Letter from Catherine to her husband Joe discussing news from home, including drinking beer at Pause Inn with Joyce, Missie, and Roland Meadows' wife, receiving a letter from Bob in Tonopah, and lunch with Baker and Nell.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alphonsis Stockdale. Stockdale was born near Morristown, South Dakota 2 August 1915. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy in 1934 and went to San Diego for boot training. He then trained as a radio operator. In 1940, he joined Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 1 aboard PT-24 and went to Pearl Harbor where he witnessed the Japanese attack. Arriving at Midway Island on 2 June 1942 he was present when the Japanese launched their attack. Afterwards, Stockdale went to Melville, Rhode Island, for training in PT boats. Completing the course, he was assigned to PT-107 of Squadron 5. Robert Montgomery, the movie actor, served as boat captain. After training in the Galapagos Islands for several months the boat was taken by ship to New Caledonia, then the Solomons, where they began combat patrols. Stockdale recalls PT-107 and three other boats were involved in an operation to land a group of Marines on Vella Lavella. The landing was repelled by the Japanese and the Marines suffered numerous casualties. He developed a severe case of jungle rot, which hospitalized him on New Caledonia. He was then put aboard …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alphonsis Stockdale. Stockdale was born near Morristown, South Dakota 2 August 1915. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy in 1934 and went to San Diego for boot training. He then trained as a radio operator. In 1940, he joined Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 1 aboard PT-24 and went to Pearl Harbor where he witnessed the Japanese attack. Arriving at Midway Island on 2 June 1942 he was present when the Japanese launched their attack. Afterwards, Stockdale went to Melville, Rhode Island, for training in PT boats. Completing the course, he was assigned to PT-107 of Squadron 5. Robert Montgomery, the movie actor, served as boat captain. After training in the Galapagos Islands for several months the boat was taken by ship to New Caledonia, then the Solomons, where they began combat patrols. Stockdale recalls PT-107 and three other boats were involved in an operation to land a group of Marines on Vella Lavella. The landing was repelled by the Japanese and the Marines suffered numerous casualties. He developed a severe case of jungle rot, which hospitalized him on New Caledonia. He was then put aboard …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Anthony Ganarelli. Ganarellis was born in Huntington, Pennsylvania in 1913 and enlisted in the Navy in May 1934. Upon completing basic training in Norfolk, Virginia he was assigned as a gunner’s mate to the USS Tennessee (BB-43), where he remained for seven years. He recalls that, when the Japanese attacked on the morning of December 7, 1941, the Tennessee was in Pearl Harbor, inboard of the USS Arizona (BB-39) and forward of the USS West Virginia (BB-48), and his battle station was turret four. He describes being surrounded by fires caused by explosions on the Arizona and West Virginia, which necessitated flooding all the ship’s magazines. He also remembers observing the devastation at Ford Island and Hickam Field. His next assignment was to the commissioning crew of the USS Indiana (BB-58), and he describes the Indiana’s role in supporting carrier groups at Iwo Jima, Tinian and Saipan. Ganarelli received a field commission and achieved the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) by the time he left the Indiana in April 1945. He retired in October 1959.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Anthony Ganarelli. Ganarellis was born in Huntington, Pennsylvania in 1913 and enlisted in the Navy in May 1934. Upon completing basic training in Norfolk, Virginia he was assigned as a gunner’s mate to the USS Tennessee (BB-43), where he remained for seven years. He recalls that, when the Japanese attacked on the morning of December 7, 1941, the Tennessee was in Pearl Harbor, inboard of the USS Arizona (BB-39) and forward of the USS West Virginia (BB-48), and his battle station was turret four. He describes being surrounded by fires caused by explosions on the Arizona and West Virginia, which necessitated flooding all the ship’s magazines. He also remembers observing the devastation at Ford Island and Hickam Field. His next assignment was to the commissioning crew of the USS Indiana (BB-58), and he describes the Indiana’s role in supporting carrier groups at Iwo Jima, Tinian and Saipan. Ganarelli received a field commission and achieved the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) by the time he left the Indiana in April 1945. He retired in October 1959.