The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Alison. Alsion was born in Florida in 1912 and graduated from the University of Florida. Soon after graduation he was accepted into the Army Flying School at Randolph Field, Texas. After competing primary flight training he moved to Kelly Field, Texas for advanced training and was selected to fly fighters. Upon receiving his wings in 1937 he was ordered to report to Langley Field, Virginia where he was assigned to the 8th Pursuit Group flying the PB2A pursuit plane. In 1940 the group moved to Mitchell, Field, New York and the 57th Pursuit Group was formed. Alison was named squadron commander of the 66th Pursuit Squadron. He was directed to demonstrate the Curtis P-40 fighter to General Claire Chennault and a group of Chinese generals. He describes his flight demonstration and the obvious satisfaction of shown by all concerned. In April 1941, he went to England with the Hubert Zemke to assist the Royal Air Force in the integration of the P-40 into the RAF. While there, he was selected to accompany American Ambassador Harry Hopkins as a military attaché of the US Embassy in Moscow. He …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Alison. Alsion was born in Florida in 1912 and graduated from the University of Florida. Soon after graduation he was accepted into the Army Flying School at Randolph Field, Texas. After competing primary flight training he moved to Kelly Field, Texas for advanced training and was selected to fly fighters. Upon receiving his wings in 1937 he was ordered to report to Langley Field, Virginia where he was assigned to the 8th Pursuit Group flying the PB2A pursuit plane. In 1940 the group moved to Mitchell, Field, New York and the 57th Pursuit Group was formed. Alison was named squadron commander of the 66th Pursuit Squadron. He was directed to demonstrate the Curtis P-40 fighter to General Claire Chennault and a group of Chinese generals. He describes his flight demonstration and the obvious satisfaction of shown by all concerned. In April 1941, he went to England with the Hubert Zemke to assist the Royal Air Force in the integration of the P-40 into the RAF. While there, he was selected to accompany American Ambassador Harry Hopkins as a military attaché of the US Embassy in Moscow. He …

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an interview with William Bates. Bates joined the Navy Reserves in late 1939 as an aviation cadet. He was in primary flight training at Corpus Christi when the war started. He opted to quit flying and went instead to Midshipmen’s School at northwestern and earned a commission and was assigned to the USS APc-21. He describes his journey down the East Coast, through the Panama Canal and on to Australia and the Southwest Pacific. Once there, his vessel would escort LCTs and LSTs provisioning the ground forces in New Guinea. He was aboard the APc-21 when it was bombed and sunk. After returning to the US and some leave, Bates was assigned to the USS ATR-22. He then transferred to the USS Unadilla (ATA-182). He shares a few anecdotes about being at the Panama Canal and experiencing typhoons off the Philippines. Bates returned to the US in early 1946 and was discharged in September.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with William Batty. Batty was drafted into the Army Signal Corps in April, 1944 after he finished high school. After training, he joined the 58th Signal Repair Company in late 1944 and headed for England. His unit eventually moved to the continent and into Germany. Their job was to repair telephones, but they did not encounter too many. Batty shares several anecdotes of his time in Europe during and after the war. When the war ended in Europe, Batty recalls his unit packing its gear for transport to the Pacific. He was Marseilles when the Japanese surrendered. He returned instead to the US and was discharged in April, 1946. Batty went to college in Mississippi and then went to work for IBM.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with William Batty. Batty was drafted into the Army Signal Corps in April, 1944 after he finished high school. After training, he joined the 58th Signal Repair Company in late 1944 and headed for England. His unit eventually moved to the continent and into Germany. Their job was to repair telephones, but they did not encounter too many. Batty shares several anecdotes of his time in Europe during and after the war. When the war ended in Europe, Batty recalls his unit packing its gear for transport to the Pacific. He was Marseilles when the Japanese surrendered. He returned instead to the US and was discharged in April, 1946. Batty went to college in Mississippi and then went to work for IBM.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frank Beardsley. Beardsley provides two interviews, one in 1990 and the other in 1998. Both focus on his career in the Navy. Beardsley joined the Navy in 1941 and earned a commission in January 1942. He served aboard the USS Big Horn (AO-45) for a while before commanding USS PC-1140 in 1944. After further anti-submarine warfare training, Beardsley commanded USS PCE(R)-858. He was on his way to the invasion of Japan when the war ended. He was discharged in 1946, but stayed in the reserves until 1964.

Letter sent from R. F. Begole to Cecelia McKie thanking her for the message from his son and stating the message was the first time he had heard information about his son's wife and three-year old son (also internees). Envelope addressed to Mrs. W. L. McKie, Sacramento, California from R. F. Begole, Centralia, Missouri. Reverse side of envelope has been removed by creator.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Ivan Bishop. Bishop attended electrician school prior to joining the Army. He served in the Signal Corps in the 727th Signal Aircraft Warning Company. Bishop participated in the invasion of Leyte and Okinawa operating a radar warning system for invasion forces. Bishop shares several anecdotes about his experiences in the service during the war.

