Oral History Interview with James Callanan, April 4, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with James Callanan, April 4, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Callanan. Callanan begins with some anecdotes about his family. He was working for General Electric and eschewed his deferment and joined the Navy in March, 1943. Once in the Navy, he went to radio school. Without having gone to submarine school, Callanan was assigned to the USS Sailfish (SS-192) in July 1944. After some patrolling, he was transferred to the USS Proteus (AS-19). Then he went aboard the USS Batfish (SS-310) and did more patrolling. He shares a few anecdotes about being on patrol and attacking Japanese shipping, including other submarines. When the war ended, he took his discharge and returned to GE.
Date: April 4, 2004
Creator: Callanan, James
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Robert Carey, March 23, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Robert Carey, March 23, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Carey. Carey joined the Marine Corps in an officer candidate class in November of 1942. In July of 1943 he was transferred to the Navy V-12 Program, completing midshipman and landing craft school. He was stationed aboard the USS Venango (AKA-82) beginning June of 1944. In the spring of 1945 they transported cargo for the impending assault on Okinawa, carrying troops, landing craft vehicles and gear of the Army’s 82nd Signal Construction Battalion. Carey was aboard when they participated in the Battle of Okinawa, returning to the US in November of 1945. He was discharged in March of 1946.
Date: March 23, 2004
Creator: Carey, Robert
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Robert Carey, March 23, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Robert Carey, March 23, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Carey. Carey joined the Marine Corps in an officer candidate class in November of 1942. In July of 1943 he was transferred to the Navy V-12 Program, completing midshipman and landing craft school. He was stationed aboard the USS Venango (AKA-82) beginning June of 1944. In the spring of 1945 they transported cargo for the impending assault on Okinawa, carrying troops, landing craft vehicles and gear of the Army’s 82nd Signal Construction Battalion. Carey was aboard when they participated in the Battle of Okinawa, returning to the US in November of 1945. He was discharged in March of 1946.
Date: March 23, 2004
Creator: Carey, Robert
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Fred Chupp, August 4, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Fred Chupp, August 4, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Fred Chupp. Chupp joined the Army in November of 1942. He served with the 197th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, A Battery. He provides details of his military training, including amphibious training in Virginia. In January of 1944, Chupp traveled to Camp Upton Lovell in Codford, England, where they prepared for the invasion of Normandy. They landed on Omaha Beach the afternoon of 6 June 1944. They also participated in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. His outfit guarded ammunition and fuel dumps, as well as ammunition and fuel convoys. Chupp was discharged in December of 1945.
Date: August 4, 2004
Creator: Chupp, Fred
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Fred Chupp, August 4, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Fred Chupp, August 4, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Fred Chupp. Chupp joined the Army in November of 1942. He served with the 197th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, A Battery. He provides details of his military training, including amphibious training in Virginia. In January of 1944, Chupp traveled to Camp Upton Lovell in Codford, England, where they prepared for the invasion of Normandy. They landed on Omaha Beach the afternoon of 6 June 1944. They also participated in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge. His outfit guarded ammunition and fuel dumps, as well as ammunition and fuel convoys. Chupp was discharged in December of 1945.
Date: August 4, 2004
Creator: Chupp, Fred
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Fred Chupp, October 1, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Fred Chupp, October 1, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Fred Chupp. Chupp volunteered in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940 and worked in Iowa. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 and trained in coast artillery. He landed at Normandy on D-Day in the afternoon with the 197th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. Chupp describes several combat experiences he had while in France.
Date: October 1, 2004
Creator: Chupp, Fred
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Daniel Clark, June 24, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Daniel Clark, June 24, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Daniel Clark. Clark was born in Morocco, Indiana on 26 June 1916. After graduating from high school in 1934, he worked on the farm until being drafted into the US Army in March 1942. Upon induction, he was sent to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana for six months of basic training. He was then sent to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina where he joined the 82nd Airborne Division’s glider section and was assigned to the 325th Glider Infantry, 2nd Battalion, Company F. Upon completion of training the unit boarded the SS Santa Rosa for a twelve day trip to Casa Blanca, North Africa. His narrative is a well told tale of his participation in Operation Overlord, Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge and of the horrific scene found when the unit liberated the Wobbelin Concentration Camp on 5 May 1945.
Date: June 24, 2004
Creator: Clark, Daniel C.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Daniel Clark, June 24, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Daniel Clark, June 24, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Daniel Clark. Clark was born in Morocco, Indiana on 26 June 1916. After graduating from high school in 1934, he worked on the farm until being drafted into the US Army in March 1942. Upon induction, he was sent to Camp Claiborne, Louisiana for six months of basic training. He was then sent to Ft. Bragg, North Carolina where he joined the 82nd Airborne Division’s glider section and was assigned to the 325th Glider Infantry, 2nd Battalion, Company F. Upon completion of training the unit boarded the SS Santa Rosa for a twelve day trip to Casa Blanca, North Africa. His narrative is a well told tale of his participation in Operation Overlord, Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge and of the horrific scene found when the unit liberated the Wobbelin Concentration Camp on 5 May 1945.
Date: June 24, 2004
Creator: Clark, Daniel C.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with George Clay, February 27, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with George Clay, February 27, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Clay. Clay joined the Army in 1940. Beginning August of 1941, he served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, serving in the Pacific Theater. In September of 1943, they participated in the New Guinea Campaign. Clay served until late 1943, early 1944. His discharge date is not noted.
Date: February 27, 2004
Creator: Clay, George
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with George Clay, February 27, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with George Clay, February 27, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with George Clay. Clay joined the Army in 1940. Beginning August of 1941, he served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment, serving in the Pacific Theater. In September of 1943, they participated in the New Guinea Campaign. Clay served until late 1943, early 1944. His discharge date is not noted.
Date: February 27, 2004
Creator: Clay, George
