese guard was injured during repair work on the railroad. Summers discusses how they learned the war had ended and his journey back to the US. He was discharged in June of 1946 after he had recovered in a hospital.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jay Summers. Summers joined the Texas National Guard in 1937. His unit was mobilized and he became a supply sergeant. Summers was sent Java at the beginning of the war and became a prisoner of war soon after. He describes the locations that they were sent and the work performed. Summers was a part of the POW workforce that was sent to Burma to build a railroad which included a bridge over the River Kwai. He describes the hardships the prisoners endured due to malnourishment, harsh treatment, and disease. Summers mentions some friends he made with Dutch and Australian prisoners, including one who helped save his life. He describes an incident where a Japanese guard was injured during repair work on the railroad. Summers discusses how they learned the war had ended and his journey back to the US. He was discharged in June of 1946 after he had recovered in a hospital.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jerry Lewis. Lewis was born in Diamond, Missouri 18 February 1925. At sixteen he joined the Navy and trained at San Diego. He then attended radio school, after which he was assigned to the USS Frankford (DD-497). In June 1943 the ship traveled through the Panama Canal to Norfolk, Virginia. He recalls participating in convoy duty to Casablanca. He recalls relying on a tank as a fire control director during Operation Overlord. In October 1944, the ship returned to the United States and Lewis was transferred to the USS Harding (DMS-28). After the crew was trained in the use of mine sweeping gear the Harding sailed to Pearl Harbor. During March 1945, they sailed to Ulithi where they joined Task Force 58. After participating in mine sweeping operations during the invasion of Okinawa the ship was assigned to picket duty. The ship, damaged by a bomb from a kamikaze, was taken to Kerama Retto Island for repair. Lewis recalls having armed sentries on board at night to repel efforts by Japanese soldiers to board anchored ships. Returning to the United States, Lewis entered flight training at Norman, Oklahoma. …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jerry Lewis. Lewis was born in Diamond, Missouri 18 February 1925. At sixteen he joined the Navy and trained at San Diego. He then attended radio school, after which he was assigned to the USS Frankford (DD-497). In June 1943 the ship traveled through the Panama Canal to Norfolk, Virginia. He recalls participating in convoy duty to Casablanca. He recalls relying on a tank as a fire control director during Operation Overlord. In October 1944, the ship returned to the United States and Lewis was transferred to the USS Harding (DMS-28). After the crew was trained in the use of mine sweeping gear the Harding sailed to Pearl Harbor. During March 1945, they sailed to Ulithi where they joined Task Force 58. After participating in mine sweeping operations during the invasion of Okinawa the ship was assigned to picket duty. The ship, damaged by a bomb from a kamikaze, was taken to Kerama Retto Island for repair. Lewis recalls having armed sentries on board at night to repel efforts by Japanese soldiers to board anchored ships. Returning to the United States, Lewis entered flight training at Norman, Oklahoma. …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jesse T. Barker. Barker joined the Navy and entered the V-5 Naval Aviation Program in April 1941. Completing his training at Pensacola in September, he received his wings and commission. Upon arriving in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Saratoga (CV-3) and traveled to Pearl Harbor. After additional training, he was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-5) and participated in the invasion of Guadalcanal. A group of twelve pilots were temporarily assigned to Henderson Field and Barker describes missions he flew. He recalls harassment by a Japanese plane called Washing Machine Charlie. Returning to the US he reported to the Vero Beach, Florida Naval Air Station to serve as a dive bomber instructor. After serving there for one year he volunteered for night fighter training and was sent to Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He describes the procedure of using radar in flying night missions. After six months of training he went to Pearl Harbor where he underwent advanced training. He was then assigned to the USS Independence (CVL-22) and relates his experiences during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He was then transferred to the USS Intrepid …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jesse T. Barker. Barker joined the Navy and entered the V-5 Naval Aviation Program in April 1941. Completing his training at Pensacola in September, he received