Oral History Interview with Uno Johnson, July 14, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Uno Johnson, July 14, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents and oral interview with Uno Johnson. Johnson was born in Veinge, Sweden 26 May 1923. He emigrated to the United States with his parents at the age of six months. He entered the U.S. Army 4 February 1943 and took basic training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He was stationed in Florida and had a part-time job in a foundry cleaning the furnaces. He recalls being stationed in Berkeley, California as a truck driver and tells of taking troops to San Francisco to board ships bound for overseas. He experienced an earthquake while stationed there. In February 1945 he boarded the USS Matsonia (D1589) for Oahu, and upon his arrival he began living in a tent in the Ala Moana Crater. There he worked on the maintenance of military vehicles. In February 1946 Johnson returned to the United States aboard the USS Matsonia. He received his discharge 12 February 1946.
Date: July 14, 2005
Creator: Johnson, Uno
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Margaret Ringenberg, July 8, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Margaret Ringenberg, July 8, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Margaret Ringenberg. Ringenberg possessed a private pilot’s license and became a ferry pilot with the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) in March, 1943. Once she joined, she went to training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. With training completed, Ringenberg was stationed in Delaware. From there, she would travel to factories and fly planes to various fields. She flew single and multi-engine planes during the war. When the WASPs were disbanded in late 1944, Ringenberg went back home. She continued to fly for the remainder of her life logging over 40,000 hours.
Date: July 8, 2005
Creator: Ringenberg, Margaret
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Margaret Ringenberg, July 8, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Margaret Ringenberg, July 8, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Margaret Ringenberg. Ringenberg possessed a private pilot’s license and became a ferry pilot with the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs) in March, 1943. Once she joined, she went to training at Avenger Field in Sweetwater, Texas. With training completed, Ringenberg was stationed in Delaware. From there, she would travel to factories and fly planes to various fields. She flew single and multi-engine planes during the war. When the WASPs were disbanded in late 1944, Ringenberg went back home. She continued to fly for the remainder of her life logging over 40,000 hours.
Date: July 8, 2005
Creator: Ringenberg, Margaret
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Bill Merley, July 7, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Bill Merley, July 7, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Bill Merley. Merley joined the Merchant Marine in March of 1945. He enlisted as a cook and describes his training and his work. He describes his kitchen supplies of food. In May of 1945 they traveled aboard the USS Cape Johnson (AP-172) to the Mariana Islands. They traveled to Manila to unload supplies and then transported troops. He was discharged around December of 1945.
Date: July 7, 2005
Creator: Merley, Bill
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Billy Tune, July 7, 2005 transcript

Oral History Interview with Billy Tune, July 7, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Billy Tune. Tune joined the Navy right after he finished high school in May 1943. He was assigned to USS President Polk (AP-103) and was aboard it when it was torpedoed. He somehow managed to get ashore at Tarawa and stayed with the Marines there for five days. Then he wound up at New Caledonia as a stevedore until he entered the hospital with asthma.
Date: July 7, 2005
Creator: Tune, Billy
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Billy Tune, July 7, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Billy Tune, July 7, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Billy Tune. Tune joined the Navy right after he finished high school in May 1943. He was assigned to USS President Polk (AP-103) and was aboard it when it was torpedoed. He somehow managed to get ashore at Tarawa and stayed with the Marines there for five days. Then he wound up at New Caledonia as a stevedore until he entered the hospital with asthma.
Date: July 7, 2005
Creator: Tune, Billy
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Frederick Long, July 1, 2005 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Frederick Long, July 1, 2005

