The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barry Atkins. In 1928, Atkins was appointed to the Naval Academy and graduated in 1932 and was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43). He was aboard at Long Beach, California during the 1933 earthquake. After that, he was transferred to the USS New Mexico (BB-40). his next assignment took him aboard the USS Mahan (DD-364). In 1941, Atkins was assigned to the USS Parrott (DD-218) in Manila Bay. He was aboard the Parrott during the Battle of Balikpapan in January 1942. When Atkins returned to the US in August, 1942, he was assigned as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 8 and sent to New Caledonia that November. His squadron became operational in New Guinea in December. He recalls setting up the PT base at the Morobe River and several patrols and encounters with Japanese shipping. In late 1943, Atkins returned to the US and asked for a destroyer. In October 1944, Atkins was given command of the USS Melvin (DD-680) at Manus Island. From there, the Melvin escorted the Leyte landing forces to the Philippines, then took up station guarding the Surigao Strait. He made a torpedo …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Barry Atkins. In 1928, Atkins was appointed to the Naval Academy and graduated in 1932 and was assigned to the USS Tennessee (BB-43). He was aboard at Long Beach, California during the 1933 earthquake. After that, he was transferred to the USS New Mexico (BB-40). his next assignment took him aboard the USS Mahan (DD-364). In 1941, Atkins was assigned to the USS Parrott (DD-218) in Manila Bay. He was aboard the Parrott during the Battle of Balikpapan in January 1942. When Atkins returned to the US in August, 1942, he was assigned as commander of Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 8 and sent to New Caledonia that November. His squadron became operational in New Guinea in December. He recalls setting up the PT base at the Morobe River and several patrols and encounters with Japanese shipping. In late 1943, Atkins returned to the US and asked for a destroyer. In October 1944, Atkins was given command of the USS Melvin (DD-680) at Manus Island. From there, the Melvin escorted the Leyte landing forces to the Philippines, then took up station guarding the Surigao Strait. He made a torpedo …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ray Brashear. Upon completion of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP), Brashear joined the Army Air Corps and earned his wings in 1941. He then spent three years at Merced Army Flying Field as a flight instructor and was promoted to director of training. He joined the 499th Bomb Group, 878th Bomb Squadron in 1944 as a B-29 pilot. In June 1945, he led 500 planes on a raid over Kobe. His horizontal stabilizer was shot by a Gekko, and the plane limped seven hours back to Saipan as the Iwo Jima strip was overcrowded. He participated in the first incendiary raids on Japan. Upon returning, his plane was covered in soot and he smelled of burning flesh. Rotated out before the war ended, Brashear was in Honolulu on V-J Day. Discharged into the reserves, he flew a crop duster for a few years before returning to active duty with the Air Force, performing weather reconnaissance in the Korean War and radar bomb scoring during the Cold War.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Ray Brashear. Upon completion of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP), Brashear joined the Army Air Corps and earned his wings in 1941. He then spent three years at Merced Army Flying Field as a flight instructor and was promoted to director of training. He joined the 499th Bomb Group, 878th Bomb Squadron in 1944 as a B-29 pilot. In June 1945, he led 500 planes on a raid over Kobe. His horizontal stabilizer was shot by a Gekko, and the plane limped seven hours back to Saipan as the Iwo Jima strip was overcrowded. He participated in the first incendiary raids on Japan. Upon returning, his plane was covered in soot and he smelled of burning flesh. Rotated out before the war ended, Brashear was in Honolulu on V-J Day. Discharged into the reserves, he flew a crop duster for a few years before returning to active duty with the Air Force, performing weather reconnaissance in the Korean War and radar bomb scoring during the Cold War.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John B. Brush. Brush graduated from Cornell in 1934 and went to work for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. In April, 1941, he took a position as chief engineer for P&G's Philippine operation in Manila. He mentions how unprepared he was for the Japanese invasion in December, 1941, and how unaware he was of any Japanese military intentions. He and his wife were caught in the invasion and captured in Manila and sent to the internment camp at Santo Tomas. Brush describes the establishment of the internment camp and its function. He also recalls various aspect of life within its confines: daily routine, cleaning rice, building shanties, etc. In June 1943, Brush was relocated to Los Banos. He was liberated from there in April 1945, returned to Cincinnati and resumed working for P&G.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John B. Brush. Brush graduated from Cornell in 1934 and went to work for Proctor and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. In April, 1941, he took a position as chief engineer for P&G's Philippine operation in Manila. He mentions how unprepared he was for the Japanese invasion in December, 1941, and how unaware he was of any Japanese military intentions. He and his wife were caught in the invasion and captured in Manila and sent to the internment camp at Santo Tomas. Brush describes the establishment of the internment camp and its function. He also recalls various aspect of life within its confines: daily routine, cleaning rice, building shanties, etc. In June 1943, Brush was relocated to Los Banos. He was liberated from there in April 1945, returned to Cincinnati and resumed working for P&G.