his wings and commission. Upon arriving in San Diego, he was assigned to the USS Saratoga (CV-3) and traveled to Pearl Harbor. After additional training, he was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-5) and participated in the invasion of Guadalcanal. A group of twelve pilots were temporarily assigned to Henderson Field and Barker describes missions he flew. He recalls harassment by a Japanese plane called Washing Machine Charlie. Returning to the US he reported to the Vero Beach, Florida Naval Air Station to serve as a dive bomber instructor. After serving there for one year he volunteered for night fighter training and was sent to Quonset Point, Rhode Island. He describes the procedure of using radar in flying night missions. After six months of training he went to Pearl Harbor where he underwent advanced training. He was then assigned to the USS Independence (CVL-22) and relates his experiences during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He was then transferred to the USS Intrepid …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jim Scanlon. Scanlon joined the Navy in November of 1942. He served as an aviation radio technician with the VF-41 Night Fighter Squadron. Scanlon provides vivid details of his training, and how he was involved with his missions. Scanlon was one of eleven radio technicians. They oversaw 25 airplanes in their squadron. He then served aboard the USS Hancock (CV-19) beginning November of 1944. Upon returning to the United States in October of 1945, he was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Klamath Falls, Oregon. His discharge date is not noted.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jim Scanlon. Scanlon joined the Navy in November of 1942. He served as an aviation radio technician with the VF-41 Night Fighter Squadron. Scanlon provides vivid details of his training, and how he was involved with his missions. Scanlon was one of eleven radio technicians. They oversaw 25 airplanes in their squadron. He then served aboard the USS Hancock (CV-19) beginning November of 1944. Upon returning to the United States in October of 1945, he was assigned to the Naval Air Station in Klamath Falls, Oregon. His discharge date is not noted.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joe Jeanes. Jeanes joined the Navy in 1942 at 15 years old. He completed basic training at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was assigned to a PBY Squadron. They patrolled the Gulf of Mexico. In 1944, Jeanes was shipped to New Guinea and Hollandia. He worked for a Seabee outfit for a short period of time. He served aboard USS Ward (DD-139) until it sank in October of 1944, and then transferred to Manila until the end of the war. Jeanes returned home and was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joe Jeanes. Jeanes joined the Navy in 1942 at 15 years old. He completed basic training at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, and was assigned to a PBY Squadron. They patrolled the Gulf of Mexico. In 1944, Jeanes was shipped to New Guinea and Hollandia. He worked for a Seabee outfit for a short period of time. He served aboard USS Ward (DD-139) until it sank in October of 1944, and then transferred to Manila until the end of the war. Jeanes returned home and was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Burks. Burks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on 17 January 1923. After graduating from high school in 1940, he attended the University of Oklahoma until October 1942, at which time he joined the US Army Air Forces. He began a pilot training program, but the Army terminated it. In August 1943, he underwent basic training at Sheppard Field, Texas for twelve weeks. In November, he went to gunnery school at Laredo Air Field in Texas. He was then sent to March Field, California where he was assigned to a B-24 crew as the ball turret gunner. In April 1944 the crew flew to Wheeler Field, Hawaii where they underwent advanced training with the 26th Bomb Squadron, 11th Bomb Group, 7th Air Force. In September 1944 they moved to Kwajalein where they participated in bombing missions over Truk and Wake Islands. During October 1944 they moved to Guam where they flew forty missions over various islands including seventeen missions over Iwo Jima in preparation for the invasion. Burks relates his personal experience of capturing a Japanese soldier while on Guam. He returned to the United States in March …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Burks. Burks was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on 17 January 1923. After graduating from high school in 1940, he attended the University of Oklahoma until October 1942, at which time he joined the US Army Air Forces. He began a pilot training program, but the Army terminated it. In August 1943, he underwent basic training at Sheppard Field, Texas for twelve weeks. In November, he went to gunnery school at Laredo