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Randolph Coleman, May 27, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Randolph Coleman, May 27, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Randolph Coleman. Coleman was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on 21 December 1922. He enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and tells of his reasons for wanting to become a paratrooper. He describes the strenuous physical testing he passed allowing him to qualify for jump school. Coleman was assigned to the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, F Company, 1st Platoon. He was then selected to attend intelligence school. After receiving additional infantry training at Camp Marshall, North Carolina he was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia to jump school. He relates various anecdotes regarding jump school including chute packing, a near fatal jump incident, training methods and physical treatment. Following additional combat training the unit was put aboard the USAT Santa Rosa, which ultimately landed at Naples, Italy. On 15 August 1944 his unit was involved in Operation Dragoon. He relates being at the front for 94 days in combat in freezing conditions where he developing pneumonia and frozen feet. He was sent to the hospital, due to his medical problems and returned to the United States. He was discharged on 22 June 1945.
Date: May 27, 2004
Creator: Coleman, Randolph
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Randolph Coleman, May 27, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Randolph Coleman, May 27, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Randolph Coleman. Coleman was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on 21 December 1922. He enlisted in the US Army in 1943 and tells of his reasons for wanting to become a paratrooper. He describes the strenuous physical testing he passed allowing him to qualify for jump school. Coleman was assigned to the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team, F Company, 1st Platoon. He was then selected to attend intelligence school. After receiving additional infantry training at Camp Marshall, North Carolina he was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia to jump school. He relates various anecdotes regarding jump school including chute packing, a near fatal jump incident, training methods and physical treatment. Following additional combat training the unit was put aboard the USAT Santa Rosa, which ultimately landed at Naples, Italy. On 15 August 1944 his unit was involved in Operation Dragoon. He relates being at the front for 94 days in combat in freezing conditions where he developing pneumonia and frozen feet. He was sent to the hospital, due to his medical problems and returned to the United States. He was discharged on 22 June 1945.
Date: May 27, 2004
Creator: Coleman, Randolph
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Ruth Congram, June 7, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Ruth Congram, June 7, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ruth Congram. Congram began taking flight instruction in the late 1930s, earning her private pilot’s license. After the war began in 1941, Congram worked for the Lucas Harold Company building parts for the Norden bombsight. In May of 1944 she enlisted in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Congram flew on search missions as a pilot and as an observer, flying over farms searching for needed iron in junk piles. Additionally, she operated a Civil Air Patrol Radio station, and served as senior staff at CAP Summer Encampments at various Air Force bases. Congram worked as Administrative Finance Officer and Encampment Commander. She received Civil Air Patrol rank of Lieutenant Colonel in September of 1983. She and her husband operated the Congram Airport on the east side of Monticello, Indiana from 1945-1966, preparing planes for re-license and rebuilt wrecked airplanes. Congram never retired from CAP.
Date: June 7, 2004
Creator: Congram, Ruth
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Ruth Congram, June 7, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Ruth Congram, June 7, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Ruth Congram. Congram began taking flight instruction in the late 1930s, earning her private pilot’s license. After the war began in 1941, Congram worked for the Lucas Harold Company building parts for the Norden bombsight. In May of 1944 she enlisted in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Congram flew on search missions as a pilot and as an observer, flying over farms searching for needed iron in junk piles. Additionally, she operated a Civil Air Patrol Radio station, and served as senior staff at CAP Summer Encampments at various Air Force bases. Congram worked as Administrative Finance Officer and Encampment Commander. She received Civil Air Patrol rank of Lieutenant Colonel in September of 1983. She and her husband operated the Congram Airport on the east side of Monticello, Indiana from 1945-1966, preparing planes for re-license and rebuilt wrecked airplanes. Congram never retired from CAP.
Date: June 7, 2004
Creator: Congram, Ruth
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Jesse Cook, April 8, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Jesse Cook, April 8, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jesse Cook. Cook joined the Army in March of 1943. He served as a private with C Battery, 414th Tank Battalion, 20th Armored Division. Cook’s job was to load the 105mm howitzer aboard the M7 tank. In February of 1945, they deployed to Le Havre, France. In April, Cook served in combat along the Rhine River in support of the 101st Airborne Division near Delhoven, Germany and the 82nd Airborne Division across the river from Hitdorf, Germany. He continued in combat from the Rhine into Munich. Upon entering Salzburg in May, hostilities ceased. He returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Date: April 8, 2004
Creator: Cook, Jesse
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Jesse Cook, April 8, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Jesse Cook, April 8, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jesse Cook. Cook joined the Army in March of 1943. He served as a private with C Battery, 414th Tank Battalion, 20th Armored Division. Cook’s job was to load the 105mm howitzer aboard the M7 tank. In February of 1945, they deployed to Le Havre, France. In April, Cook served in combat along the Rhine River in support of the 101st Airborne Division near Delhoven, Germany and the 82nd Airborne Division across the river from Hitdorf, Germany. He continued in combat from the Rhine into Munich. Upon entering Salzburg in May, hostilities ceased. He returned to the US and was discharged in late 1945.
Date: April 8, 2004
Creator: Cook, Jesse
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Roscoe Corder, February 27, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Roscoe Corder, February 27, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Roscoe Corder. Corder joined the Army in March of 1940. He completed Officer Candidate School and Parachute School. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Corder participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in June of 1946.
Date: February 27, 2004
Creator: Corder, Roscoe
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Roscoe Corder, February 27, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Roscoe Corder, February 27, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Roscoe Corder. Corder joined the Army in March of 1940. He completed Officer Candidate School and Parachute School. He served with the 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment. In late 1943, Corder participated in the New Guinea Campaign. In February of 1945, he served in the Battle of Corregidor. He was discharged in June of 1946.
Date: February 27, 2004
Creator: Corder, Roscoe
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Lewis R. Hopkins, January 15, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Lewis R. Hopkins, January 15, 2004