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Donley. Donley was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, 7 October 1923. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy in 1942. He went to Fleet Torpedo School in San Diego following basic training. In September, he volunteered for PT boats and was sent to the Motor Torpedo Boat Training Center in Melville, Rhode Island. After training, he volunteered for assignment to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 15. He was assigned as a torpedoman to PT-202, which was loaded on a tanker and transported to Gibraltar. The boats were sent to Bone, Tunisia to augment the British Coastal Forces in North Africa. Their primary objective was to prevent movement of German forces by sea from North Africa to Sicily. Following the German surrender in North Africa, Donley’s squadron was engaged in screening Allied landing craft during the Sicily invasion. Later, while intercepting a convoy of eight German supply barges, Donley was wounded by shell fragments. He also describes the numerous shortcomings of the Mark VIII torpedo and his boat’s involvement in the invasion of Italy at Salerno. Donley also describes later operations out of Corsica, Elba and Naples …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Donley. Donley was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, 7 October 1923. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy in 1942. He went to Fleet Torpedo School in San Diego following basic training. In September, he volunteered for PT boats and was sent to the Motor Torpedo Boat Training Center in Melville, Rhode Island. After training, he volunteered for assignment to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 15. He was assigned as a torpedoman to PT-202, which was loaded on a tanker and transported to Gibraltar. The boats were sent to Bone, Tunisia to augment the British Coastal Forces in North Africa. Their primary objective was to prevent movement of German forces by sea from North Africa to Sicily. Following the German surrender in North Africa, Donley’s squadron was engaged in screening Allied landing craft during the Sicily invasion. Later, while intercepting a convoy of eight German supply barges, Donley was wounded by shell fragments. He also describes the numerous shortcomings of the Mark VIII torpedo and his boat’s involvement in the invasion of Italy at Salerno. Donley also describes later operations out of Corsica, Elba and Naples …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edwin Dubose. Dubose was born in Waxahachie, Texas on 8 August 1917 and after graduating from Texas A&M, received his commission as ensign in the Navy in 1941. He interviewed with Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley while at Midshipman School in Chicago and was selected for Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron School in Melville, Rhode Island. After training, Dubose was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 15. His squadron was the first to be sent to the Mediterranean in April 1943. The squadron was originally based in Algeria and Tunisia. Their mission was to interdict German and Italian boats leaving Sicily attempting to evacuate the Afrika Corps from the Tunisian Peninsula. His squadron’s role during the invasion of Sicily was keeping German fast attack boats, known as E-boats, away from the Allied landing craft. During the following year, his squadron was based at Bastia, Corsica and interdicted German barges, known as Flak-lighters, attempting to supply the German army fighting in Italy. Dubose’s squadron also supported the invasion at Salerno. During this time he met General George S. Patton. His squadron served as an anti-E-boat screen in the Nice-Cannes area during …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Edwin Dubose. Dubose was born in Waxahachie, Texas on 8 August 1917 and after graduating from Texas A&M, received his commission as ensign in the Navy in 1941. He interviewed with Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley while at Midshipman School in Chicago and was selected for Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron School in Melville, Rhode Island. After training, Dubose was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 15. His squadron was the first to be sent to the Mediterranean in April 1943. The squadron was originally based in Algeria and Tunisia. Their mission was to interdict German and Italian boats leaving Sicily attempting to evacuate the Afrika Corps from the Tunisian Peninsula. His squadron’s role during the invasion of Sicily was keeping German fast attack boats, known as E-boats, away from the Allied landing craft. During the following year, his squadron was based at Bastia, Corsica and interdicted German barges, known as Flak-lighters, attempting to supply the German army fighting in Italy. Dubose’s squadron also supported the invasion at Salerno. During this time he met General George S. Patton. His squadron served as an anti-E-boat screen in the Nice-Cannes area during …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue of Dale Fagg. Fagg joined the Marine Corps in October of 1942. In Pearl Harbor he was assigned to the Marine Detachment of Admiral Chester Nimitz at Makalapa in Honolulu, and served as his personal chauffer, from 1942 to 1945. He shares numerous stories of his encounters with and work for the Admiral.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents a monologue of Dale Fagg. Fagg joined the Marine Corps in October of 1942. In Pearl Harbor he was assigned to the Marine Detachment of Admiral Chester Nimitz at Makalapa in Honolulu, and served as his personal chauffer, from 1942 to 1945. He shares numerous stories of his encounters with and work for the Admiral.

