The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Dean. Dean was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on 7 September 1924 and graduated from high school in 1942. Upon being drafted in 1943, he was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for thirteen weeks of basic training. While there he was selected to attend the Army Specialized Training Program at Colorado State College at Fort Collins. Soon after he entered the program, it was discontinued and he joined the 80th Infantry Division and went to Fort Dix, New Jersey. There, the division boarded HMS Queen Mary bound for Scotland. Dean recalls landing at Normandy three weeks after the invasion and describes seeing wreckage and bodies that remained. The division joined the 8th Army and advanced across France. During December 1944 he was hospitalized for three weeks with a severe case of trench foot. Upon being released from the hospital, he was assigned to the 60th US Army Band. The band played during the funeral for General George Patton and he describes the formalities of the funeral. Dean returned to the United States in 1946 and was discharged soon thereafter.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Bill Dean. Dean was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on 7 September 1924 and graduated from high school in 1942. Upon being drafted in 1943, he was sent to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for thirteen weeks of basic training. While there he was selected to attend the Army Specialized Training Program at Colorado State College at Fort Collins. Soon after he entered the program, it was discontinued and he joined the 80th Infantry Division and went to Fort Dix, New Jersey. There, the division boarded HMS Queen Mary bound for Scotland. Dean recalls landing at Normandy three weeks after the invasion and describes seeing wreckage and bodies that remained. The division joined the 8th Army and advanced across France. During December 1944 he was hospitalized for three weeks with a severe case of trench foot. Upon being released from the hospital, he was assigned to the 60th US Army Band. The band played during the funeral for General George Patton and he describes the formalities of the funeral. Dean returned to the United States in 1946 and was discharged soon thereafter.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Billy Sherrill. Sherrill was born in Houston, Texas in 1926 and joined the US Marine Corps on 26 December 1941. After undergoing boot training at San Diego, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Defense Battalion stationed on Palmyra Atoll for sixteen months. In 1943 he returned to the United States where he underwent six months of advanced training. Sherrill was then sent to Bougainville where he joined the 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He describes landing on the beach on Guam in an LVT and recalls combat situations in which he was involved that resulted in large numbers of dead and wounded. After the campaign, the division remained on Guam training for the invasion of Iwo Jima. He tells of landing on Iwo Jima on the third day of the invasion and gives a vivid description of actions in which he was involved. Sherrill was wounded on Iwo Jima and was sent to Oakland Naval Hospital where he spent a year in recovery. In 1946 he received a medical discharge.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Billy Sherrill. Sherrill was born in Houston, Texas in 1926 and joined the US Marine Corps on 26 December 1941. After undergoing boot training at San Diego, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Defense Battalion stationed on Palmyra Atoll for sixteen months. In 1943 he returned to the United States where he underwent six months of advanced training. Sherrill was then sent to Bougainville where he joined the 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. He describes landing on the beach on Guam in an LVT and recalls combat situations in which he was involved that resulted in large numbers of dead and wounded. After the campaign, the division remained on Guam training for the invasion of Iwo Jima. He tells of landing on Iwo Jima on the third day of the invasion and gives a vivid description of actions in which he was involved. Sherrill was wounded on Iwo Jima and was sent to Oakland Naval Hospital where he spent a year in recovery. In 1946 he received a medical discharge.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Belvin. Belvin joined the Navy in June, 1941 and trained at San Diego. After training and before the war started, he went to machinist school and then was assigned to the USS Dobbin (AD-3). He spent some time in Australia and recalls a submarine attack in Sydney Harbor. After his brother was lost at sea during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Belvin was sent back to the US for reassignment after some home leave. Belvin was discharged in July 1946 and enrolled in the University of Texas where he earned an engineering degree.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with David Belvin. Belvin joined the Navy in June, 1941 and trained at San Diego. After training and before the war started, he went to machinist school and then was assigned to the USS Dobbin (AD-3). He spent some time in Australia and recalls a submarine attack in Sydney Harbor. After his brother was lost at sea during the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Belvin was sent back to the US for reassignment after some home leave. Belvin was discharged in July 1946 and enrolled in the University of Texas where he earned an engineering degree.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Donald Freer. Freer joined the Army Air Forces in August, 1942 as a air cadet and went to flight training after basic. He was commissioned and earned his wings in February, 1944. His first assignment was as an instructor. Later in April, he was assigned to a B-17 crew. By July, he was in Bassingbourn, England flying combat missions attached to the 91st Bomb Group, 322nd Bomb Squadron as a co-pilot. He eventually became a pilot without ever really having had training on a B-17. On his 26th mission over Germany, his plane was heavily damaged and Freer had to bail out. Freer was captured and taken to Stalag Luft I, where he was when the war ended. After returning to the US, Freer stayed in the Reserves until 1955.