Interview with Buck Gibson of Waco, Texas, a veteran from the United States Navy during World War Two. The interview includes some of Strauss' background before and after the war as well as his personal experiences while in the Navy, including memories of his training, life in the Navy, the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, and what happened after he was rescued.

Interview with Buck Gibson of Waco, Texas, a veteran from the United States Navy during World War Two. The interview includes some of Mr. Gibson's background before and after the war as well as his personal experiences while in the Navy, including memories of his training, life in the Navy, the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, and what happened after he was rescued.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ken McCloud. McCloud, known as Tex by the 339th Fighter Squadron, recounts a dogfight that occurred over Rabaul in which he encountered over a dozen Zeros. He shot down one plane before being hit, causing his right engine to catch fire. He landed in the water and deployed his life raft. He was pursued by sharks and fought an albatross to the death. Using a piece of driftwood and his parachute, he fashioned a sail and rode out a storm. McCloud survived by drinking rainwater and eating albatross jerky until he was rescued several days later by a B-24.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Hubenthal. Hubenthal joined the Navy in November of 1942. He provides details of his flight training and the various planes he flew. He graduated in 1944. They traveled to Hawaii and Ulithi, where he was assigned to fly fighters off the USS Essex (CV-9). Hubenthal participated in both the Okinawa and Japan campaigns. He shares vivid details of his experiences through these battles. He was discharged in September of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert W. Conner. Conner was born in Pennsylvania on 8 September 1914. He attended Duke University prior to joining the 93rd Construction Battalion in 1941. Initial training began in Williamsburg, Virginia, after which the unit moved to California where they were trained in the use of arms. The unit was then transported to Green Island where they built two airstrips and support buildings. He tells of his admiration for the New Zealand people who were also stationed on the island. Following the surrender of Japan Conner’s unit returned to the United States and he discusses the joyous reception upon their arrival in Portland, Oregon.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Charles Juliussen. Juliussen joined the Navy Seabees in March of 1943. He completed boot camp, gunnery school and additional Seabees training at Port Hueneme in California. Juliussen served with the 33rd Naval Construction Battalion. They traveled by freighter to the Russell Islands and had a Shellback initiation when they crossed the equator. They helped load an LST, and invaded the Green Islands, where they were attacked by Japanese Zeros. Their job was to build airstrips on the island, where Juliussen worked in the heavy equipment shop and in the crane and shovel repair group. From there they traveled to Hollandia, the Solomon Islands and Tacloban in the Philippines. They completed 4 airstrips and 1 Navy base. He provides vivid details of his work, the camaraderie with fellow servicemen and attacks made by the Japanese. He was discharged shortly after the war ended.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Art Rankin. Rankin was born in 1924 and joined the Navy after he graduated high school, around 1942. He completed boot camp at Camp Perry in Ohio. In the fall of 1943 he traveled to Noumea, New Caledonia and Russell Islands, off Guadalcanal. Rankin continued on to Green Islands where he was assigned to sanitation details and mess cook duty. He traveled on to Leyte Gulf, Samar and Guiuan in the Philippines. His unit built an airstrip and a sawmill. Rankin had numerous encounters with the Japanese, and saw active combat in the Solomon Islands, the Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea and the Philippines. He shares many anecdotes of his time in the service and interaction with natives on the various islands he visited. He was discharged in late 1945 as a carpenter’s mate, third class.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Harold Collins. Collins was born in Driftwood, Pennsylvania on 24 September 1920. In 1943 he joined the United States Navy and was sent to Camp Peary for eight weeks of boot training. He then went to Camp Parks, California where he was assigned to Company A, 93rd Construction Battalion. In October 1943 the unit boarded the USAT Perida, arriving at Noumea, New Caledonia on 1 November 1943. Just as the ship anchored in the harbor, Collins witnessed an ammunition ship explode at the docks. The accident resulted in many deaths. The battalion went to Banika Island where they built a hospital. They then went to Green Island Atoll where they built two air strips and a hospital. In January 1945, the battalion boarded the USS Cape Johnson (AP-172) and sailed to Samar, Philippines. He describes being under attack by Japanese aircraft. While on Samar, Collins’ unit constructed airstrips and warehouses. During October 1945, Collins returned to the United States and was assigned to the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He had developed a serious ear infection while overseas and was sent to a naval hospital. After receiving treatment for two …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mike C. Dillingham. Dillingham was born in Commerce, Texas 18 February 1912. Upon graduating from Texas A&M University in 1935, he was commissioned