The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Al Jowdy. Jowdy enlisted in the Navy in July 1942 at the age of 15, with his parents’ consent. His first assignment was pulling bodies out of sunken ships in Pearl Harbor. At Guadalcanal, his ship was torpedoed. Due to the presence of enemy subs, he could not be rescued initially and spent two weeks floating in a raft. Then he joined a rescue effort to aid the USS Wasp (CV-7), only to be torpedoed again, spending another four days in the water. Jowdy was then assigned to the USS Salt Lake City (CA-25), patrolling the Bering Sea and participating in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands as a second loader on a 40-millimeter. After witnessing the Marianas Turkey Shoot and also seeing MacArthur film his famous return, Jowdy participated in the bombardment of Iwo Jima, amidst kamikazes and suicide boats. After the war, he survived a typhoon and served occupation duty in Japan, later transporting troops as part of the demobilization effort before being discharged in January 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Al Jowdy. Jowdy enlisted in the Navy in July 1942 at the age of 15, with his parents’ consent. His first assignment was pulling bodies out of sunken ships in Pearl Harbor. At Guadalcanal, his ship was torpedoed. Due to the presence of enemy subs, he could not be rescued initially and spent two weeks floating in a raft. Then he joined a rescue effort to aid the USS Wasp (CV-7), only to be torpedoed again, spending another four days in the water. Jowdy was then assigned to the USS Salt Lake City (CA-25), patrolling the Bering Sea and participating in the Battle of the Komandorski Islands as a second loader on a 40-millimeter. After witnessing the Marianas Turkey Shoot and also seeing MacArthur film his famous return, Jowdy participated in the bombardment of Iwo Jima, amidst kamikazes and suicide boats. After the war, he survived a typhoon and served occupation duty in Japan, later transporting troops as part of the demobilization effort before being discharged in January 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Allen McKean. McKean was born in Staples, Texas 20 May 1924. Joining the Navy in December 1942, he underwent boot camp at San Diego, California. He was then sent to Norton Heights, Connecticut to attend Merchants Signal School. Upon completion, he was assigned to the SS Glen White (1918) as a signalman. Later, he was assigned to a Joint Assault Signal Company (JASCO) beach party team. McKean tells of landing with the 6th Marine Division on Okinawa on 1 April 1945 and the duties they performed. He was discharged soon after the surrender of Japan.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Allen McKean. McKean was born in Staples, Texas 20 May 1924. Joining the Navy in December 1942, he underwent boot camp at San Diego, California. He was then sent to Norton Heights, Connecticut to attend Merchants Signal School. Upon completion, he was assigned to the SS Glen White (1918) as a signalman. Later, he was assigned to a Joint Assault Signal Company (JASCO) beach party team. McKean tells of landing with the 6th Marine Division on Okinawa on 1 April 1945 and the duties they performed. He was discharged soon after the surrender of Japan.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arden E. ""Scotty"" Kersey. Kersey was attending the University of Nebraska when he entered the V-12 program. Upon learning to fly, Kersey elected to go into the Marine Corps. Prior to entering the service, Kersey learned to fly through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. He also discusses flight training and the various aircraft he flew. He trained at Cherry Point, North Carolina until January, 1944, when he shipped to California in anticipation of going overseas. Kersey was attached to VMF-313 as part of Marine Air Group 12. They continued traineing on Hawaii before going to Midway Island in April, 1944 for more training. In August, VMF-313 boarded the USS Altamaha (CVE-18) and headed for the Solomon Islands. Their first combat missions were flying as escorts for bombers attacking Rabaul and other targets. He mentions a brief R&R in Australia. He also recalls combat flights in the Philippines and destroying an enemy convoy. Kersey flew 79 combat missions in the Pacific before returning to the US for some ferrying duty prior to being discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Arden E. ""Scotty"" Kersey. Kersey was attending the University of Nebraska when he entered the V-12 program. Upon learning to fly, Kersey elected to go into the Marine Corps. Prior to entering the service, Kersey learned to fly through the Civilian Pilot Training Program. He also discusses flight training and the various aircraft he flew. He trained at Cherry Point, North Carolina until January, 1944, when he shipped to California in anticipation of going overseas. Kersey was attached to VMF-313 as part of Marine Air Group 12. They continued traineing on Hawaii before going to Midway Island in April, 1944 for more training. In August, VMF-313 boarded the USS Altamaha (CVE-18) and headed for the Solomon Islands. Their first combat missions were flying as escorts for bombers attacking Rabaul and other targets. He mentions a brief R&R in Australia. He also recalls combat flights in the Philippines and destroying an enemy convoy. Kersey flew 79 combat missions in the Pacific before returning to the US for some ferrying duty prior to being discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arnold Shidler. Shidler joined the Army in 1944. He served with the 80th Infantry Division, 318th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion. In July of 1944, they deployed to England. They were in active duty through France, and into Germany, participating in the Battle of the Bulge. After receiving frostbite on his feet, he was sent back to England in early 1945. Shidler was later stationed in La Havre, France until the end of the war. Shidler returned to the US and was discharged in February of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arnold Shidler. Shidler joined the Army in 1944. He served with the 80th Infantry Division, 318th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion. In July of 1944, they deployed to England. They were in active duty through France, and into Germany, participating in the Battle of the Bulge. After receiving frostbite on his feet, he was sent back to England in early 1945. Shidler was later stationed in La Havre, France until the end of the war. Shidler returned to the US and was discharged in February of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arvon E Caruthers. Caruthers joined the Navy in 1939. He served as a Gunner’s Mate Second-Class aboard the USS Tanager (AM-5) during the Philippine Campaign in 1941 through the sinking of the ship in May of 1942. Caruthers participated in the Battle of Corregidor, and was captured by Japanese forces. He was imprisoned at Cabanatuan number three and traveled aboard a hell ship, eventually settling at Ōmori. Cauthers was liberated in August of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arvon E Caruthers. Caruthers joined the Navy in 1939. He served as a Gunner’s Mate Second-Class aboard the USS Tanager (AM-5) during the Philippine Campaign in 1941 through the sinking of the ship in May of 1942. Caruthers participated in the Battle of Corregidor, and was captured by Japanese forces. He was imprisoned at Cabanatuan number three and traveled aboard a hell ship, eventually settling at Ōmori. Cauthers was liberated in August of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Barret (Bud) Payne. Payne joined the Marine Corps in June of 1943. He completed boot camp in San Diego. He completed Radio Gunnery School, and served as a Private First-Class Radio Gunner aboard a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. For a short time, he was assigned to Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 141 (VMSB-141) at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. They were transferred to Hawaii, and later to Majuro in the Marshall Islands. In early 1945, Payne completed 7 missions from Majuro, including over the Mili and Watje atolls. He was stationed in Majuro when the war ended. He worked in occupied China from October through April of 1946, returned home and received his discharge.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Barret (Bud) Payne. Payne joined the Marine Corps in June of 1943. He completed boot camp in San Diego. He completed Radio Gunnery School, and served as a Private First-Class Radio Gunner aboard a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver. For a short time, he was assigned to Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 141 (VMSB-141) at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. They were transferred to Hawaii, and later to Majuro in the Marshall Islands. In early 1945, Payne completed 7 missions from Majuro, including over the Mili and Watje atolls. He was stationed in Majuro when the war ended. He worked in occupied China from October through April of 1946, returned home and received his discharge.

