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 Herbert Brewer. Brewer joined the Marines on 1 July 1942. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Marines began accepting African-Americans for training. Due to concerns of racial problems the Marines built a training camp, Montford Point, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where Brewer trained. He was assigned to the 51st Defense Battalion, fire control section, working with 91mm antiaircraft guns. In 1943 his battalion was sent to a base in the Ellice Islands, now Tuvalu, for 6 months. Brewer was sent back to the U.S. to attend Purdue University, under the Navy’s V-12 education program, to study Civil Engineering. Once the war ended, he opted to take a commission as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserves, go on inactive duty and complete his degree at Purdue. He followed up with a master’s degree in the same field. He was called back to active duty when the Korean War began and completed Officer Training in Quantico, Virginia. He was assigned to be in command of an Antiaircraft Artillery Unit at Camp Pendleton. He was the first African-American colonel in the Marine Corps. He retired in 1973 as …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Herbert Brewer. Brewer joined the Marines on 1 July 1942. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Marines began accepting African-Americans for training. Due to concerns of racial problems the Marines built a training camp, Montford Point, in Jacksonville, North Carolina, where Brewer trained. He was assigned to the 51st Defense Battalion, fire control section, working with 91mm antiaircraft guns. In 1943 his battalion was sent to a base in the Ellice Islands, now Tuvalu, for 6 months. Brewer was sent back to the U.S. to attend Purdue University, under the Navy’s V-12 education program, to study Civil Engineering. Once the war ended, he opted to take a commission as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserves, go on inactive duty and complete his degree at Purdue. He followed up with a master’s degree in the same field. He was called back to active duty when the Korean War began and completed Officer Training in Quantico, Virginia. He was assigned to be in command of an Antiaircraft Artillery Unit at Camp Pendleton. He was the first African-American colonel in the Marine Corps. He retired in 1973 as …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Atys Daniel Brunson. He discusses his family history, childhood, education and what led him to joining the US Navy. He describes his experiences during bootcamp and in the Pacific Theatre during World War Two.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George W Denby. Denby joined the Navy and earned his wings in December 1943 at Corpus Christi. He was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-6), flying a Grumman F4F Wildcat. At the Battle of the Philippine Sea he was knocked unconscious after being struck by an 18-inch shell. When he regained consciousness, he fired on his target and returned to the Enterprise. The next day, he was wounded in a dogfight with seven Zeroes. He jumped from his plane at 30,000 feet and broke his back when deploying his parachute. Zeroes continued firing on him as he hit the water, and his life jacket was full of holes. He swam for eight hours, bleeding severely and unable to move one of his legs. He was attacked by a shark but was eventually rescued and returned to the Enterprise. He finished his tour of duty with a total of 57 combat missions. While at Ulithi on R&R, he rubbed elbows with well-known fighter aces. For some time after the war, Denby was skittish while flying. But he flew combat missions in the Korean War and retired as a commander …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George W Denby. Denby joined the Navy and earned his wings in December 1943 at Corpus Christi. He was assigned to the USS Enterprise (CV-6), flying a Grumman F4F Wildcat. At the Battle of the Philippine Sea he was knocked unconscious after being struck by an 18-inch shell. When he regained consciousness, he fired on his target and returned to the Enterprise. The next day, he was wounded in a dogfight with seven Zeroes. He jumped from his plane at 30,000 feet and broke his back when deploying his parachute. Zeroes continued firing on him as he hit the water, and his life jacket was full of holes. He swam for eight hours, bleeding severely and unable to move one of his legs. He was attacked by a shark but was eventually rescued and returned to the Enterprise. He finished his tour of duty with a total of 57 combat missions. While at Ulithi on R&R, he rubbed elbows with well-known fighter aces. For some time after the war, Denby was skittish while flying. But he flew combat missions in the Korean War and retired as a commander …

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Espie. Although Espie was enrolled at Indiana University and joined the Army ROTC with intentions of being commissioned, he grew anxious about the draft and decided to enlist in the Navy in December 1942. Upon completion of quartermaster school, he embarked on amphibious training and was assigned to USS LST-734. He was at the helm in the Panama Canal and was an expert in dead reckoning at sea. At Guadalcanal he was trained on lessons learned at Tarawa, in preparation for transporting landing craft to Peleliu. There he watched Imperial Japanese marines from the shore as the island was assaulted. After transporting a group of engineers from Hollandia to the Leyte Gulf invasion, Espie survived enormous debris raining on his LST after a nearby ammunition ship exploded. Espie was eventually recommended to the V-12 program, returning to the States to attend Princeton University. When Japan surrendered, the program continued for another year but wound to a close before Espie received his commission. He was discharged into the Fleet Reserve and completed his degree on the G.I. Bill.