The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alva B. Sampson. Sampson was born in May 1926 in Columbus, Ohio. He entered the Army in September 1944 and took basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Upon completion, he went aboard RMS Queen Mary, disembarking at Glasgow, Scotland. Sampson tells of being assigned to the 4th Armored Division, 37th Tank Battalion even though he had no experience in tanks. He was assigned as a replacement in a light tank. He describes what he saw as his unit liberated several concentration camps. He recalls being in Czechoslovakia when an estimated 20,000 Germans surrendered to his unit rather than the Russians. Three tanks were assigned to guard the prisoners. Sampson remembers the captives were turned over to the Russian Army as they were ordered to do. After the surrender of Germany, he was assigned to a military police unit in Lorch, Germany, until he returned to the United States.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Alva B. Sampson. Sampson was born in May 1926 in Columbus, Ohio. He entered the Army in September 1944 and took basic training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. Upon completion, he went aboard RMS Queen Mary, disembarking at Glasgow, Scotland. Sampson tells of being assigned to the 4th Armored Division, 37th Tank Battalion even though he had no experience in tanks. He was assigned as a replacement in a light tank. He describes what he saw as his unit liberated several concentration camps. He recalls being in Czechoslovakia when an estimated 20,000 Germans surrendered to his unit rather than the Russians. Three tanks were assigned to guard the prisoners. Sampson remembers the captives were turned over to the Russian Army as they were ordered to do. After the surrender of Germany, he was assigned to a military police unit in Lorch, Germany, until he returned to the United States.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Benjamin Muller. Muller was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1924. Upon joining the Army Air Corps in 1942, he was sent to radio school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was then sent to Savannah, Georgia where he trained for one year as a member of the 92nd Airdrome Squadron. He then went to Pittsburg, California where he boarded the USAT Klipfontein bound for Lae, New Guinea. He then went to Nadzab, where he joined the 34th Bomb Group, 300th Bomb Squadron as the radio operator/gunner on a B-25. He tells of the various locations they were based and describes some of the thirty-seven missions he flew. He recalls a bombing mission over Indochina where flak from Japanese antiaircraft created a fire aboard his plane resulting in a crash landing in the sea. The pilot did not survive the crash and the co-pilot disappeared in the water wearing his life vest. Muller had been burned, the navigator had a back injury and the engineer was severely burned. On 3 April 1945, they were picked up by a Japanese patrol boat and taken to Samah, Hainan Island, China where …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Benjamin Muller. Muller was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1924. Upon joining the Army Air Corps in 1942, he was sent to radio school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was then sent to Savannah, Georgia where he trained for one year as a member of the 92nd Airdrome Squadron. He then went to Pittsburg, California where he boarded the USAT Klipfontein bound for Lae, New Guinea. He then went to Nadzab, where he joined the 34th Bomb Group, 300th Bomb Squadron as the radio operator/gunner on a B-25. He tells of the various locations they were based and describes some of the thirty-seven missions he flew. He recalls a bombing mission over Indochina where flak from Japanese antiaircraft created a fire aboard his plane resulting in a crash landing in the sea. The pilot did not survive the crash and the co-pilot disappeared in the water wearing his life vest. Muller had been burned, the navigator had a back injury and the engineer was severely burned. On 3 April 1945, they were picked up by a Japanese patrol boat and taken to Samah, Hainan Island, China where …

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.

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 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.

