There is a critical need for new environmentally friendly processes in the United States chemical industry as legislative and economic pressures push the industry to zero-waste and cradle-to-grave responsibility for the products they produce. Carbohydrates represent a plentiful, renewable resource, which for some processes might economically replace fossil feedstocks. While the conversion of biomass to fuels, is still not generally economical, the selective synthesis of a commodity or fine chemical, however, could compete effectively if appropriate catalytic conversion systems can be found. Oxygenated organics, found in a variety of products such as nylon and polyester, are particularly attractive targets. We believe that with concerted research efforts, homogeneous transition metal catalyzed reactions could play a significant role in bringing about this future green chemistry technology.

Interview with Thurman Capps, U.S. Army veteran (2nd Battalion, 131st Field Artillery, Texas National Guard) and a member of the "Lost Battalion," concerning his experiences as a prisoner-of-war of the Japanese during World War II.

Interview with James Roberson, a Navy veteran, concerning his experiences while aboard the submarines USS Sailfish in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Submarine School, New London, Connecticut, 1942; his responsibilities as a motor machinist's mate; qualification examinations; various patrols off the Aleutian Islands and in the South China Sea; lifeguard duty off the Mariana Islands for downed airmen.