a lieutenant in the Coast Artillery reserves. Called for active duty 19 April 1941 he reported to the 69th Coast Artillery (anti-aircraft) at Camp Hulen, Texas where he was assigned to Search Light Battery A. In November 1941 the battery went to Midland, Texas to practice using aircraft sound detection and search light equipment. Radar was not available and aircraft detection was made with large horn acoustic receiving devices. On 9 December 1941 the unit moved to San Diego to defend the aircraft production plant. In 1942, Dillingham was sent to Camp Davis, North Carolina to search light school. Upon completing the training he was sent to Fort Bliss, Texas to help establish the 233rd Search Light Battalion (anti- aircraft). In 1943 the battalion was provided with a radar (SCR268) receiving set and went to Fiji in September. In 1944, Dillingham was sent to New Caledonia as executive officer of the 518th Gun Battalion. The battalion arrived at Lingayen Gulf two days after the initial …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Martin Harris. Harris was born in Japan in 1923. He moved to the US to attend college. The war broke out and he joined the Navy. He completed Navy Language School. In April of 1944 he was transferred to the Joint Intelligence Center of Pacific Ocean Area (JICPOA) under the direction of CINCPAC. He worked as a translator of documents. In May of 1944, he was selected for the Naval Civil Affairs Unit and deployed to Saipan. He shares his experience living and working on the island. He returned to Hawaii in May of 1945, and was assigned to the Interrogation Department at Pearl Harbor. After the war ended, and Harris was discharged, he remained in the reserves.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Sloup. Sloup joined the Army in 1943. He served with the 7th Infantry Division and participated in the invasions of Leyte and Okinawa. After the war ended, Sloup was shipped to Korea. In January of 1946, he returned to the US and was discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with James “Jim” White. White was born in Cosby, Tennessee on 6 April 1920. He tells of conditions encountered while growing up during the Depression. Entering the U.S. Army in 1942 he was assigned to the 90th Infantry Division, Company A, 358th Regiment and trained as a rifleman at Camp Barkley, Texas. The division was sent to England in preparation for Operation Overlord. White landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day +1 and comments on the high casualty rate, the procedures in clearing a town of German soldiers and of being wounded by a land mine. Mrs. Betty White tells of receiving the message that her husband was wounded and of her concern. White was awarded a Bronze Star, a Silver Star and a Purple Heart while in the Army.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Gerald Peterson. Peterson was born in Indianapolis in 1917. He grew up during the Great Depression and shares memories of how his family managed. He graduated from Arsenal Technical School in 1935. Peterson graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan in 1939 with a degree in industrial engineering and management. He was hired by the Boeing Company, and completed structural designs for the tail section of the B-17. He also assisted in the design and build of the B-29. In 1940, Peterson was required to register for possible draft, though after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, his engineering job was frozen and he remained in his position for the duration of the war. Peterson remained with Boeing until June of 1949.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Wright. Wright was born on a ranch in Nebraska in 1921. He participated in the Civilian Pilot Training program while attending the University of Missouri and quit school to join the Navy on 1 June 1941. He was undergoing flight training at Pensacola when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Soon thereafter, he had his final check flight with Joe Foss, who was awarded the Medal of Honor. Upon graduation, Wright became a flight instructor at Pensacola. After a period of time he received orders to undergo B-24 flight training. He was eventually relieved of B-24 duties and was assigned as a carrier pilot and trained in using rockets. He was involved in combat at Guadalcanal and Peleliu. He recalls three instances where his plane was damaged and explains the procedure for disposing of severely damaged aircraft. He describes the effect of extremely high angle dives on both the crew and the plane. Wright describes an on board landing accident in which he was injured resulting in hospitalization at Noumea, New Caledonia. He spent eight months recovering from the injury. He also tells of sinking three Japanese ships …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ernest Higgins. Higgins joined the Army in August of 1940. He was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Infantry Regiment. He participated in the battles of Attu, Kwajalein, Leyte and Okinawa. His job was to ensure that supplies were delivered on the beach within an hour of the beach landings. Higgins continued his service in the military, retiring in 1973 with rank of lieutenant colonel.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George De Laughter. De Laughter joined the Army in 1942. He was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Regiment. He worked as a supply officer. He participated in the battles of Attu, Kwajalein, Leyte and Okinawa. He was discharged in March of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Thomas Whitehair. Whitehair joined the Navy in March of 1945. He served as a Storekeeper and deck hand aboard a Landing Ship Medium, traveling to Johnston Island, Midway and Kwajalein. They decommissioned the ship Manus Island and then stationed Whitehair on Guam. He completed duty at Pearl Harbor. He was sent back to the US and discharged in 1948. Whitehair re-enlisted in the Navy and retired in August of 1966.