The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Mika. Mika joined the Navy in 1942. He attended aviation metalsmith school in Norman, Oklahoma, repairing airplane parts, including the wings and fuselage, and welding aluminum. In late 1943 he graduated from Aerial Gunnery School in California. He served aboard the USS Santee (CVE-29) beginning March of 1944. They participated in the invasion of Hollandia, Morotai and Guam. Mika’s job aboard the ship was servicing the planes and aviation gas detail. In October of 1944 they participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and he describes an attack by a kamikaze plane and a torpedo from a Japanese submarine. They traveled back to Pearl Harbor for repairs, and then back out to Okinawa. He provides some details of the carrier. They traveled to Wakayama, Japan and picked up American, British and Australian prisoners of war. He was discharged in April of 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Mika. Mika joined the Navy in 1942. He attended aviation metalsmith school in Norman, Oklahoma, repairing airplane parts, including the wings and fuselage, and welding aluminum. In late 1943 he graduated from Aerial Gunnery School in California. He served aboard the USS Santee (CVE-29) beginning March of 1944. They participated in the invasion of Hollandia, Morotai and Guam. Mika’s job aboard the ship was servicing the planes and aviation gas detail. In October of 1944 they participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and he describes an attack by a kamikaze plane and a torpedo from a Japanese submarine. They traveled back to Pearl Harbor for repairs, and then back out to Okinawa. He provides some details of the carrier. They traveled to Wakayama, Japan and picked up American, British and Australian prisoners of war. He was discharged in April of 1947.