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Frederick Long. Long joined the Navy in September of 1942. He was trained in airplane engine maintenance and worked on SNJs, SNCs and PBYs. He talks about life aboard the USS Lexington (CV-16). He provides the dates and locations when he was aboard the Lexington during combat, and he describes an incident when the carrier was hit during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
Date: July 1, 2005
Creator: Long, Frederick
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Charles Walter Bernhardt, July 24, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Charles Walter Bernhardt, July 24, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Charles Walter Bernhardt discussing where he grew up and stories from his childhood. He shares some of his experiences being stationed in Hawaii and fighting in the Pacific Theatre during World War Two, as well as some of the experiences of his friends and people he's met.
Date: July 24, 2004
Creator: Bernhardt, Charles Walter; Tombaug, John & Meter, Peg Van
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Wayne Beery, July 24, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Wayne Beery, July 24, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Wayne T. Beery. Beery joined the US Marine Corps in 1943. After completing boot camp at San Diego, he was assigned guard duty at Mare Island Navy Yard. In 1944 he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, 7th Marines on Guadalcanal. He tells of landing on Okinawa 1 April 1945 and comments on the stillness on the beach upon landing. Assigned the battalion headquarters company, he describes his responsibilities for the telephone communications. After the surrender of Japan, he was sent to China. He returned to the United States in 1946 and was discharged.
Date: July 24, 2004
Creator: Beery, Wayne
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Ernest Latta, July 23, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Ernest Latta, July 23, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ernest Latta. Latta worked in the CCC for a year and a half before joining the Army in October, 1940. He trained in Hawaii and was attached to Company I, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was at Schofield Barracks when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. After the attack, Latta guarded a beach on the western edge of Oahu for some time. He went to Guadalcanal in December, 1942. Latta earned a Silver Star in combat at Guadalcanal. He also invaded Vella Lavella. After that, he was present during the invasion of Luzon and participated in the battles at Balete Pass. Latta chose to be discharged when an opportunity came his way in July 1945.
Date: July 23, 2004
Creator: Latta, Ernest F.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Ernest Latta, July 23, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Ernest Latta, July 23, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ernest Latta. Latta worked in the CCC for a year and a half before joining the Army in October, 1940. He trained in Hawaii and was attached to Company I, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. He was at Schofield Barracks when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. After the attack, Latta guarded a beach on the western edge of Oahu for some time. He went to Guadalcanal in December, 1942. Latta earned a Silver Star in combat at Guadalcanal. He also invaded Vella Lavella. After that, he was present during the invasion of Luzon and participated in the battles at Balete Pass. Latta chose to be discharged when an opportunity came his way in July 1945.
Date: July 23, 2004
Creator: Latta, Ernest F.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Royce Keiser, July 20, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Royce Keiser, July 20, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Royce Keiser. Keiser joined the Army in February of 1943. He served in the 156th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B, 44th Infantry Division, 7th Army. Keiser worked as a lineman, stringing wire between switchboards and firing batteries, and also worked as a cannoneer on the 105mm howitzer. In September of 1944 he traveled overseas to Cherbourg, France, maneuvered through Mannheim and Worms, Germany, crossed the Rhine, moved into Lunéville, France to the front lines, and traveled through the Siegfried Line. Keiser participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He shares details of his combat experiences. Once the war ended, he traveled to Innsbruck, Austria. In July of 1945 he returned to the US and discharged in November.
Date: July 20, 2004
Creator: Keiser, Royce
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Royce Keiser, July 20, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Royce Keiser, July 20, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Royce Keiser. Keiser joined the Army in February of 1943. He served in the 156th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B, 44th Infantry Division, 7th Army. Keiser worked as a lineman, stringing wire between switchboards and firing batteries, and also worked as a cannoneer on the 105mm howitzer. In September of 1944 he traveled overseas to Cherbourg, France, maneuvered through Mannheim and Worms, Germany, crossed the Rhine, moved into Lunéville, France to the front lines, and traveled through the Siegfried Line. Keiser participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He shares details of his combat experiences. Once the war ended, he traveled to Innsbruck, Austria. In July of 1945 he returned to the US and discharged in November.
Date: July 20, 2004
Creator: Keiser, Royce
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Olive White, July 12, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Olive White, July 12, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Olive E. (Sally) White. White received her nursing degree in September of 1943 from Gary Methodist School of Nursing. In March of 1944 she was commissioned into the US Navy Nursing Corps, and stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station. She achieved the rank of lieutenant (junior grade). She remained in the Reserves and was discharged in March of 1953.
Date: July 12, 2004
Creator: White, Olive
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Olive White, July 12, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Olive White, July 12, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Olive E. (Sally) White. White received her nursing degree in September of 1943 from Gary Methodist School of Nursing. In March of 1944 she was commissioned into the US Navy Nursing Corps, and stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station. She achieved the rank of lieutenant (junior grade). She remained in the Reserves and was discharged in March of 1953.
Date: July 12, 2004
Creator: White, Olive
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Mary Schandua, July 9, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Mary Schandua, July 9, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mary Schandua. Florence Reeves also participates in the interview. After marrying, while her husband, John was in the service, she began working for the Boeing Company as a riveter in Seattle. She assembled wing sections on aircraft.
Date: July 9, 2004
Creator: Schandua, Mary
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Mary Schandua, July 9, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Mary Schandua, July 9, 2004

