The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Frank Ryan. Ryan joined the Navy in June 1944 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the SS Santa Monica, a Merchant Marine ship, as part of the gunnery crew. His ship brought troops and supplies to the Caroline Islands, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Okinawa. Until a close encounter with kamikazes at Okinawa, Ryan’s service was uneventful. He recalls seeing beautiful tropical fish in the clear waters near Saipan. His ship often transported recovering soldiers and their medical attendants back to the Santa Monica’s home base on Treasure Island. At the end of the war, Ryan was sent to Guam, where he stood watch on an abandoned Marine base, on the lookout for any surviving Japanese soldiers. While there he saw large pieces of equipment such as bulldozers retired and dumped into the ocean. Ryan returned home and was discharged in February 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Frank Ryan. Ryan joined the Navy in June 1944 and received basic training in San Diego. Upon completion, he was assigned to the SS Santa Monica, a Merchant Marine ship, as part of the gunnery crew. His ship brought troops and supplies to the Caroline Islands, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, and Okinawa. Until a close encounter with kamikazes at Okinawa, Ryan’s service was uneventful. He recalls seeing beautiful tropical fish in the clear waters near Saipan. His ship often transported recovering soldiers and their medical attendants back to the Santa Monica’s home base on Treasure Island. At the end of the war, Ryan was sent to Guam, where he stood watch on an abandoned Marine base, on the lookout for any surviving Japanese soldiers. While there he saw large pieces of equipment such as bulldozers retired and dumped into the ocean. Ryan returned home and was discharged in February 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Karl Everitt. Everitt joined the Navy in June of 1942. He served aboard the USS Electra (AKA-4), and worked on a salvage boat. They participated in the invasion landings on North Africa. He was transferred to shore in England, and assigned to the USS LST-48. Everitt participated in the Normandy landings. He was then assigned to join the 3rd Army, and participated with them through the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to the US in the spring of 1945, and was discharged in November.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Karl Everitt. Everitt joined the Navy in June of 1942. He served aboard the USS Electra (AKA-4), and worked on a salvage boat. They participated in the invasion landings on North Africa. He was transferred to shore in England, and assigned to the USS LST-48. Everitt participated in the Normandy landings. He was then assigned to join the 3rd Army, and participated with them through the Battle of the Bulge. He returned to the US in the spring of 1945, and was discharged in November.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Reas. Reas grew up in Indiana and Ohio and enlisted in the Navy in 1938. After training, he boarded the USS Houston (CA-30) at Charleston, South Carolina. He was assigned to the aviation unit. On February 28, 1942, he survived the bombing and sinking of the ship. He and other survivors in life rafts were picked up by the Japanese the next day and taken to Java as a prisoner of war. He was taken to a ship and then back to an island, where he met survivors of the Australian ship HMAS Perth (D29). They were moved from Serang to Batavia. He was told to record the POW's occupations and those idenitified as skilled were sent to Japan. Inspired by this, he kept a detailed and complete list of the survivors that he kept hidden. From Java, the survivors are put on a cargo ship to Singapore. Then they went to Pynang by train. He then boarded another ship to Burma. Allied forces bombed a ship next to Reas. He describes living in bamboo huts while building the railroad. During one of the routine abuses in …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Reas. Reas grew up in Indiana and Ohio and enlisted in the Navy in 1938. After training, he boarded the USS Houston (CA-30) at Charleston, South Carolina. He was assigned to the aviation unit. On February 28, 1942, he survived the bombing and sinking of the ship. He and other survivors in life rafts were picked up by the Japanese the next day and taken to Java as a prisoner of war. He was taken to a ship and then back to an island, where he met survivors of the Australian ship HMAS Perth (D29). They were moved from Serang to Batavia. He was told to record the POW's occupations and those idenitified as skilled were sent to Japan. Inspired by this, he kept a detailed and complete list of the survivors that he kept hidden. From Java, the survivors are put on a cargo ship to Singapore. Then they went to Pynang by train. He then boarded another ship to Burma. Allied forces bombed a ship next to Reas. He describes living in bamboo huts while building the railroad. During one of the routine abuses in …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Melvin Dusek. Dusek left college to join the Army in May 1943 and