Handwritten letter from Randy Forrester to Bernice, a relative of Clifford Baird, expressing shock upon learning of Clifford's death, reminiscing on his memories with him, and sending well wishes to Bernice.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frederick Holland. Holland was drafted in April 1942 into the Army. From there, he applied for a transfer to the Army Air Forces and was accepted. He attended officer candidate school and earned a commission in early 1943. Then, he was flown to India and worked in Calcutta seeing that equipment and supplies were loaded and flown to other bases in India. Holland developed a conveyor mechanism that assisted in loading cargo onto planes while overseas. He returned to the US and was discharged in February 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Kenneth Johnsen. Johnsen joined the Army Air Corps in August of 1940. He worked as a clerk and postal inspector for the Army at Scott Field, Illinois. He graduated in August of 1942 from the Flying Sergeant Program. He opted not to be a pilot and immediately transferred to the 426th Army Air Forces Band in Waco, Texas as a trombonist. They were sent to San Marcos and provided music for the marching soldiers, the black soldiers in their compound and the white soldiers in theirs, as they were not integrated at that time. In 1945 they went to Calcutta and New Delhi, India where they played music and concerts for the enlisted men and officers. They also played at the rest and recuperation camps in the Himalaya Mountains. On the troop ship he served guard duty, and he provides details of those experiences. He was discharged in October of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Keresey. Keresey was born in Delaware on 8 May 1916. Graduating from Dartmouth in 1938 he attended Columbia Law School. Upon joining the Navy, he reported for duty at Northwestern University Midshipman School in September, 1941. Upon completion of the four month course, he was assigned to torpedo school at Newport, Rhode Island. In January 1942 he volunteered for torpedo boat training at Melville, Rhode Island. Following eight weeks there, he was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 5. Two months later the squadron was sent to Panama, staying there until February 1943 at which time the PT boats were loaded on a tanker and taken to New Caledonia. Squadron 5 was based at Tulagi until June 1943 and they moved to Rendova in the New Georgia Islands. He describes actions against Japanese shipping involving his boat, USS PT-105. He recounts the experience of landing under fire on Choiseul with a marine force. He tells of being on board PT-59, which was captained by John F. Kennedy at the time and comments on his relationship with the future president. Leaving the combat zone in December 1943 he …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Richard Keresey. Keresey was born in Delaware on 8 May 1916. Graduating from Dartmouth in 1938 he attended Columbia Law School. Upon joining the Navy, he reported for duty at Northwestern University Midshipman School in September, 1941. Upon completion of the four month course, he was assigned to torpedo school at Newport, Rhode Island. In January 1942 he volunteered for torpedo boat training at Melville, Rhode Island. Following eight weeks there, he was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 5. Two months later the squadron was sent to Panama, staying there until February 1943 at which time the PT boats were loaded on a tanker and taken to New Caledonia. Squadron 5 was based at Tulagi until June 1943 and they moved to Rendova in the New Georgia Islands. He describes actions against Japanese shipping involving his boat, USS PT-105. He recounts the experience of landing under fire on Choiseul with a marine force. He tells of being on board PT-59, which was captained by John F. Kennedy at the time and comments on his relationship with the future president. Leaving the combat zone in December 1943 he …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with William Lesko. Lesko was drafted into the Army Air Forces in August of 1943. He was trained in long-range navigation [LORAN] radar. In February 1945 he went to Calcutta, India aboard the USS General W. A. Mann (AP-112). He worked on C-46s as a radar and radio technician in the 13th Squadron, 4th Combat Cargo Group. He describes his work on the planes. His unit also went to Myitkyina, Burma, where he assisted in setting up the camp and building bridges. The pilots in his unit flew out of these bases to provide supplies to troops in combat zones. Lesko describes primitive life at the camps. He was discharged in April of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Tom Peays. Peays served as a pilot with the Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. He joined the Civilian Pilot Training Program in Lubbock, Texas in 1940. He received his commercial pilot’s license and joined the Army Air Forces primary training program in 1941. He received his instructor’s rating and served as a flight instructor for aviation cadets in 1942. He went to the Air Transport Command in Dallas and took a civilian job flying military airplanes throughout the US. In 1943 Peays was commissioned as a flight officer. He flew