Transcript of an oral interview with Ben Carson. Carson enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Shortly after finishing boot camp in San Diego, Carson volunteered to join Major Evans Carlson's Marine Raider Battalion. Carson describes training with the Raiders prior to their first mission. He also discusses more training in Hawaii prior to the Battle of Midway. Carson describes being aboard the USS Argonaut (SM-1) with his unit and steaming for Makin Atoll to conduct a raid on a Japanese base there. He provides descriptions of getting off the submarine and into the rubber boats, getting to shore and beginning their raid. Carson also describes is activities during the raid: capturing the government house, dealing with snipers, and getting off the island. From there, Carson describes his unit's role at Guadalcanal.

Transcript of an oral interview with Ben Carson. Carson enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Shortly after finishing boot camp in San Diego, Carson volunteered to join Major Evans Carlson's Marine Raider Battalion. Carson describes training with the Raiders prior to their first mission. He also discusses more training in Hawaii prior to the Battle of Midway. Carson describes being aboard the USS Argonaut (SM-1) with his unit and steaming for Makin Atoll to conduct a raid on a Japanese base there. He provides descriptions of getting off the submarine and into the rubber boats, getting to shore and beginning their raid. Carson also describes is activities during the raid: capturing the government house, dealing with snipers, and getting off the island. From there, Carson describes his unit's role at Guadalcanal.

Interview with Boyd K. Miller, a draftsman and pilot during World War II. He discusses being drafted out of college and working as an artist and draftsman. Since he studied art in college, he worked on diagrams and charts. He then transferred to the Air Corps to become a pilot and trained in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, Georgia, Florida and Texas.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Boyd K. Miller. He discusses being drafted out of college, working as an artist/draftsman making diagrams and charts since he studied art in college, then transfering to the Air Corps to become a pilot, and the various training he went through in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, Georgia, Florida and Texas.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Boyd K. Miller. He discusses being drafted out of college, working as an artist/draftsman making diagrams and charts since he studied art in college, then transfering to the Air Corps to become a pilot, and the various training he went through in Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Alabama, New York, Georgia, Florida and Texas.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bryce Brown. Brown joined the Army around 1942. He trained with the Medical Corps and served as a Medical Clerk. Brown was stationed in China, in the field of malaria control. He returned to the US and was discharged in 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bryce Brown. Brown joined the Army around 1942. He trained with the Medical Corps and served as a Medical Clerk. Brown was stationed in China, in the field of malaria control. He returned to the US and was discharged in 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with C E Simmons. Simmons joined the Navy in October of 1944. Beginning in January of 1945 he served aboard the USS Goshen (APA-108) as coxswain driving Landing Craft, Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) to the beach. They traveled to Hawaii and New Hebrides, and landed the first wave at the Battle of Okinawa. In September of 1945 he was assigned to the US Naval Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island, training new crewmembers for sea duty. He was discharged in October of 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with C E Simmons. Simmons joined the Navy in October of 1944. Beginning in January of 1945 he served aboard the USS Goshen (APA-108) as coxswain driving Landing Craft, Vehicle Personnel (LCVP) to the beach. They traveled to Hawaii and New Hebrides, and landed the first wave at the Battle of Okinawa. In September of 1945 he was assigned to the US Naval Training Center in Newport, Rhode Island, training new crewmembers for sea duty. He was discharged in October of 1947.

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 interview with Cecil Carlisle. Carlisle served in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, and graduated in January of 1943 as a Corporal. He went on to complete Officer Candidate School and became a second lieutenant. He joined the Army, the Coast Artillery, working with automatic weapons including .50-caliber machine guns and 40mm antiaircraft cannons. He was first assigned to Camp Hahn in Riverside, California where he served as a platoon commander, conducting antiaircraft gunnery and field training. From there he was transferred to complete pilot training through the Army Air Forces and received his wings in the fall of 1944. He did not go overseas, as flights were halted to England as the war was scaling down. He then flew as copilot for Navigation Training School, back and forth from Texas to Florida. He was discharged in December of 1945.