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Donald Freer. Freer joined the Army Air Forces in August, 1942 as a air cadet and went to flight training after basic. He was commissioned and earned his wings in February, 1944. His first assignment was as an instructor. Later in April, he was assigned to a B-17 crew. By July, he was in Bassingbourn, England flying combat missions attached to the 91st Bomb Group, 322nd Bomb Squadron as a co-pilot. He eventually became a pilot without ever really having had training on a B-17. On his 26th mission over Germany, his plane was heavily damaged and Freer had to bail out. Freer was captured and taken to Stalag Luft I, where he was when the war ended. After returning to the US, Freer stayed in the Reserves until 1955.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Fred Mc Daniel. McDaniel was born in Houston, Texas on 5 September 1923 and graduated from high school in 1941. Upon entering the Marine Corps in 1942, he began flight training and received his wings in 1943. After receiving training as an instructor, he was sent to Hutchinson Naval Training Station in Kansas as a primary flight instructor. He was then sent to Jacksonville, Florida where he began flying the F4U Corsair fighter plane. After several months, he was sent to Danville, Illinois where he received training in carrier landings aboard the USS Wolverine (IX-64). He was in transit to Hawaii when the Japanese surrendered and upon his arrival he was assigned to the Joint Intelligence Corps Pacific Ocean Area and sent to Japan for three months. He remembers some of his experiences while there including meeting the actor Tyrone Power who also was a pilot. McDaniel concludes the interview by telling of his experiences flying helicopters during the Korean War.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Fred Mc Daniel. McDaniel was born in Houston, Texas on 5 September 1923 and graduated from high school in 1941. Upon entering the Marine Corps in 1942, he began flight training and received his wings in 1943. After receiving training as an instructor, he was sent to Hutchinson Naval Training Station in Kansas as a primary flight instructor. He was then sent to Jacksonville, Florida where he began flying the F4U Corsair fighter plane. After several months, he was sent to Danville, Illinois where he received training in carrier landings aboard the USS Wolverine (IX-64). He was in transit to Hawaii when the Japanese surrendered and upon his arrival he was assigned to the Joint Intelligence Corps Pacific Ocean Area and sent to Japan for three months. He remembers some of his experiences while there including meeting the actor Tyrone Power who also was a pilot. McDaniel concludes the interview by telling of his experiences flying helicopters during the Korean War.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Pratt Shultz. Shultz left his economics studies at Princeton to join the Marine Corps. Upon completion of officer school and antiaircraft artillery training, he deployed to Tarawa. By the time they arrived, the Japanese had already left the island. Sighting an enemy bomber overhead, it was suggested they take cover in a nearby church. Shultz instead yelled for everyone to disperse, and the church was bombed. His next assignment was liaison to the Army’s 81st Infantry Division for the invasion of Palau. At Angaur, despite having no authority to do so, he directed fire upon certain caves from which enemy fire had been impeding the landing. It was on Angaur that he lost a good friend, an experience that influenced his philosophy when serving as Secretary of State under Ronald Reagan. Similarly, as Secretary of Labor to Richard Nixon, he recalled how naïve and vulnerable natives were when bargaining with Marines. Shultz’s expansive postwar career, beginning after his discharge and subsequent enrollment at MIT, included easing relations with both Japan and China in his capacity as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Pratt Shultz. Shultz left his economics studies at Princeton to join the Marine Corps. Upon completion of officer school and antiaircraft artillery training, he deployed to Tarawa. By the time they arrived, the Japanese had already left the island. Sighting an enemy bomber overhead, it was suggested they take cover in a nearby church. Shultz instead yelled for everyone to disperse, and the church was bombed. His next assignment was liaison to the Army’s 81st Infantry Division for the invasion of Palau. At Angaur, despite having no authority to do so, he directed fire upon certain caves from which enemy fire had been impeding the landing. It was on Angaur that he lost a good friend, an experience that influenced his philosophy when serving as Secretary of State under Ronald Reagan. Similarly, as Secretary of Labor to Richard Nixon, he recalled how naïve and vulnerable natives were when bargaining with Marines. Shultz’s expansive postwar career, beginning after his discharge and subsequent enrollment at MIT, included easing relations with both Japan and China in his capacity as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John M Gurley. Gurley joined the Navy in May of 1943. In early 1944, he completed Submarine School, and served as Yeoman Third Class aboard the USS Sennet (SS-408). Gurley completed four war patrols through Saipan, Japan and Guam. He returned to the US and was discharged in May of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John M Gurley. Gurley joined the Navy in May of 1943. In early 1944, he completed Submarine School, and served as Yeoman Third Class aboard the USS Sennet (SS-408). Gurley completed four war patrols through Saipan, Japan and Guam. He returned to the US and was discharged in May of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Kenneth Evans. Evans joined the Army in August of 