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Crider. Crider joined the Marine Corps in early 1941. He completed Communications School, and served with the Base Guard Battalion, maintaining security of the main gates and other designated areas. In November he joined a garrison at Pearl Harbor, where he was during the Japanese attack. After the attack, his battalion traveled to Midway Island and installed two 7-inch Navy gun mounts on the island. He later traveled to New Hebrides, where they provided shore defense for the air strip. In Guadalcanal they helped with anti-aircraft operations. Crider contracted malaria several times while overseas. He returned to the US in November of 1945, though remained in the inactive reserves until 1956.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Crider. Crider joined the Marine Corps in early 1941. He completed Communications School, and served with the Base Guard Battalion, maintaining security of the main gates and other designated areas. In November he joined a garrison at Pearl Harbor, where he was during the Japanese attack. After the attack, his battalion traveled to Midway Island and installed two 7-inch Navy gun mounts on the island. He later traveled to New Hebrides, where they provided shore defense for the air strip. In Guadalcanal they helped with anti-aircraft operations. Crider contracted malaria several times while overseas. He returned to the US in November of 1945, though remained in the inactive reserves until 1956.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Sehe. Sehe was born in Geneva, Illinois, on 26 February 1923 and enlisted in the Navy in November 1940. Upon completing basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois in February 1941, he completed gunner’s mate school and was assigned to the USS Nevada (BB-36). He recalls the Nevada, the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and the USS Arizona (BB-39) made up Battle Division One at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Sehe describes the events of 7 December 1941 when the Nevada was hit by a torpedo and several bombs while attempting to move away from the Arizona and the flaming oil. He recalls many heroic actions by crew members, including Ensign Joe Taussig (later awarded the Navy Cross), as the ship eventually got underway and grounded off Hospital Point. He then details the search for victims within the hull over the ensuing days, in which he played an integral role. He describes the temporary repairs that allowed the ship to steam for Bremerton, Washington for a complete refitting. Next, he describes the Nevada’s role at Utah Beach and in the Battle of Cherbourg immediately following the Allied landing on Normandy. He recounts …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Sehe. Sehe was born in Geneva, Illinois, on 26 February 1923 and enlisted in the Navy in November 1940. Upon completing basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois in February 1941, he completed gunner’s mate school and was assigned to the USS Nevada (BB-36). He recalls the Nevada, the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) and the USS Arizona (BB-39) made up Battle Division One at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Sehe describes the events of 7 December 1941 when the Nevada was hit by a torpedo and several bombs while attempting to move away from the Arizona and the flaming oil. He recalls many heroic actions by crew members, including Ensign Joe Taussig (later awarded the Navy Cross), as the ship eventually got underway and grounded off Hospital Point. He then details the search for victims within the hull over the ensuing days, in which he played an integral role. He describes the temporary repairs that allowed the ship to steam for Bremerton, Washington for a complete refitting. Next, he describes the Nevada’s role at Utah Beach and in the Battle of Cherbourg immediately following the Allied landing on Normandy. He recounts …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chester W. Marshall. He was born March 19, 1917 in Holmes County, Mississippi. He describes growing up during the Depression. On June 26, 1940 he enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps. In early 1942 he was accepted into Aviation Cadet training. In July 1943 he was assigned to the 30th Bomber Group of the 20th Air Force in Salina, Kansas to train as a flight engineer on B-29s. He recalls being transferred to the 31st Bomber Group on Saipan in October 1944. He describes taking part in 30 bombing raids from Saipan over Tokyo in 1945. He describes one mission over Japan at high altitude on March 17, 1945 gathering weather data for future bombing runs, when his aircraft was shot up by the Japanese and had to make an emergency landing on Iwo Jima. He recalls meeting Colonel Paul Tibbetts while in the Marianas. He recalls being assigned as a B-29 instructor at Roswell, New Mexico Air Base when the war ended.