The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Harlie Beale. Beale joined the Navy in 1942 and was assigned to the USS Patuxent (AO-44) as a seaman. In September 1944 he had the opportunity to strike for quartermaster and joined the bridge gang. One of Beale’s most daunting experiences was enduring a typhoon near Ulithi. He found it tiring to stand on the bridge, and terrifying to see nearby destroyers tossed about like toys. At Iwo Jima, Beale learned of plans to support air raids over Japan. But when a magazine hoist sparked and ignited leaking aviation gas, causing an explosion that lifted the ship up 40 feet, the Patuxent was diverted for repairs. Later, at Okinawa, Beale saw a kamikaze strike a nearby ship. When the crew of the Patuxent learned of the end of the war, they sang in celebration. The Patuxent joined the USS Missouri (BB-63) at the signing of the armistice in Tokyo Bay, where Beale saw Japanese civilians out with white flags. Beale returned home after 18 months at sea.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Harlie Beale. Beale joined the Navy in 1942 and was assigned to the USS Patuxent (AO-44) as a seaman. In September 1944 he had the opportunity to strike for quartermaster and joined the bridge gang. One of Beale’s most daunting experiences was enduring a typhoon near Ulithi. He found it tiring to stand on the bridge, and terrifying to see nearby destroyers tossed about like toys. At Iwo Jima, Beale learned of plans to support air raids over Japan. But when a magazine hoist sparked and ignited leaking aviation gas, causing an explosion that lifted the ship up 40 feet, the Patuxent was diverted for repairs. Later, at Okinawa, Beale saw a kamikaze strike a nearby ship. When the crew of the Patuxent learned of the end of the war, they sang in celebration. The Patuxent joined the USS Missouri (BB-63) at the signing of the armistice in Tokyo Bay, where Beale saw Japanese civilians out with white flags. Beale returned home after 18 months at sea.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with D L Misenhimer. Misenhimer joined the Navy around 1943. In Maine he was assigned to work in the boiler room and engine room aboard a seagoing salvage tugboat, the ATR-77. They pulled barges of aviation gas to Eniwetok, Okinawa and the Philippines. During the Okinawa invasion his group pulled the LSTs off the beach and ran the picket lines. They towed the USS Ward (DD-139) and a hospital ship to dry dock after each was hit by a kamikaze. He shares some details of his experiences during the Okinawa invasion. They transported Japanese prisoners. After the war, they went to Japan to clean up the harbor at Yokosuka. He remained in Japan for six months and provides some details of his work and interacting with the natives. Misenhimer was discharged in August of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with D L Misenhimer. Misenhimer joined the Navy around 1943. In Maine he was assigned to work in the boiler room and engine room aboard a seagoing salvage tugboat, the ATR-77. They pulled barges of aviation gas to Eniwetok, Okinawa and the Philippines. During the Okinawa invasion his group pulled the LSTs off the beach and ran the picket lines. They towed the USS Ward (DD-139) and a hospital ship to dry dock after each was hit by a kamikaze. He shares some details of his experiences during the Okinawa invasion. They transported Japanese prisoners. After the war, they went to Japan to clean up the harbor at Yokosuka. He remained in Japan for six months and provides some details of his work and interacting with the natives. Misenhimer was discharged in August of 1946.