The National Museum of the pacific War presents an oral interview with Ivan Bishop. Bishop attended electrician school prior to joining the Army. He served in the Signal Corps in the 727th Signal Aircraft Warning Company. Bishop participated in the invasion of Leyte and Okinawa operating a radar warning system for invasion forces. Bishop shares several anecdotes about his experiences in the service during the war.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Bloomfield. Bloomfield joined the Navy in 1942 as a Naval Aviation Cadet. In June of 1943 he received his wings. Beginning around August, Bloomfield joined Fighter Squadron Six (VF-6), with Butch O’Hare. He served as tail-end Charlie of O’Hare’s division, flying the Grumman F6F-Hellcat. Bloomfield participated in the carrier raids around Marcus Island and Wake Island. He later served as a wing man to Harry Harrison. In late 1943, Pearl Harbor served as his base of operations. From there they completed missions, participated in raids and supported landings in the Solomons, Coral Sea, Rabaul, New Hebrides, Espiritu Santo, Tarawa, the Marshall Islands and the Gilbert Islands. He was discharged around late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bob Bloomfield. Bloomfield joined the Navy in 1942 as a Naval Aviation Cadet. In June of 1943 he received his wings. Beginning around August, Bloomfield joined Fighter Squadron Six (VF-6), with Butch O’Hare. He served as tail-end Charlie of O’Hare’s division, flying the Grumman F6F-Hellcat. Bloomfield participated in the carrier raids around Marcus Island and Wake Island. He later served as a wing man to Harry Harrison. In late 1943, Pearl Harbor served as his base of operations. From there they completed missions, participated in raids and supported landings in the Solomons, Coral Sea, Rabaul, New Hebrides, Espiritu Santo, Tarawa, the Marshall Islands and the Gilbert Islands. He was discharged around late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Randolph Bonney. Bonney joined the Navy in August of 1941. He trained as a pilot, including qualifying for carrier landings on Lake Michigan. Bonney also completed advanced instrument training in Corpus Christi, Texas. He served as an advanced flight and instrument instructor through the end of the war. Bonney served 23 years in the Navy working as a pilot, and also served 43 years as a reserve.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Randolph Bonney. Bonney joined the Navy in August of 1941. He trained as a pilot, including qualifying for carrier landings on Lake Michigan. Bonney also completed advanced instrument training in Corpus Christi, Texas. He served as an advanced flight and instrument instructor through the end of the war. Bonney served 23 years in the Navy working as a pilot, and also served 43 years as a reserve.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ray Boone. Boone joined the Navy in 1937. He was assigned to the USS Blue (DD-387) and initially served in the deck division. Boone was also a pointer on one of the 5-inch guns. He eventually joined the engineering division and worked in the boiler room and details how the boiler room operated. Boone describes his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He witnessed the Utah capsize and the Arizona explode. Boone describes traveling to several areas of the ship and trying to access ammunition for the main guns as well as the efforts to get underway. He also mentions dropping depth charges on a Japanese submarine. The Blue traveled to Guadalcanal and rescued crewmembers of HMAS Canberra. Boone details his ship being critically damaged by a torpedo off Guadalcanal. He was sent back to the States on leave and then joined the USS McCook (DD-496), participating in convoy duty to North Africa and Sicily. Boone was then sent to Steam Turbine school and subsequently joined the crew of Auxiliary Rescue Tug 64 (ATR-64). He travelled to Mindanao, Philippines as his tug towed a drydock. Boone was …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ray Boone. Boone joined the Navy in 1937. He was assigned to the USS Blue (DD-387) and initially served in the deck division. Boone was also a pointer on one of the 5-inch guns. He eventually joined the engineering division and worked in the boiler room and details how the boiler room operated. Boone describes his experiences during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He witnessed the Utah capsize and the Arizona explode. Boone describes traveling to several areas of the ship and trying to access ammunition for the main guns as well as the efforts to get underway. He also mentions dropping depth charges on a Japanese submarine. The Blue traveled to Guadalcanal and rescued crewmembers of HMAS Canberra. Boone details his ship being critically damaged by a torpedo off Guadalcanal. He was sent back to the States on leave and then joined the USS McCook (DD-496), participating in convoy duty to North Africa and Sicily. Boone was then sent to Steam Turbine school and subsequently joined the crew of Auxiliary Rescue Tug 64 (ATR-64). He travelled to Mindanao, Philippines as his tug towed a drydock. Boone was …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Boren. Boren joined the Marine Corps in 1943 under the V-12 program in Monticello, Arkansas. Upon graduating, he was sent to basic training at Parris Island. He received advanced weapons training at Camp Lejeune in preparation for the invasion of Japan. After the war ended, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor in a commander’s office, handling mail and confidential messages. Boren returned home and was discharged in May 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Boren. Boren joined the Marine Corps in 1943 under the V-12 program in Monticello, Arkansas. Upon