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Chester W. Marshall. He was born March 19, 1917 in Holmes County, Mississippi. He describes growing up during the Depression. On June 26, 1940 he enlisted as a private in the Army Air Corps. In early 1942 he was accepted into Aviation Cadet training. In July 1943 he was assigned to the 30th Bomber Group of the 20th Air Force in Salina, Kansas to train as a flight engineer on B-29s. He recalls being transferred to the 31st Bomber Group on Saipan in October 1944. He describes taking part in 30 bombing raids from Saipan over Tokyo in 1945. He describes one mission over Japan at high altitude on March 17, 1945 gathering weather data for future bombing runs, when his aircraft was shot up by the Japanese and had to make an emergency landing on Iwo Jima. He recalls meeting Colonel Paul Tibbetts while in the Marianas. He recalls being assigned as a B-29 instructor at Roswell, New Mexico Air Base when the war ended.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dallas Harvey. Harvey joined the Navy in 1937. He completed training as a Hospital Corpsman, and dental technician. He was assigned to Pearl Harbor, serving in the Sick Bay and dental office aboard the USS Argonne (AS-10). Harvey was aboard the ship, which was positioned at the north end of 1010 dock, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. They later traveled to the Fiji Islands, New Caledonia and Guam, where Harvey worked in a hospital built by the Seabees. He returned to the US in December of 1945 and retired from the Navy in 1967.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dallas Harvey. Harvey joined the Navy in 1937. He completed training as a Hospital Corpsman, and dental technician. He was assigned to Pearl Harbor, serving in the Sick Bay and dental office aboard the USS Argonne (AS-10). Harvey was aboard the ship, which was positioned at the north end of 1010 dock, during the attack on Pearl Harbor. They later traveled to the Fiji Islands, New Caledonia and Guam, where Harvey worked in a hospital built by the Seabees. He returned to the US in December of 1945 and retired from the Navy in 1967.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Darrell Nelson. Nelson was born in Lenora, Oklahoma on 25 December 1920 and enlisted in the Navy in December 1940. He was sent to Radio School following boot camp in San Diego, and then was assigned to the USS Phelps (DD-360) which was homeported in Pearl Harbor. Phelps was nested north of North Island with other ships being serviced by the tender USS Dobbin (AD-3), when the Japanese attacked. Nelson remembers that Dobbin suffered casualties from a near bomb miss, but Phelps was not damaged and was eventually able to get underway and steam out of the harbor. He watched the USS Utah (AG-16) roll over and sink as the Phelps steamed past. During the Battle of the Coral Sea during, the USS Lexington (CV-2) was severely damaged and had to be abandoned. Nelson recalls that the Phelps rescued several Lexington survivors and torpedoed the carrier to prevent it falling into enemy hands. He remembers that Phelps provided support to several American carriers during the Battle of Midway. He describes action in the Aleutian Islands in support of landings at both Attu and Kiska Islands. He was transferred …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Deno Petrucciani. Petrucciani joined the Navy in September of 1940. He served with the deck force aboard USS Maryland (BB-46). In January of 1941 they traveled to Pearl Harbor. Petrucciani was aboard the Maryland during the attack on 7 December 1941. He served aboard the ship for four and half years. He shares a number of anecdotal stories living on the Maryland. He was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Deno Petrucciani. Petrucciani joined the Navy in September of 1940. He served with the deck force aboard USS Maryland (BB-46). In January of 1941 they traveled to Pearl Harbor. Petrucciani was aboard the Maryland during the attack on 7 December 1941. He served aboard the ship for four and half years. He shares a number of anecdotal stories living on the Maryland. He was discharged in 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dick Frieze. Frieze joined the Navy in 1939. He trained as an aviation machinist mate, and worked at a base in Pearl Harbor, where he shares some anecdotal stories working for Captain John Sidney McCain. Frieze was in a hangar at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 and provides his recollections of surviving that fateful day. He speaks about Lieutenant Fasada Iada, a Japanese pilot, whom Frieze shot at right before he crash-landed in the Officers’ Housing Quarters. He continues on to speak on Iada’s burial and memorial on the island. He was later assigned to the USS Platte (AO-24). Frieze served 46 months overseas during World War II, including 25 months in combat, and completed 20 years overall in the Navy.