received basic training at Camp Maxey. He then received nine months of engineering training, specializing in rebuilding war-torn infrastructure. In September 1944 he was sent to the battlefield in Belgium with the 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division. He was hit by shrapnel from a German tank and was discovered 30 minutes later by German soldiers. He was taken to a German field hospital, but he was not given any pain medication for his wounds. That evening, after the German had tended to their own wounded, Dusek was given surgical treatment. He was transferred to Stalag IVB and was treated very well. Upon recovery, he was sent to Halle, where conditions were fair. An American air raid struck the camp on 1 April 1945, killing all but 10 of the 80 American prisoners. Dusek was liberated by the 8th Armored Division on 25 April and sent to McCloskey Veterans Hospital. He received a medical discharge in September 1945 and returned to college on the GI Bill.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Melvin Dusek. Dusek left college to join the Army in May 1943 and received basic training at Camp Maxey. He then received nine months of engineering training, specializing in rebuilding war-torn infrastructure. In September 1944 he was sent to the battlefield in Belgium with the 394th Infantry Regiment, 99th Infantry Division. He was hit by shrapnel from a German tank and was discovered 30 minutes later by German soldiers. He was taken to a German field hospital, but he was not given any pain medication for his wounds. That evening, after the German had tended to their own wounded, Dusek was given surgical treatment. He was transferred to Stalag IVB and was treated very well. Upon recovery, he was sent to Halle, where conditions were fair. An American air raid struck the camp on 1 April 1945, killing all but 10 of the 80 American prisoners. Dusek was liberated by the 8th Armored Division on 25 April and sent to McCloskey Veterans Hospital. He received a medical discharge in September 1945 and returned to college on the GI Bill.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill Meyers. Meyers entered the Naval ROTC program at the University of California in 1930. Beginning in 1932, he served two years as Quartermaster aboard the SS Monterey. He returned to college in 1934, received his commission through the NROTC in 1936, and graduated in 1937. In 1940 he served as the Gunnery Officer and Assistant Navigator aboard the USS Aldebaran (AF-10). They transported cargo between the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islands. In 1943 and 1944, Meyers served as Commanding Officer aboard the USS Newman (DE-205), operating in the Atlantic, escorting troop transports to England. He then served aboard USS Ringness (APD-100), transporting landing craft and troops to Guadalcanal and Okinawa. They returned to the US in early 1946 to decommission the ship. Meyers continued his service after the war.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill Meyers. Meyers entered the Naval ROTC program at the University of California in 1930. Beginning in 1932, he served two years as Quartermaster aboard the SS Monterey. He returned to college in 1934, received his commission through the NROTC in 1936, and graduated in 1937. In 1940 he served as the Gunnery Officer and Assistant Navigator aboard the USS Aldebaran (AF-10). They transported cargo between the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islands. In 1943 and 1944, Meyers served as Commanding Officer aboard the USS Newman (DE-205), operating in the Atlantic, escorting troop transports to England. He then served aboard USS Ringness (APD-100), transporting landing craft and troops to Guadalcanal and Okinawa. They returned to the US in early 1946 to decommission the ship. Meyers continued his service after the war.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka. Ohtsuka begins by describing growing up in Japan in the 1930s. Then he describes military training in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He volunteered for service in the Navy in March, 1945. Ohtsuka recalls his military training school being bombed by the Americans. He also speaks about his impressions of the atomic bombs being dropped on Japan. Ohtsuka emigrated to the UNited States in 1967 to study English at the University of Texas.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka. Ohtsuka describes growing up in wartime Japan. He discusses seeing bombing raids and the resulting damage. Ohtsuka also describes the military training he received in school. He joined the Imperial Japanese Navy in March 1945. Ohtsuka details his training in the Navy and how a nearby unit training for suicide boat operations was completely wiped out in a bombing raid. He briefly mentions his thoughts on the atomic bomb and his post-war life.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bunichi Ohtsuka. Ohtsuka begins by describing growing up in Japan in the 1930s. Then he describes military training in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He volunteered for service in the Navy in March, 1945. Ohtsuka recalls his military training school being bombed by the Americans. He also speaks about his impressions of the atomic bombs being dropped on Japan. Ohtsuka emigrated to the UNited States in 1967 to study English at the University of Texas.