Air Field in Texas. He was then sent to March Field, California where he was assigned to a B-24 crew as the ball turret gunner. In April 1944 the crew flew to Wheeler Field, Hawaii where they underwent advanced training with the 26th Bomb Squadron, 11th Bomb Group, 7th Air Force. In September 1944 they moved to Kwajalein where they participated in bombing missions over Truk and Wake Islands. During October 1944 they moved to Guam where they flew forty missions over various islands including seventeen missions over Iwo Jima in preparation for the invasion. Burks relates his personal experience of capturing a Japanese soldier while on Guam. He returned to the United States in March …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Cannon. Cannon served as coxswain of an LCM at Buckner Bay during the initial assault on Okinawa, delivering food and supplies to the beach. LCMs were able to navigate the coral, no matter the tide, so Cannon worked around the clock, laying smoke screens at night and dodging flak and kamikazes during the day. After the war ended, Cannon stayed another six months, delivering cargo from one ship to another. He returned home in February 1946 and became a truck driver.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Cannon. Cannon served as coxswain of an LCM at Buckner Bay during the initial assault on Okinawa, delivering food and supplies to the beach. LCMs were able to navigate the coral, no matter the tide, so Cannon worked around the clock, laying smoke screens at night and dodging flak and kamikazes during the day. After the war ended, Cannon stayed another six months, delivering cargo from one ship to another. He returned home in February 1946 and became a truck driver.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Cook. Cook joined the Navy in November of 1939, and completed submarine school. Beginning April of 1942, he served as a fireman aboard the USS Silversides (SS-236). He traveled to Japan and Truk participating in 2 successful war patrols. From November of 1944 through April of 1945 he was assigned to the USS Flasher (SS-249), traveling to the South China Sea and completing war patrols five and six, sinking two Japanese destroyers, Kishinami and Iwanami. After the war ended, Cook enlisted in the Army, when he was discharged as Chief Petty Officer in August of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Cook. Cook joined the Navy in November of 1939, and completed submarine school. Beginning April of 1942, he served as a fireman aboard the USS Silversides (SS-236). He traveled to Japan and Truk participating in 2 successful war patrols. From November of 1944 through April of 1945 he was assigned to the USS Flasher (SS-249), traveling to the South China Sea and completing war patrols five and six, sinking two Japanese destroyers, Kishinami and Iwanami. After the war ended, Cook enlisted in the Army, when he was discharged as Chief Petty Officer in August of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Crooker. Crooker joined the Navy on 6 December 1941. He served as an officer (ensign to lieutenant commander), stationed in 1944 and 1945 in New Guinea, and as an intelligence briefer for Admiral T.C. Kinkaid, Commander, Seventh Fleet, on the USS Wasatch (AGC-9) and in the Philippine Islands. He participated in the Leyte and Lingayen Gulf operations from October of 1944 through August of 1945. He was discharged from active duty in October of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Crooker. Crooker joined the Navy on 6 December 1941. He served as an officer (ensign to lieutenant commander), stationed in 1944 and 1945 in New Guinea, and as an intelligence briefer for Admiral T.C. Kinkaid, Commander, Seventh Fleet, on the USS Wasatch (AGC-9) and in the Philippine Islands. He participated in the Leyte and Lingayen Gulf operations from October of 1944 through August of 1945. He was discharged from active duty in October of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John V. Geary. Geary joined the Army Air Forces in February of 1942, and received training as an aircraft electrical specialist at Chanute Airforce Base in Rantoul, Illinois. He worked on the AT-17, AT-9 and B-29 engines, propellers and electrical systems. Geary was assigned as a B-29 crew chief with the 355th Bomb Squadron, 331st Bomb Group, 315th Air Wing. Their plane was titled Slicker Four. In late 1944, he went to Guam. He describes living on the island and working on his assigned plane and other B-29s as needed. After the war ended, Geary returned to the US and received his discharge in early 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John V. Geary. Geary joined the Army Air Forces in February of 1942, and received training as an aircraft electrical specialist at Chanute Airforce Base in Rantoul, Illinois. He worked on the AT-17, AT-9 and B-29 engines, propellers and electrical systems. Geary was assigned as a B-29 crew chief with the 