Interview with Lewis R. Hopkins, a pilot during World War II. He describes growing up on a farm in Georgia, going to college at Berry, and working for Sears, Roebuck, and the Royal Typewriter Company before joining the U. S. Navy. He tells an anecdote about joining the navy so he could go to New York to see the World's Fair, since he had heard the Atlanta Reserve would be making a trip to the Fair. He began flight training in Florida in December 1940, finished the next September, then drove cross-country to San Francisco after the Pearl Harbor attack. He eventually joined the USS Enterprise in April 1942 and saw the B-25 bombers in the Doolittle Raid take off. He was part of Bombing Squadron Six and trained under Commander Best to learn how to do scouting flights, navigation, and dive bombing. He then describes his participation in the Battle of Midway, the hours before take-off, his first view of the Japanese fleet, and his bombing mission. He was later assigned to the USS Hornet and had to fly off to a little island so that planes from the USS Wasp could land on the Hornet after their ship …
Date: January 15, 2004
Creator: Cox, Floyd & Hopkins, Lewis R.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with James F. Sansom, October 8, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with James F. Sansom, October 8, 2004

Interview with James F. Sansom, an officer in the U. S. Army during World War II. Sansom joined the Army in 1940 and began training on anti-aircraft guns in Florida. He was selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1942. He was assigned to the 843rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Air Warning Battalion, which made its way to India via the Panama Canal and Australia. Shortly after reaching Calcutta, the unit moved to Myitkyina, Burma. After the war, Sansom was assigned to Sagumo Prison outside Tokyo where Japanese war criminals were being held while on trial for war crimes. He describes some of the routines and residents in the prison. Sansom taught Hideki Tojo how to play card games like gin rummy. Sansom also describes the process of executing convicted prisoners as he carried out some sentences. In all, he executed nine convicted war criminals.
Date: October 8, 2004
Creator: Cox, Floyd & Sansom, James F.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Alan W. Saunders, October 8, 2004 transcript