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Larry Pierce. Pierce graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1938 and began his career as a gunnery officer aboard USS Chester (CA-27). In 1940 he boarded USS Buck (DD-420) as assistant engineer, commissary officer, assistant gunnery officer, electrical officer, and a member of the examination board. In 1941 he enrolled in flight school, specializing in low-altitude scouting missions. In the Pacific War, Pierce flew SOCs, OC2Us, and SOC3s, which he criticized for its numerous design flaws. Serving aboard USS Honolulu (CL-48), he describes the perils of flying in the Aleutian Islands with poor visibility, finite fuel, radio silence, and limited navigation instruments. Later, from his primitive base in Tulagi, he reported to Brigadier General Woods and flew daily missions from Guadalcanal to the Russell Islands and Malaita. One of his pilots, George Polk, crash-landed amongst natives and later became a journalist for CBS. Upon returning to the States, Pierce was promoted to squadron commander. While based in Seattle he discovered and destroyed a Japanese hot air balloon. Pierce went on to teach aviation and retired as a captain in 1961.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Larry Pierce. Pierce graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1938 and began his career as a gunnery officer aboard USS Chester (CA-27). In 1940 he boarded USS Buck (DD-420) as assistant engineer, commissary officer, assistant gunnery officer, electrical officer, and a member of the examination board. In 1941 he enrolled in flight school, specializing in low-altitude scouting missions. In the Pacific War, Pierce flew SOCs, OC2Us, and SOC3s, which he criticized for its numerous design flaws. Serving aboard USS Honolulu (CL-48), he describes the perils of flying in the Aleutian Islands with poor visibility, finite fuel, radio silence, and limited navigation instruments. Later, from his primitive base in Tulagi, he reported to Brigadier General Woods and flew daily missions from Guadalcanal to the Russell Islands and Malaita. One of his pilots, George Polk, crash-landed amongst natives and later became a journalist for CBS. Upon returning to the States, Pierce was promoted to squadron commander. While based in Seattle he discovered and destroyed a Japanese hot air balloon. Pierce went on to teach aviation and retired as a captain in 1961.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Warren Elder. Elder joined the Army Air Forces in February of 1941. In March, he deployed to the Philippines, and was stationed at Clark Field. After the attack on the Philippines, Elder served as a gunner in defending Bataan and Corregidor, surrendering to the Japanese in May of 1942. He was captured and held a prisoner of war at Bilibid Prison and Cabanatuan Camp, until liberated in early 1945. He returned to the US, and continued his service until retirement in 1961.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Warren Elder. Elder joined the Army Air Forces in February of 1941. In March, he deployed to the Philippines, and was stationed at Clark Field. After the attack on the Philippines, Elder served as a gunner in defending Bataan and Corregidor, surrendering to the Japanese in May of 1942. He was captured and held a prisoner of war at Bilibid Prison and Cabanatuan Camp, until liberated in early 1945. He returned to the US, and continued his service until retirement in 1961.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Willis Gathright. Gathright was born on 3 December 1924 and graduated from high school in 1942. Upon being drafted in June 1943 he went to eight weeks of boot training at the US Naval Training Station in San Diego. This was followed by twelve weeks of sonar training at the West Coast Sound School at Point Loma, California. He describes how a sonar unit works. After graduating from the sonar school and receiving gunnery training at in Algiers, Louisiana, Gathright was assigned to Patrol Craft Escort 849. On 18 June 1944, the ship arrived at Brisbane, Australia where Army radio equipment was placed on board manned by a crew of ten Army soldiers. Gathright recalls the ship being part of the fleet during the invasion of Leyte acting as the radio relay between the USS Blue Ridge (AGC-2) and General McArthur’s headquarters in Australia. After participating in the invasion of Lingayen Gulf at Luzon, the ship remained in Manila until February 1945 when they were ordered to Morotai, where they joined the Australian Fleet for the invasion of Tarakan, Borneo on 1 May 1945. Gathright describes the ship …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Willis Gathright. Gathright was born on 3 December 1924 and graduated from high school in 1942. Upon being drafted in June 1943 he went to eight weeks of boot training at the US Naval Training Station in San Diego. This was followed by twelve weeks of sonar training at the West Coast Sound School at Point Loma, California. He describes how a sonar unit