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dick Frieze. Frieze joined the Navy in 1939. He trained as an aviation machinist mate, and worked at a base in Pearl Harbor, where he shares some anecdotal stories working for Captain John Sidney McCain. Frieze was in a hangar at Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941 and provides his recollections of surviving that fateful day. He speaks about Lieutenant Fasada Iada, a Japanese pilot, whom Frieze shot at right before he crash-landed in the Officers’ Housing Quarters. He continues on to speak on Iada’s burial and memorial on the island. He was later assigned to the USS Platte (AO-24). Frieze served 46 months overseas during World War II, including 25 months in combat, and completed 20 years overall in the Navy.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Leonard. Leonard grew up during the Great Depression and shares details of his family’s experiences during that economic downturn. He joined the Marine Corps in November of 1939. By 1940 he was in Bremerton, Washington and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 2. They were stationed 10 miles from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii by 1941. Leonard completed gunnery school. He also grew up learning much about mechanics and pursued that skill set on the island. Leonard was at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941, and provides vivid details of his experiences through that fateful event. In March of 1942 he joined Marine Aircraft Group 25. They initially operated from New Caledonia, flying missions in support of the Marines at Guadalcanal in September of 1942. In March of 1943 he took a job in the US delivering planes to factories, and sharing design changes with engineers for optimal flight performance. He was discharged in November of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Eugene Leonard. Leonard grew up during the Great Depression and shares details of his family’s experiences during that economic downturn. He joined the Marine Corps in November of 1939. By 1940 he was in Bremerton, Washington and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 2. They were stationed 10 miles from Pearl Harbor in Hawaii by 1941. Leonard completed gunnery school. He also grew up learning much about mechanics and pursued that skill set on the island. Leonard was at Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941, and provides vivid details of his experiences through that fateful event. In March of 1942 he joined Marine Aircraft Group 25. They initially operated from New Caledonia, flying missions in support of the Marines at Guadalcanal in September of 1942. In March of 1943 he took a job in the US delivering planes to factories, and sharing design changes with engineers for optimal flight performance. He was discharged in November of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Evelyn Gordon. Gordon joined the Navy in 1943. She served as Yeoman Second Class in the United States Naval Reserve, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). She trained at Hunter College in The Bronx, New York. From there she was shipped to Port Hueneme, California. Their job was to put the Naval base into commission where they trained and shipped out construction battalions, the Seabees. She provides some details of her working and living accommodations in Quonset City and shares some anecdotes. Gordon served at this location until 1945 and was discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Evelyn Gordon. Gordon joined the Navy in 1943. She served as Yeoman Second Class in the United States Naval Reserve, Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). She trained at Hunter College in The Bronx, New York. From there she was shipped to Port Hueneme, California. Their job was to put the Naval base into commission where they trained and shipped out construction battalions, the Seabees. She provides some details of her working and living accommodations in Quonset City and shares some anecdotes. Gordon served at this location until 1945 and was discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Garland Swann. Swann joined the Marine Corps in June of 1940. He trained to serve as an aviation mechanic. In January of 1941 he was stationed in Hawaii, working as an airplane mechanic and helping to build the Marine Corps Air Station at Ewa. He recalls the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From Pearl, he was shipped to Midway Island for 13 months. Around 1943, Swann was transferred to Majuro, and moved throughout the Pacific. He was discharged in early 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Garland Swann. Swann joined the Marine Corps in June of 1940. He trained to serve as an aviation mechanic. In January of 1941 he was stationed in Hawaii, working as an airplane mechanic and helping to build the Marine Corps Air Station at Ewa. He recalls the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. From Pearl, he was shipped to Midway Island for 13 months. Around 1943, Swann was transferred to Majuro, and moved throughout the Pacific. He was discharged in early 1946.