355th Bomb Squadron, 331st Bomb Group, 315th Air Wing. Their plane was titled Slicker Four. In late 1944, he went to Guam. He describes living on the island and working on his assigned plane and other B-29s as needed. After the war ended, Geary returned to the US and received his discharge in early 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Hotova. Hotova was born in November 1918. He describes conditions during the Great Depression. He left high school at 15 years of age and joined the National Guard in 1939. He was assigned to the 242nd Coast Artillery. Hotova applied for flight training in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He did not qualify for advanced flight training and was assigned to aircraft mechanics school at Keesler Field, Mississippi. After four months of training, he was sent to Laredo, Texas for gunnery training. He was assigned as a waist gunner on a B-24. While four members flew their plane to England, he and five other crewmen boarded RMS Queen Mary. Landing in Scotland they were assigned to the 8th Air Force, 389th Bomb Group, 567th Bomb Squadron based at Hethel, England. On his first bombing mission, in May 1944, he flew to Brussels and recounts the discomfort of being at a waist gun position at high altitudes. Having flown 29 combat missions during his tour, he describes several of the missions, during which German fighters and heavy flak were encountered. He also witnessed other aircraft being shot …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Hotova. Hotova was born in November 1918. He describes conditions during the Great Depression. He left high school at 15 years of age and joined the National Guard in 1939. He was assigned to the 242nd Coast Artillery. Hotova applied for flight training in the Army Air Corps in 1942. He did not qualify for advanced flight training and was assigned to aircraft mechanics school at Keesler Field, Mississippi. After four months of training, he was sent to Laredo, Texas for gunnery training. He was assigned as a waist gunner on a B-24. While four members flew their plane to England, he and five other crewmen boarded RMS Queen Mary. Landing in Scotland they were assigned to the 8th Air Force, 389th Bomb Group, 567th Bomb Squadron based at Hethel, England. On his first bombing mission, in May 1944, he flew to Brussels and recounts the discomfort of being at a waist gun position at high altitudes. Having flown 29 combat missions during his tour, he describes several of the missions, during which German fighters and heavy flak were encountered. He also witnessed other aircraft being shot …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Johnson. Johnson was born on 23 December 1921 in Mitchell, Missouri. Rather than risk getting drafted, he enlisted in the Marine Corps on 16 December 1939. His first duty was with the 15th Marine Artillery Regiment in San Diego. The 15th Marines was disbanded and the personnel sent to Pearl Harbor. Johnson was assigned to the 1st Marine Division Defense Battalion, eventually sent to fortify Wake Island, arriving there in August 1941. After the Japanese attacked, Johnson surrendered with the rest of the garrison and the civilians on 23 December 1941. Johnson and the other American personnel were taken prisoner. They were initially sent to Shanghai, China to do manual labor. In May 1945 they were moved to Manchuria, then to Pusan, Korea, and finally to Hokkaido in Japan, working in coal mines. Following the Japanese surrender, Johnson and others were moved to Yokohama, sent to Guam by ship, and flown to Hawaii on NATS aircraft. In Hawaii they were given time to recuperate from their ordeal, issued uniforms and given back pay. Johnson was then sent to Olathe, Kansas. After four years in Japanese prison camps, …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Johnson. Johnson was born on 23 December 1921 in Mitchell, Missouri. Rather than risk getting drafted, he enlisted in the Marine Corps on 16 December 1939. His first duty was with the 15th Marine Artillery Regiment in San Diego. The 15th Marines was disbanded and the personnel sent to Pearl Harbor. Johnson was assigned to the 1st Marine Division Defense Battalion, eventually sent to fortify Wake Island, arriving there in August 1941. After the Japanese attacked, Johnson surrendered with the rest of the garrison and the civilians on 23 December 1941. Johnson and the other American personnel were taken prisoner. They were initially sent to Shanghai, China to do manual labor. In May 1945 they were moved to Manchuria, then to Pusan, Korea, and finally to Hokkaido in Japan, working in coal mines. Following the Japanese surrender, Johnson and others were moved to Yokohama, sent to Guam by ship, and flown to Hawaii on NATS aircraft. In Hawaii they were given time to recuperate from their ordeal, issued uniforms and given back pay. Johnson was then sent to Olathe, Kansas. After four years in Japanese prison camps, …