works. After graduating from the sonar school and receiving gunnery training at in Algiers, Louisiana, Gathright was assigned to Patrol Craft Escort 849. On 18 June 1944, the ship arrived at Brisbane, Australia where Army radio equipment was placed on board manned by a crew of ten Army soldiers. Gathright recalls the ship being part of the fleet during the invasion of Leyte acting as the radio relay between the USS Blue Ridge (AGC-2) and General McArthur’s headquarters in Australia. After participating in the invasion of Lingayen Gulf at Luzon, the ship remained in Manila until February 1945 when they were ordered to Morotai, where they joined the Australian Fleet for the invasion of Tarakan, Borneo on 1 May 1945. Gathright describes the ship …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frank Malinosky. Malinosky completed the Navy Aviation Cadet Training Program, and received his wings in November of 1939. He was assigned to the USS Chenango (CVE-28), and served as a Landing Signal Officer. They deployed to North Africa in October of 1942. In early 1943, they traveled to New Caledonia. Malinosky completed missions over Guadalcanal and Tarawa, providing close support to Marines ashore. He returned home in May of 1944 to a Carrier Qualification Training Unit in Glenview, Illinois, serving as an Operations Officer. Malinosky continued his service after the war, and retired in 1963.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frank Malinosky. Malinosky completed the Navy Aviation Cadet Training Program, and received his wings in November of 1939. He was assigned to the USS Chenango (CVE-28), and served as a Landing Signal Officer. They deployed to North Africa in October of 1942. In early 1943, they traveled to New Caledonia. Malinosky completed missions over Guadalcanal and Tarawa, providing close support to Marines ashore. He returned home in May of 1944 to a Carrier Qualification Training Unit in Glenview, Illinois, serving as an Operations Officer. Malinosky continued his service after the war, and retired in 1963.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Lyle Tennis. Tennis joined the Naval Reserve while attending college. He graduated in March of 1944, and then completed Officer Training School at Plattsburg, New York in June of 1944. Tennis served in the Navy aboard the USS LSM(R)-190. He provides detail of his travels through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific. He and his crew participated in the invasion of Okinawa, and Tennis describes his experiences, including launching 480 5-inch rockets against Japanese shore defenses. He was aboard the ship when it was hit and sunk by a Japanese kamikaze. He provides details of this event, for which he received the Navy Cross. He continued to serve in the Reserves until 1970 when he retired as a commander.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mal Garcia. Garcia joined the Navy in 1941 and received basic training in San Diego. He was assigned to USS Argonne (AG-31) where he served as a radioman striker. During the attack on Pearl Harbor he assumed duty as coxswain of a whaleboat, transporting injured survivors to the dock. He also helped to rescue men trapped inside USS Oklahoma (BB-37). Garcia gives details of radio communication protocol, including codes and frequencies that were used. He was assigned to the radio station at Honolulu Bay when he received a battery of contact reports, which turned out to be the beginning of the Battle of Midway. He was then reassigned to USS Constant (AM-86) and conducted shore patrol in the Solomon Islands, the Russell Islands, and New Hebrides. The Constant also escorted 12 LCTs loaded with Marines to Bougainville. After a Japanese bomber damaged a radio tower on the Treasury Islands, Garcia sent the shore station’s messages out from his ship. At Kula Gulf the Constant had a close encounter with three Japanese destroyers. While escorting a ship to New Zealand, Garcia briefly communicated with a Japanese radioman masquerading as …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mal Garcia. Garcia joined the Navy in 1941 and received basic training in San Diego. He was assigned to USS Argonne (AG-31) where he served as a radioman striker. During the attack on Pearl Harbor he assumed duty as coxswain of a whaleboat, transporting injured survivors to the dock. He also helped to rescue men trapped inside USS Oklahoma (BB-37). Garcia gives details of radio communication protocol, including codes and frequencies that were used. He was assigned to the radio station at Honolulu Bay when he received a battery of contact reports, which turned out to be the beginning of the Battle of Midway. He was then reassigned to USS Constant (AM-86) and conducted shore patrol in the Solomon Islands, the Russell Islands, and New Hebrides. The Constant also escorted 12 LCTs loaded with Marines to Bougainville. After a Japanese bomber damaged a radio tower on the Treasury Islands, Garcia sent the shore station’s messages out from his ship. At Kula Gulf the Constant had a close encounter with three Japanese destroyers. While escorting a ship to New Zealand, Garcia briefly communicated with a Japanese radioman masquerading as …