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with John Espie. Although Espie was enrolled at Indiana University and joined the Army ROTC with intentions of being commissioned, he grew anxious about the draft and decided to enlist in the Navy in December 1942. Upon completion of quartermaster school, he embarked on amphibious training and was assigned to USS LST-734. He was at the helm in the Panama Canal and was an expert in dead reckoning at sea. At Guadalcanal he was trained on lessons learned at Tarawa, in preparation for transporting landing craft to Peleliu. There he watched Imperial Japanese marines from the shore as the island was assaulted. After transporting a group of engineers from Hollandia to the Leyte Gulf invasion, Espie survived enormous debris raining on his LST after a nearby ammunition ship exploded. Espie was eventually recommended to the V-12 program, returning to the States to attend Princeton University. When Japan surrendered, the program continued for another year but wound to a close before Espie received his commission. He was discharged into the Fleet Reserve and completed his degree on the G.I. Bill.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Gordon Hurd. Hurd joined the Army in January of 1944. He was assigned to the 124th Cavalry Regiment as a second lieutenant in the China India Burma campaign. They deployed to India in August of 1944, and operated as dismounted cavalry alongside Chinese troops. He participated in battles with the Japanese to recapture sections of the Burma Road, and helped train Chinese troops to take over after the Japanese surrendered. Hurd was discharged in September of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Gordon Hurd. Hurd joined the Army in January of 1944. He was assigned to the 124th Cavalry Regiment as a second lieutenant in the China India Burma campaign. They deployed to India in August of 1944, and operated as dismounted cavalry alongside Chinese troops. He participated in battles with the Japanese to recapture sections of the Burma Road, and helped train Chinese troops to take over after the Japanese surrendered. Hurd was discharged in September of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Jagers. Jagers joined the Navy in June 1942 and received basic training at Great Lakes. He attended signalman and quartermaster school there and received amphibious forces training in Maryland. Upon completion, he was assigned to an LST sent to North Africa, where Jagers was treated for appendicitis in a hospital that was bombed daily. He rejoined his unit for landings at Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio. At Normandy, his LST carried supplies from the USS Davis (DD-395) to Utah Beach. They loaded 1,000 prisoners and 250 paratrooper casualties and brought them back to England. Each day, Jagers spent four hours guarding prisoners, four hours tending to the wounded, and four hours standing watch. After dozens of trips across the Channel, the ship was decommissioned and handed over to the British. Jagers returned to the States in December 1944 and gave boot camp training at Great Lakes before he was discharged. He authored a book about his experiences, entitled Whales of World War II.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Jagers. Jagers joined the Navy in June 1942 and received basic training at Great Lakes. He attended signalman and quartermaster school there and received amphibious forces training in Maryland. Upon completion, he was assigned to an LST sent to North Africa, where Jagers was treated for appendicitis in a hospital that was bombed daily. He rejoined his unit for landings at Sicily, Salerno, and Anzio. At Normandy, his LST carried supplies from the USS Davis (DD-395) to Utah Beach. They loaded 1,000 prisoners and 250 paratrooper casualties and brought them back to England. Each day, Jagers spent four hours guarding prisoners, four hours tending to the wounded, and four hours standing watch. After dozens of trips across the Channel, the ship was decommissioned and handed over to the British. Jagers returned to the States in December 1944 and gave boot camp training at Great Lakes before he was discharged. He authored a book about his experiences, entitled Whales of World War II.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Vernon Kelly. Kelly joined the Navy in June of 1941. From mid-1941 through March of 1943, he served as a gunner aboard the USS Honolulu (CL-48). They were stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Beginning in the spring of 1942, they provided escort duty to Australia, Samoa, Alaska and Guadalcanal. They participated in the Battle of Kula Gulf in July of 1943. Kelly was then transferred to the USS Chilton (APA-38), participating in the Battle of Okinawa. He was discharged in November of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Vernon Kelly. Kelly joined the Navy in June of 1941. From mid-1941 through March of 1943, he served as a gunner aboard the USS Honolulu (CL-48). They were stationed at Pearl Harbor when the Japanese attacked. Beginning in the spring of 1942, they provided escort duty to Australia, Samoa, Alaska and Guadalcanal. They participated in the Battle of Kula Gulf in July of 1943. Kelly was then transferred to the USS Chilton (APA-38), participating in the Battle of Okinawa. He was discharged in November of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Lois Kerimis. Kerimis graduated