Interview with Mary Schandua, a riveter for the Boeing Company during World War II. Florence Reeves also participates in the interview. She began working for the Boeing Company as a riveter in Seattle after she married her husband John, who was in the service. She assembled wing sections on aircraft.
Date: July 9, 2004
Creator: Nichols, Chuck & Schandua, Mary
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Mary Schandua, July 9, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Mary Schandua, July 9, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Mary Schandua. Florence Reeves also participates in the interview. After marrying, while her husband, John was in the service, she began working for the Boeing Company as a riveter in Seattle. She assembled wing sections on aircraft.
Date: July 9, 2004
Creator: Schandua, Mary
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Harlan Crouse, July 2, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Harlan Crouse, July 2, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Harlan Crouse. Crouse joined the Army in October 1944 and trained at Camp Hood. He arrived in Manila in April, 1945 as a replacement in the 1st Cavalry Division to prepare further for the invasion of Japan. In early September, his unit departed for Japan. Crouse shares several anecdotes about his experiences during the occupation. He eventually began serving as troop clerk, and then moved up to battalion sergeant major. Crouse remained in Japan, returning to the US to be discharged in November, 1946.
Date: July 2, 2004
Creator: Crouse, Harlan
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Robert Plantz, July 2, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Robert Plantz, July 2, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Plantz. Plantz was drafted into the Army in August of 1945. He completed his training in Camp Robinson, Arkansas. He was assigned to the 541st Quartermaster Corps and stationed in France during peace time. He operated the M29 81mm and the M19 60mm mortars. He describes life in France and the state of the buildings after the war. He was discharged in December of 1947.
Date: July 2, 2004
Creator: Plantz, Robert
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Winfred Hartman, July 2, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Winfred Hartman, July 2, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Winfred Hartman. Hartman was drafted into the Army in June 1943. During his basic training in North Carolina, he was selected to be a medic. In January, 1944, he shipped to England where he worked in a replacement depot administering shots and processing paper records. After the Battle of the Bulge, Hartman was sent to join the 359th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division as a medic. He shares several anecdotes about his time in combat dealing with wounded and injured GIs. Hartman's unit was in Czechoslovakia when the war in Europe ended. He started home for the US in late November 1945.
Date: July 2, 2004
Creator: Hartman, Winfred
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Winfred Hartman, July 2, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Winfred Hartman, July 2, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Winfred Hartman. Hartman was drafted into the Army in June 1943. During his basic training in North Carolina, he was selected to be a medic. In January, 1944, he shipped to England where he worked in a replacement depot administering shots and processing paper records. After the Battle of the Bulge, Hartman was sent to join the 359th Regiment, 90th Infantry Division as a medic. He shares several anecdotes about his time in combat dealing with wounded and injured GIs. Hartman's unit was in Czechoslovakia when the war in Europe ended. He started home for the US in late November 1945.
Date: July 2, 2004
Creator: Hartman, Winfred
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Henry Kolar, July 31, 2003 transcript

Oral History Interview with Henry Kolar, July 31, 2003

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Henry Kolar. Kolar joined the Army in June of 1943. He served as a mechanic with the 997th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company. Beginning February of 1944, they deployed to England. They landed on Omaha Beach 2 weeks after the initial invasion. He was later transferred to the 95th Infantry Division, 379th Infantry Regiment. They traveled into France and, by November, captured the forts surrounding Metz and repulsed enemy attempts to cross the river. They traveled into Germany and participated in ongoing battles for several months, holding their position until the war ended. Kolar returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Date: July 31, 2003
Creator: Kolar, Henry
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Henry Kolar, July 31, 2003 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Henry Kolar, July 31, 2003

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Henry Kolar. Kolar joined the Army in June of 1943. He served as a mechanic with the 997th Engineer Treadway Bridge Company. Beginning February of 1944, they deployed to England. They landed on Omaha Beach 2 weeks after the initial invasion. He was later transferred to the 95th Infantry Division, 379th Infantry Regiment. They traveled into France and, by November, captured the forts surrounding Metz and repulsed enemy attempts to cross the river. They traveled into Germany and participated in ongoing battles for several months, holding their position until the war ended. Kolar returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Date: July 31, 2003
Creator: Kolar, Henry
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History