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Kenneth W. Prescott. Prescott was born 9 August 1920 in Jackson, Michigan. Upon graduating from midshipman’s school at Northwestern University in December 1942, Prescott volunteered to serve with a PT boat squadron. He was sent to Melville, Rhode Island for training. When complete, went to Tulagi and was assigned as executive officer aboard PT Boat 61. Commenting on the construction of a PT boat he also discusses the armament and number of crewmen and the responsibilities of each. He reminisces about his friendship with John F. Kennedy and comments on several experiences he had with him. Recalling the PT boat tender, USS Jamestown (APG-3), he tells of the services it provided to the PT squadrons in the area. Prescott was later made executive officer of the Jamestown.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Wolfe. Wolfe joined the Army in 1939. He was assigned to the 7th Infantry Division, 32nd Regiment. He served as a commanding officer and participated in the battles of Attu, Kwajalein, Leyte and Okinawa.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Thomas Johnson. Johnson was born in Dallas, Texas 9 April 1918. He was attending Washington University in St. Louis when he was drafted into the US Army. After serving for nine months he received a hardship discharge. Soon after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, he joined the Navy. Johnson tells of the pilot training he received at Murray, Kentucky prior to washing out of the program. He then went to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station for electrician’s school. In January 1944 he went by troop ship to the naval base at Ulithi. There, he was assigned to the USS Raby (DE-698) as a radioman. When at general quarters, Johnson was on the bridge with the ship’s captain as the captain’s talker. After the surrender of Japan the ship returned to San Pedro, California and Johnson was discharged December 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Fred Earl Smith. Smith was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on 20 April 1923. Joining the Navy soon after graduation in 1941, he completed boot training at San Diego. Upon graduating from fire control school, he reported aboard the USS Tennessee (BB-43) at Pearl Harbor. He experienced the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and retrieved bodies in the aftermath. He was assigned to the USS Hornet (CV-8). After the Hornet sank, Smith was transferred to the USS Saratoga (CV-3) in June 1943. The Saratoga returned to the United States for repairs after being damaged by Japanese torpedoes and Smith received orders to report aboard the USS Hancock (CV-19). In November 1944, the Hancock was hit by a kamikaze and Smith was wounded. After being hospitalized in Hawaii for a short period of time, he was sent to the Naval Hospital at Norman, Oklahoma. He also shares various experiences he had following World War II. Smith retired in 1968 after twenty-seven years of active service.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Buck Gibson. Gibson enlisted in the Navy and once he finished boot camp, he was assigned to the USS Indianapolis where he was a loader on a 20mm gun. He first sailed for the Aleutian Islands, then to Tarawa for the invasion. When the island was secure, he went ashore with Admiral Raymond Spruance. He desribes the kamekazi attack on Indianapolis during the Okinawa campaign, then the torpedo attack after leaving Tinian. He spent five days in the water before being rescued, then some time in the hospital after the war.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edgar Damour. Damour joined the Navy in September of 1939. His first assignment was aboard USS Chester (CA-27) traveling with the British in the Caribbean and the Atlantic. He volunteered for submarine service. Damour served as Radioman aboard USS S-35. From early 1942 through late 1943, they completed war patrols in the defense of the Aleutian Islands. Damour was then assigned to USS Pargo (SS-264). Their base was located at Pearl Harbor, and they completed war patrols to the Philippines and the Sea of Japan. He was discharged in October of 1945, though re-entered and served until his retirement in 1959.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with L C Eaton. Eaton joined the Navy in 1937 and received basic training in Norfolk, Virginia. He was sent to San Diego, California, for hospital corps training. Upon completion, he was assigned to the USS Savannah (CL-42) and transferred to the USS Boise (CL-47) to complete his first enlistment. He re-enlisted in the Navy to avoid the Army draft and was assigned to the USS Republic (AP-33). On 6 December 1941 the Republic moved from Pearl Harbor to the Aloha Dock in Honolulu. The Republic left immediately after the attack and wandered aimlessly until receiving orders in Fiji to unload in Australia. He was assigned to the Normandy invasion on the USS Burnett County (USS LST-512), which sank en route. Eaton was reassigned to the USS Emmons (DMS-22) and sent to Ulithi Atoll. He gives a detailed account of a five-plane kamikaze attack at Ie Shima in which he was severely wounded. He eventually had both legs amputated as a result of his injuries. Before being fitted with prosthetics at Mare Island, he describes the challenge of navigating public places in a wheelchair. He was discharged as a …