Oral History Interview with Alan W. Saunders, October 8, 2004

Interview with Alan W. "Buck" Saunders, a pilot during World War II. He discusses joining the Army Air Corps, becoming an airplane mechanic, and going to flight school for pilot training. He was stationed in India and flew supplies into China over the Himalayas (known by pilots as "the Hump"). In China, he traded items such as jewelry or opium for information on Japanese troop placements in Burma. He also discusses his meetings with native Burmese and talks about later experiences he had after the war and during the Vietnam War.
Date: October 8, 2004
Creator: Cox, Floyd & Saunders, Alan W.
Object Type: Sound
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Alan W. Saunders, October 8, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Alan W. Saunders, October 8, 2004

Interview with Alan W. "Buck" Saunders of New Braunfels, Texas, a veteran of the Army Air Force during World War Two. The interview includes Saunders' personal experiences while in the Air Force, including the China-Burma-India Theater and memories of flying cargo to China over the Himalayas. Mr. Saunders also talks about life before and after his service.
Date: October 8, 2004
Creator: Cox, Floyd & Saunders, Alan W.
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with Leroy Cox, February 5, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with Leroy Cox, February 5, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Leroy Cox. Cox was flying a crop duster in Colorado when he was drafted into the Army. He did not tell the Army he could fly and was trained as an armorer for B-17 bombers. Once someone found he could fly, he was sent to flight school. He eventually trained as a tow pilot for gliders, then as a glider pilot in South Carolina. He never was called to go overseas and was discharged in November 1945.
Date: February 5, 2004
Creator: Cox, Leroy
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History
Oral History Interview with William Craig, September 25, 2004 (open access)

Oral History Interview with William Craig, September 25, 2004

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Craig. Craig was inducted into the Army Air Forces on 20 October 1942. After basic training at Miami Beach, he was assigned to the 2002nd Ordnance Maintenance Company and sailed across the Atlantic on the RMS Queen Mary arriving in England on 29 July 1943. He was assigned to the 1962nd Ordnance Depot Company (Aviation) a part of the 8th Air Force. His duties included servicing and modifying B-17 and B-24 bombers. Smith was once placed in charge of German POWs tasked with painting military vehicles returned from North Africa. He provides a detailed account of his involvement in the famous truck convoys known as the Red Ball Express. He also recalls his role in cannibalizing bombers which had crash landed in England upon returning from their missions. He remembers returning to the States on the RMS Queen Elizabeth and being discharged on November 10, 1945.
Date: September 25, 2004
Creator: Craig, William
Object Type: Text
System: The Portal to Texas History