Oral History Interview with Al D'Agostino, April 19, 2012 transcript

Oral History Interview with Al D'Agostino, April 19, 2012

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Al D’Agostino. D’Agostino joined the Merchant Marine in 1945 and received training in Brooklyn. Upon completion, he was assigned to the SS Monterey where he worked as a butcher. His first trip to the Pacific was transporting European troops, who were unhappy about the looming invasion of Japan. The war ended while the Monterey was in transit, and the soldiers returning home were a much happier bunch. Even more joyful was the reunion of families when the Monterey picked up war brides and their babies from all over the Pacific and brought them back to the States. He transferred to a Liberty ship that brought German war criminals back to the States from South America, although he believes that the majority of the passengers were actually concentration camp survivors. D’Agostino was discharged but was drafted again during the Korean War and served as a radio relay operator atop a mountain in dangerous and harsh winter conditions. When he was discharged a second time, he applied his kitchen experience and attended Cornell’s hotel school. D’Agostino became the director of food service for Trans World Airlines. Before retiring, he moved …
Date: April 19, 2012
Creator: D'Agostino, Al
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Al D'Agostino, April 19, 2012 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Al D'Agostino, April 19, 2012

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Al D’Agostino. D’Agostino joined the Merchant Marine in 1945 and received training in Brooklyn. Upon completion, he was assigned to the SS Monterey where he worked as a butcher. His first trip to the Pacific was transporting European troops, who were unhappy about the looming invasion of Japan. The war ended while the Monterey was in transit, and the soldiers returning home were a much happier bunch. Even more joyful was the reunion of families when the Monterey picked up war brides and their babies from all over the Pacific and brought them back to the States. He transferred to a Liberty ship that brought German war criminals back to the States from South America, although he believes that the majority of the passengers were actually concentration camp survivors. D’Agostino was discharged but was drafted again during the Korean War and served as a radio relay operator atop a mountain in dangerous and harsh winter conditions. When he was discharged a second time, he applied his kitchen experience and attended Cornell’s hotel school. D’Agostino became the director of food service for Trans World Airlines. Before retiring, he moved …
Date: April 19, 2012
Creator: D'Agostino, Al
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Farris Campbell to I. H. Kempner, March 15, 1944] (open access)

[Letter from Farris Campbell to I. H. Kempner, March 15, 1944]

Letter from Farris Campbell to I. H. Kempner discussing travel assistance the bank is providing for Ceclie Kempner's upcoming trip to South America.
Date: March 15, 1944
Creator: The National City Bank of New York
Object Type: Letter
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from The Automobile Club of America to Daniel W. Kempner, December 20, 1950] (open access)

[Letter from The Automobile Club of America to Daniel W. Kempner, December 20, 1950]

Letter from the Automobile Club of America to Daniel W. Kempner discussing Mr. Kempner's membership dues and informing him of updates to the club's services including the introduction of an international driver's license.
Date: December 20, 1950
Creator: The Automobile Club of America
Object Type: Letter
System: The Portal to Texas History
[Letter from Isaac to Mr. Campbell/Mr. Austin, March 13, 1944] (open access)

[Letter from Isaac to Mr. Campbell/Mr. Austin, March 13, 1944]

Letter to Farris Campbell or A.W. Austin requesting letters of introduction for his daughter when she arrives.
Date: March 13, 1944
Creator: Kempner, Isaac H. (Isaac Herbert), 1873-1967
Object Type: Letter
System: The Portal to Texas History