from Rawlins College in Winter Park, Florida in 1938, at 21 years old, with a Bachelors in Foreign Languages. She and her family were moved by the YMCA to Honolulu, where she taught at the Punahou Academy and her father was the Activities Director of the Army and Navy YMCA. She shares experiences of their life living and touring the island before the war, where her family fed and cared for homesick enlisted men and officers. They were living in Honolulu when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred 7 December 1941. She provides vivid details of this day, including witnessing a bomb dropping in the empty lot across from her home and lights out in the evening. Because Kerimis was fluent in four languages, including German, she was drafted by the Naval Intelligence on 8 December 1941. She served as a civilian employee, working with a Dictaphone interpreting phone calls in German between the Japanese and Germans. Kerimis left Hawaii in 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Lois Kerimis. Kerimis graduated from Rawlins College in Winter Park, Florida in 1938, at 21 years old, with a Bachelors in Foreign Languages. She and her family were moved by the YMCA to Honolulu, where she taught at the Punahou Academy and her father was the Activities Director of the Army and Navy YMCA. She shares experiences of their life living and touring the island before the war, where her family fed and cared for homesick enlisted men and officers. They were living in Honolulu when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred 7 December 1941. She provides vivid details of this day, including witnessing a bomb dropping in the empty lot across from her home and lights out in the evening. Because Kerimis was fluent in four languages, including German, she was drafted by the Naval Intelligence on 8 December 1941. She served as a civilian employee, working with a Dictaphone interpreting phone calls in German between the Japanese and Germans. Kerimis left Hawaii in 1945.

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.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard K Rohde. Rohde describes growing up during the Great Depression. He joined the Navy around 1943 and provides details of basic training. He completed Navy Radio School and served as a radioman. Rohde was assigned to the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), beginning January of 1944. They traveled to Hawaii, Eniwetok Atoll, Manus in the Admiralty Islands and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Rohde provides details of his travels, life aboard the Roberts and the sinking of the ship in October of 1944 off Samar. After traveling through numerous hospitals, and receiving multiple treatments, Rohde was honorably discharged in October of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard K Rohde. Rohde describes growing up during the Great Depression. He joined the Navy around 1943 and provides details of basic training. He completed Navy Radio School and served as a radioman. Rohde was assigned to the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), beginning January of 1944. They traveled to Hawaii, Eniwetok Atoll, Manus in the Admiralty Islands and participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Rohde provides details of his travels, life aboard the Roberts and the sinking of the ship in October of 1944 off Samar. After traveling through numerous hospitals, and receiving multiple treatments, Rohde was honorably discharged in October of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Scholes. Scholes joined the U.S. Navy’s V-12 program in 1943, graduating with the rank of ensign from the Midshipman's School at Northwestern University in Chicago. Scholes trained in ordnance at the Washington Naval Gun Factory and Jacksonville Naval Air Station. He was assigned to the Aviation Construction Ordinance Repair Navy unit, ACORN-52, in Guam. The unit occupied the Japanese Naval Base at Truk Atoll, in the Pacific. They built an airstrip and repaired an airplane base once belonging to the Japanese. He served in the Navy for three years and was discharged in June of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Scholes. Scholes joined the U.S. Navy’s V-12 program in 1943, graduating with the rank of ensign from the Midshipman's School at Northwestern University in Chicago. Scholes trained in ordnance at the Washington Naval Gun Factory and Jacksonville Naval Air Station. He was assigned to the Aviation Construction Ordinance Repair Navy unit, ACORN-52, in Guam. The unit occupied the Japanese Naval Base at Truk Atoll, in the Pacific. They built an airstrip and repaired an airplane base once belonging to the Japanese. He served in the Navy for three years and was discharged in June of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Millard Schwartz. Schwartz was drafted into the Army in December of 1942. He provides details of his weapons training and boot camp. He served with A Battery, 919th Field Artillery, 94th Infantry Division. They traveled to Scotland in August of 1944, and landed on Utah Beach on 7 September. Schwartz shares his experiences traveling overseas aboard the troop ship, the Queen Elizabeth and his time spent in London. His division relieved another in the St. Nazaire area serving to maintain security against the pockets of 50 to 60,000 Germans there. Going into December they traveled to Belgium and participated in the Battle of the Bulge, where they were attached to General Patton’s 3rd Army. They were assigned to an area around the Siegfried Line, near Eschweiler, Germany. He provides vivid details of his experiences through this battle. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945.