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.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Dahlstrom. Dahlstrom was born in Austin, Texas on 10 February 1926 and graduated from high school in 1943. Soon after, he joined the Navy and had boot training at San Diego. Upon completion of basic training he reported aboard the USS Mississippi (BB-41) and was assigned to a 5 inch deck gun crew. He was aboard ship bombarding Makin Island and saw the USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) sink. The following day an explosion occurred aboard the Mississippi, killing over thirty men. After repairs at Pearl Harbor they proceeded to Kwajalein to provide support for the invasion. Dahlstrom also saw action at Peleliu, Manus Island, Leyte Gulf and Surigao Straits. He also recalls the battle of the Lingayen Gulf during which the ship was hit by a kamikaze. After more repairs at Pearl Harbor they proceeded to Okinawa where they were continually harassed by kamikazes and Japanese Baca bombs. The Mississippi was again struck by a suicide plane and proceeded to Leyte Gulf where it was placed in dry-dock for repairs. Upon completion of the repairs the ship proceeded to Tokyo Bay and was present when Japan surrendered. …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Dahlstrom. Dahlstrom was born in Austin, Texas on 10 February 1926 and graduated from high school in 1943. Soon after, he joined the Navy and had boot training at San Diego. Upon completion of basic training he reported aboard the USS Mississippi (BB-41) and was assigned to a 5 inch deck gun crew. He was aboard ship bombarding Makin Island and saw the USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) sink. The following day an explosion occurred aboard the Mississippi, killing over thirty men. After repairs at Pearl Harbor they proceeded to Kwajalein to provide support for the invasion. Dahlstrom also saw action at Peleliu, Manus Island, Leyte Gulf and Surigao Straits. He also recalls the battle of the Lingayen Gulf during which the ship was hit by a kamikaze. After more repairs at Pearl Harbor they proceeded to Okinawa where they were continually harassed by kamikazes and Japanese Baca bombs. The Mississippi was again struck by a suicide plane and proceeded to Leyte Gulf where it was placed in dry-dock for repairs. Upon completion of the repairs the ship proceeded to Tokyo Bay and was present when Japan surrendered. …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Gojean. Grojean was born in Charleston, Missouri in 1923. From an early age he wanted to attend the United States Naval Academy. He was accepted after attending the Virginia Military Institute for a year. He discusses the differences between the teaching methods at VMI and the Naval Academy. He recalls the summer cruises aboard the USS Arkansas (BB-33) in 1943 and the USS New York (BB-34) in 1944. After graduation, he was on his way to San Francisco when the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. From Pearl Harbor, he was ordered to Uilithi. The ship to which he had been assigned had already departed for New York. In December 1945, Grojean was ordered aboard the USS Stevenson (DD-645), scheduled for decommissioning in South Carolina. He then reported aboard the USS Wiltsie (DD-716), which sailed for San Diego via the Panama Canal. He then attended a six month electronic school and upon graduating he flew to Japan. In 1947 he attended sonar school for four weeks and rejoined the ship at Bremerton. In early 1948 he had an accident, which put him in the Great Lakes Naval …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dwight A. Dahmes. Dahmes was born 18 July 1918 in Clements, Minnesota. In 1936 he attended Westmar College in Lemars, Iowa where he joined the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the Iowa National Guard (part of the 34th Infantry Division). On 1 February 1941 the unit went to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. Soon after, Dahmes was made sergeant of a weapons platoon and trained with various weapons. Upon completion of training the unit moved to New Orleans to perform guard duty at water purification plants and energy centers. On 1 February, the unit went to Fort Dix, New Jersey to await shipment overseas. The regiment went aboard the Duchess of Atholl and Dahmes describes the conditions aboard the overcrowded ship. They landed in Belfast and trained until June 1942, when they went to England and continued training. In December 1942 the unit boarded the Empress of Australia and landed in Oran, North Africa. He was involved in a number of battles and comments on the many casualties. In September 1943 the unit invaded Salerno and Dahmes recalls his admiration for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was assigned to his …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Dwight A. Dahmes. Dahmes was born 18 July 1918 in Clements, Minnesota. In 1936 he attended Westmar College in Lemars, Iowa where he joined the 133rd Infantry Regiment of the Iowa National Guard (part of the 34th Infantry Division). On 1 February 1941 the unit went to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. Soon after, Dahmes was made sergeant of a weapons platoon and trained with various weapons. Upon completion of training the unit moved to New Orleans to perform guard duty at water purification plants and energy centers. On 1 February, the unit went to Fort Dix, New Jersey to await shipment overseas. The regiment went aboard the Duchess of Atholl and Dahmes describes the conditions aboard the overcrowded ship. They landed in Belfast and trained until June 1942, when they went to England and continued training. In December 1942 the unit boarded the Empress of Australia and landed in Oran, North Africa. He was involved in a number of battles and comments on the many casualties. In September 1943 the unit invaded Salerno and Dahmes recalls his admiration for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was assigned to his …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edwin Lee. Lee graduated from the Naval Academy in 1934. He served two years aboard USS New Orleans (CA-32). He received his wings in November of 1937. In May of 1938, Lee was assigned as an aviator aboard USS Enterprise (CV-6). He conducted observation missions, searching for submarines. In June of 1940, he was ordered to the Navy post graduate school, completing a course in aeronautical engineering, graduating in June of 1943. He oversaw the commissioning of the escort carriers (CVEs) in Astoria, Oregon. In early 1944, Lee rejoined the Enterprise, and assisted in striking the Japanese naval base at Truk. He later served aboard USS Marcus Island (CVE-77), participating in the Okinawa Campaign. After the war ended, Lee continued his service at Annapolis, and retired in July of 1964.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Edwin Lee. Lee graduated from the Naval Academy in 1934. He served two years aboard USS New Orleans (CA-32). He received his wings in November of 1937. In May of 1938, Lee was assigned as an aviator aboard USS Enterprise (CV-6). He conducted observation missions, searching for submarines. In June of 1940, he was ordered to the Navy post graduate school, completing a course in aeronautical engineering, graduating in June of 1943. He oversaw the commissioning of the escort carriers (CVEs) in Astoria, Oregon. In early 1944, Lee rejoined the Enterprise, and assisted in striking the Japanese naval base at Truk. He later served aboard USS Marcus Island (CVE-77), participating in the Okinawa Campaign. After the war ended, Lee continued his service at Annapolis, and retired in July of 1964.

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 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 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 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 Gabriel Chapa. Chapa was born in Alice, Texas on 7 August 1925. Upon being drafted into the US Navy in 1944, he was sent to San Diego for boot training. Soon after finishing the training he was assigned to USS LCI-470. He participated in the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. He describes being in a typhoon and of the decision being made to beach the ship to prevent it from sinking during the storm. The ship returned to San Diego and Chapa was discharged in April 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gabriel Chapa. Chapa was born in Alice, Texas on 7 August 1925. Upon being drafted into the US Navy in 1944, he was sent to San Diego for boot training. Soon after finishing the training he was assigned to USS LCI-470. He participated in the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. He describes being in a typhoon and of the decision being made to beach the ship to prevent it from sinking during the storm. The ship returned to San Diego and Chapa was discharged in April 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George T. Chandler. Chandler was born in Wichita, Kansas on 1 February 1921. Attending Wichita State University, he joined the US Army Aviation Cadet Program November, 1941. He describes his training in various aircraft and graduation from fighter training. In July 1943 he reported to the 347th fighter group on Guadalcanal flying P-38 fighters. In a well narrated tale, he describes various incidents of individual aerial combat missions during which he shot down five enemy aircraft thus qualifying him as a Fighter Ace.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George T. Chandler. Chandler was born in Wichita, Kansas on 1 February 1921. Attending Wichita State University, he joined the US Army Aviation Cadet Program November, 1941. He describes his training in various aircraft and graduation from fighter training. In July 1943 he reported to the 347th fighter group on Guadalcanal flying P-38 fighters. In a well narrated tale, he describes various incidents of individual aerial combat missions during which he shot down five enemy aircraft thus qualifying him as a Fighter Ace.

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.