B-24s, B-25s, C-54s, C-87s. He received his training in Homestead, Florida. In December of 1943 he was sent to Calcutta with a C-54 crew. He shares details of his travels, flying through various weather conditions, hauling high-octane aviation fuel. He traveled across the Himalayas and Burma where he encountered Japanese Zeros. He served in the China-Burma-India Theater as a pilot from 1944 through 1945, and was discharged in March of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Tom Peays. Peays served as a pilot with the Air Transport Command in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II. He joined the Civilian Pilot Training Program in Lubbock, Texas in 1940. He received his commercial pilot’s license and joined the Army Air Forces primary training program in 1941. He received his instructor’s rating and served as a flight instructor for aviation cadets in 1942. He went to the Air Transport Command in Dallas and took a civilian job flying military airplanes throughout the US. In 1943 Peays was commissioned as a flight officer. He flew B-24s, B-25s, C-54s, C-87s. He received his training in Homestead, Florida. In December of 1943 he was sent to Calcutta with a C-54 crew. He shares details of his travels, flying through various weather conditions, hauling high-octane aviation fuel. He traveled across the Himalayas and Burma where he encountered Japanese Zeros. He served in the China-Burma-India Theater as a pilot from 1944 through 1945, and was discharged in March of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Pleasants. Pleasants was born in Canon City, Colorado in 1919. He graduated from the University of California in 1942 and enlisted in the United States Navy. After training, Pleasants applied for and received a commission. He was assigned to Patrol Torpedo Boat Squadron 22 (RON 22) based on the island of Corsica. He served as the executive officer aboard PT-309 [this boat is on display at the museum]. He tells of participating in 75 combat patrols during the period of April 1944 through May 1945 with the primary mission of attacking enemy shipping along the coasts of Italy and France. He transported French commandos to the shore two days before the invasion of Southern France where he was wounded by shell fire from German shore batteries. Pleasants also delivered General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny to a destroyer for a secret meeting. He also mentions participating in the capture of Italian MAS boats.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Pleasants. Pleasants was born in Canon City, Colorado in 1919. He graduated from the University of California in 1942 and enlisted in the United States Navy. After training, Pleasants applied for and received a commission. He was assigned to Patrol Torpedo Boat Squadron 22 (RON 22) based on the island of Corsica. He served as the executive officer aboard PT-309 [this boat is on display at the museum]. He tells of participating in 75 combat patrols during the period of April 1944 through May 1945 with the primary mission of attacking enemy shipping along the coasts of Italy and France. He transported French commandos to the shore two days before the invasion of Southern France where he was wounded by shell fire from German shore batteries. Pleasants also delivered General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny to a destroyer for a secret meeting. He also mentions participating in the capture of Italian MAS boats.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Felipe Rauk. Rauk’s father was born on Truk and brought to Saipan as a laborer for the Japanese. At school, Rauk faced harsh punishment and was forced to pray at a Japanese shrine. Due to the war, the school closed before he finished the second grade. After the military seized their house, his family stayed with friends on a farm and his father was sent to a labor camp. Rauk sought refuge in a cave during bombardments, living off of whatever they could forage or hunt, drinking rainwater, and chewing on sugarcane to alleviate hunger. Rauk’s father was beaten for staying out too long after an air raid, succumbing to his injuries just one day before Americans landed. When Marines engaged Japanese forces above Rauk's cave, his sister was fatally wounded. Taken to Camp Susupe, they were given immunizations and survived ongoing Japanese attacks. After the war, Rauk worked for the military government as part of the Naval Technical Training Unit and transitioned into a radio broadcast career. He later dedicated himself to preserving the traditional art of Carolinian dance.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Felipe Rauk. Rauk’s father was born on Truk and brought to Saipan as a laborer for the Japanese. At school, Rauk faced harsh punishment and was forced to pray at a Japanese shrine. Due to the war, the school closed before he finished the second grade. After the military seized their house, his family stayed with friends on a farm and his father was sent to a labor camp. Rauk sought refuge in a cave during bombardments, living off of whatever they could forage or hunt, drinking rainwater, and chewing on sugarcane to alleviate hunger. Rauk’s father was beaten for staying out too long after an air raid, succumbing to his injuries just one day before Americans landed. When Marines engaged Japanese forces above Rauk's cave, his sister was fatally wounded. Taken to Camp Susupe, they were given immunizations and survived ongoing Japanese attacks. After the war, Rauk worked for the military government as part of the Naval Technical Training Unit and transitioned into a radio broadcast career. He later dedicated himself to preserving the traditional art of Carolinian dance.