1944. He served as a tank driver with the 41st Infantry Division, participating in the New Guinea and Philippines Campaigns. Evans served with occupation forces in Japan. He returned to the US and received his discharge in late 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Kenneth Evans. Evans joined the Army in August of 1944. He served as a tank driver with the 41st Infantry Division, participating in the New Guinea and Philippines Campaigns. Evans served with occupation forces in Japan. He returned to the US and received his discharge in late 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Louie Robert. Robert joined the Navy in December of 1943. He completed amphibious force training with landing craft, vehicle/personnel (LCVP). In late 1944, early 1945, Robert deployed to Normandy, aboard the USS Trousdale (AKA-79), to serve as amphibious replacement crew. In 1945, he drove a landing craft during the Battle of Okinawa, landing and picking up Marines and supplies on the beach. Robert returned to the US and received his discharge in January of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Louie Robert. Robert joined the Navy in December of 1943. He completed amphibious force training with landing craft, vehicle/personnel (LCVP). In late 1944, early 1945, Robert deployed to Normandy, aboard the USS Trousdale (AKA-79), to serve as amphibious replacement crew. In 1945, he drove a landing craft during the Battle of Okinawa, landing and picking up Marines and supplies on the beach. Robert returned to the US and received his discharge in January of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Marcus Williams. Williams was born 22 December 1927. He joined the Navy in December of 1945, at the age of 18. He received no formal training, and served as a painter aboard USS Cape Gloucester (CVE-109), and traveled to Hawaii. He was then transferred to a troop carrier, and did not have any duties aboard. Williams then served as Able Seaman on board the Japanese cruiser Sakawa from 20 May through 8 July 1946. He assisted in preparing the vessel for the Bikini atomic experiments. He shares details of the nuclear testing. Williams was then transferred to a yard patrol boat, YP-636, picking up dead fish from the nuclear testing and freezing them. He returned to the US in September. He received his discharge in 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Marcus Williams. Williams was born 22 December 1927. He joined the Navy in December of 1945, at the age of 18. He received no formal training, and served as a painter aboard USS Cape Gloucester (CVE-109), and traveled to Hawaii. He was then transferred to a troop carrier, and did not have any duties aboard. Williams then served as Able Seaman on board the Japanese cruiser Sakawa from 20 May through 8 July 1946. He assisted in preparing the vessel for the Bikini atomic experiments. He shares details of the nuclear testing. Williams was then transferred to a yard patrol boat, YP-636, picking up dead fish from the nuclear testing and freezing them. He returned to the US in September. He received his discharge in 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Paul Hatgil. Hatgil joined the Army Air Forces after working briefly in the defense industry. He received communications training and was assigned to the 505th Bombardment Group. On Tinian, he oversaw the teletype office adjacent to General Curtis LeMay. He recalls seeing the Enola Gay heavily guarded by Marines. Although at the time he was unaware of the atomic bomb, an important message arrived for LeMay, sent to the teletype machines by Colonel Paul Tibbets. Disobeying orders, Hatgil read the message, which was a recap of Tibbets’ instructions, specifically urging him to leave the target area as quickly as possible after dropping his bomb. When the war ended, Hatgil returned home and was discharged. Having spent much of his service decorating planes, sketching portraits, and painting murals in his free time, he enrolled in art school on the G.I. Bill and became a professor of art at the University of Texas. Hatgil kept a scrapbook of his wartime experience, including his artwork and several photos given to him by his unit’s official photographer.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Paul Hatgil. Hatgil joined the Army Air Forces after working briefly in the defense industry. He received communications training and was assigned to the 505th Bombardment Group. On Tinian, he oversaw the teletype office adjacent to General Curtis LeMay. He recalls seeing the Enola Gay heavily guarded by Marines. Although at the time he was unaware of the atomic bomb, an important message arrived for LeMay, sent to the teletype machines by Colonel Paul Tibbets. Disobeying orders, Hatgil read the message, which was a recap of Tibbets’ instructions, specifically urging him to leave the target area as quickly as possible after dropping his bomb. When the war ended, Hatgil returned home and was discharged. Having spent much of his service decorating planes, sketching portraits, and painting murals in his free time, he enrolled in art school on the G.I. Bill and became a professor of art at the University of Texas. Hatgil kept a scrapbook of his wartime experience, including his artwork and several photos given to him by his unit’s official photographer.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Paul Simpson. Simpson joined the Army in December of 1944. After boot camp, he deployed to Saipan where he served on patrol. Simpson participated with the 147th Infantry Regiment through the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he was stationed when the war ended. He returned to the US and received his discharge around early 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Paul Simpson. Simpson joined the Army in December of 1944. After boot camp, he deployed to Saipan where he served on patrol. Simpson participated with the 147th Infantry Regiment through the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he was stationed when the war ended. He returned to the US and received his discharge around early 1946.