graduating, he was sent to basic training at Parris Island. He received advanced weapons training at Camp Lejeune in preparation for the invasion of Japan. After the war ended, he was stationed at Pearl Harbor in a commander’s office, handling mail and confidential messages. Boren returned home and was discharged in May 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charlie Boswell. Boswell was born in Coryell County, Texas 4 September 1921. He quit high school, joined the Navy and went to boot camp in San Diego. Upon completing boot training he was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43) as a member of the crew in the engine room. During battle stations, he served as an ammunition handler for a five inch gun. He was aboard the ship on 7 December 1941 and he describes his activities during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Tennessee received two bomb hits during the attack. Boswell recalls being at his battle station for twelve straight hours before being permitted to go topside. The ship went to Bremerton, Washington for repairs. In 1942 Boswell was assigned to the USS Waller (DD-466). The ship supported various landings in the Pacific before returning to the United States in 1944. After refitting, the ship supported landing in the Philippines. When the Japanese surrendered, the Waller went to Shanghai, where various work parties from the ship assisted in disarming the Japanese troops. Returning to the United States in December 1945, Boswell remained aboard as part …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charlie Boswell. Boswell was born in Coryell County, Texas 4 September 1921. He quit high school, joined the Navy and went to boot camp in San Diego. Upon completing boot training he was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43) as a member of the crew in the engine room. During battle stations, he served as an ammunition handler for a five inch gun. He was aboard the ship on 7 December 1941 and he describes his activities during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Tennessee received two bomb hits during the attack. Boswell recalls being at his battle station for twelve straight hours before being permitted to go topside. The ship went to Bremerton, Washington for repairs. In 1942 Boswell was assigned to the USS Waller (DD-466). The ship supported various landings in the Pacific before returning to the United States in 1944. After refitting, the ship supported landing in the Philippines. When the Japanese surrendered, the Waller went to Shanghai, where various work parties from the ship assisted in disarming the Japanese troops. Returning to the United States in December 1945, Boswell remained aboard as part …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James and John Bowen, Earl Steele, and Don Stoll. The Bowen brothers and Earl Steele share their experiences aboard USS South Dakota (BB-57) during WWII. The brothers served aboard the ship together. They were still aboard when the ship was deployed to the Atlantic. Ingram interviews Don Stoll on 3 December 1989. Stoll served as an engineer on the captain’s gig aboard USS South Dakota. He was aboard from 1943 through 1946. Stoll was injured severely in a bomb blast.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James and John Bowen, Earl Steele, and Don Stoll. The Bowen brothers and Earl Steele share their experiences aboard USS South Dakota (BB-57) during WWII. The brothers served aboard the ship together. They were still aboard when the ship was deployed to the Atlantic. Ingram interviews Don Stoll on 3 December 1989. Stoll served as an engineer on the captain’s gig aboard USS South Dakota. He was aboard from 1943 through 1946. Stoll was injured severely in a bomb blast.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernie Broussard. Broussard initially served in the Merchant Marine and describes his only mission where he had a close call with a submarine and how it led to his decision to leave. He joined the Navy in December 1942 and was trained as a bombardier. Broussard served on PBYs for the remainder of the war. He describes an emergency landing on the way to Hawaii and the delivery missions they performed while operating out of Kaneohe Bay. Broussard was then transferred to VPB-71 and performed night missions on Black Cat PBYs. He describes a typical mission, the crew complement, armament, and how they hunted Japanese ships using radar and looking for phosphorescent wakes. Broussard earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals and left the service in September 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bernie Broussard. Broussard initially served in the Merchant Marine and describes his only mission where he had a close call with a submarine and how it led to his decision to leave. He joined the Navy in December 1942 and was trained as a bombardier. Broussard served on PBYs for the remainder of the war. He describes an emergency landing on the way to Hawaii and the delivery missions they performed while operating out of Kaneohe Bay. Broussard was then transferred to VPB-71 and performed night missions on Black Cat PBYs. He describes a typical mission, the crew complement, armament, and how they hunted Japanese ships using radar and looking for phosphorescent wakes. Broussard earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals and left the service in September 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ivan Brown. Brown joined the Army in 1942. He joined the 3rd Chemical Mortar Battalion. His job was working with the 4.2-inch mortar and poison gas. In April of 1943, they deployed to Oran, North Africa. They participated in the allied invasions of Sicily, Italy and southern France, and the Battle of the Ardennes. Brown was discharged in late 1945.