The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard Robinette. Robinette was born on 27 March 1925. He joined the Navy and completed Basic Engineering School. Beginning in early 1944, Robinette served as a Fireman aboard USS Claxton (DD-571). They aided in the invasion of the Philippines and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, where they received damage from a kamikaze plane. They provided escort duty in the Lingayen Gulf landings in January of 1945. In May, they arrived off Okinawa for duty as radar picket and fighter-director until the close of the war. Robinette returned to the US and received his discharge in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard Robinette. Robinette was born on 27 March 1925. He joined the Navy and completed Basic Engineering School. Beginning in early 1944, Robinette served as a Fireman aboard USS Claxton (DD-571). They aided in the invasion of the Philippines and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, where they received damage from a kamikaze plane. They provided escort duty in the Lingayen Gulf landings in January of 1945. In May, they arrived off Okinawa for duty as radar picket and fighter-director until the close of the war. Robinette returned to the US and received his discharge in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Couch. Couch joined the Army Air Corps in 1939. He served in the armament section as an aircraft mechanic. Once the war began, he worked as the Chief Armorer of the armament section of the 73rd Bombardment Squadron until 1943. He traveled to New Guinea, Morotai Island and to Clark Field in the Philippines, where he was stationed when the war ended. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring in 1960 as a Master Sergeant, E-7.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Couch. Couch joined the Army Air Corps in 1939. He served in the armament section as an aircraft mechanic. Once the war began, he worked as the Chief Armorer of the armament section of the 73rd Bombardment Squadron until 1943. He traveled to New Guinea, Morotai Island and to Clark Field in the Philippines, where he was stationed when the war ended. He continued his service after the war ended, retiring in 1960 as a Master Sergeant, E-7.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard Andrew. Andrew joined the Army in June of 1943. He served with the 34th Infantry Division, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, Company B. Beginning late 1943, Andrew traveled aboard the USS Butler (DD-636) to Africa, participating in additional training. In January of 1944 they traveled to Naples, Italy, and participated in the Italian Campaign on the front line battering the Bernhardt Line defenses. From March through June, they participated in the Battle of Anzio. Andrew was discharged in December of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard Andrew. Andrew joined the Army in June of 1943. He served with the 34th Infantry Division, 133rd Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, Company B. Beginning late 1943, Andrew traveled aboard the USS Butler (DD-636) to Africa, participating in additional training. In January of 1944 they traveled to Naples, Italy, and participated in the Italian Campaign on the front line battering the Bernhardt Line defenses. From March through June, they participated in the Battle of Anzio. Andrew was discharged in December of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Beverly Bagley of Fullerton, California. She discusses where she was when Pearl Harbor was bombed and recalls hearing President Roosevelt's speech about the incident. Mrs. Bagley also talks about how her father wanted to volunteer for the military, but her mother refused to sign off on it, so he was barred from joining the war. Mrs. Bagley recalls having to save everything from aluminum cans to chewing gum wrappers and the war time rationing that occurred. She also recounts her time spent in the hospital during the war, in 1943, due to Polio. Mrs. Bagley tells the interviewer that there was no celebration when Germany surrendered, but there was one when the bombs were dropped over Japan and the peace treaty signed, signifying the real end of World War 2. She also talks about her cousins and her husband who were enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Beverly Bagley of Fullerton, California. She discusses where she was when Pearl Harbor was bombed and recalls hearing President Roosevelt's speech about the incident. Mrs. Bagley also talks about how her father wanted to volunteer for the military, but her mother refused to sign off on it, so he was barred from joining the war. Mrs. Bagley recalls having to save everything from aluminum cans to chewing gum wrappers and the war time rationing that occurred. She also recounts her time spent in the hospital during the war, in 1943, due to Polio. Mrs. Bagley tells the interviewer that there was no celebration when Germany surrendered, but there was one when the bombs were dropped over Japan and the peace treaty signed, signifying the real end of World War 2. She also talks about her cousins and her husband who were enlisted in the U.S. Navy.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Mika. Mika joined the Navy in 1942. He attended aviation metalsmith school in Norman, Oklahoma, repairing airplane parts, including the wings and fuselage, and welding aluminum. In late 1943 he graduated from Aerial Gunnery School in California. He served aboard the USS Santee (CVE-29) beginning March of 1944. They participated in the invasion of Hollandia, Morotai and Guam. Mika’s job aboard the ship was servicing the planes and aviation gas detail. In October of 1944 they participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and he describes an attack by a kamikaze plane and a torpedo from a Japanese submarine. They traveled back to Pearl Harbor for repairs, and then back out to Okinawa. He provides some details of the carrier. They traveled to Wakayama, Japan and picked up American, British and Australian prisoners of war. He was discharged in April of 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Mika. Mika joined the Navy in 1942. He attended aviation metalsmith school in Norman, Oklahoma, repairing airplane parts, including the wings and fuselage, and welding aluminum. In late 1943 he graduated from Aerial Gunnery School in California. He served aboard the USS Santee (CVE-29) beginning March of 1944. They participated in the invasion of Hollandia, Morotai and Guam. Mika’s job aboard the ship was servicing the planes and aviation gas detail. In October of 1944 they participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, and he describes an attack by a kamikaze plane and a torpedo from a Japanese submarine. They traveled back to Pearl Harbor for repairs, and then back out to Okinawa. He provides some details of the carrier. They traveled to Wakayama, Japan and picked up American, British and Australian prisoners of war. He was discharged in April of 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Elmo King. King served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941. He joined the Navy in December of 1942. In March of 1943 he served aboard the USS Tennessee (BB-43) as a gunner, working with 14-inch guns. His position was rammer man in the main battery, left gun of turret two. He provides description of his job aboard and the weapons themselves. Overall, King participated in ten battles, including the bombardment of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands, and the assault and capture of Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Kavieng, New Ireland, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Anguar, Palau Islands, Leyte, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Battle of Suriago Strait. He provides details of these experiences aboard the Tennessee. He was discharged in December of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Elmo King. King served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1941. He joined the Navy in December of 1942. In March of 1943 he served aboard the USS Tennessee (BB-43) as a gunner, working with 14-inch guns. His position was rammer man in the main battery, left gun of turret two. He provides description of his job aboard and the weapons themselves. Overall, King participated in ten battles, including the bombardment of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands, and the assault and capture of Tarawa, Kwajalein, Eniwetok, Kavieng, New Ireland, Saipan, Guam, Tinian, Anguar, Palau Islands, Leyte, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the Battle of Suriago Strait. He provides details of these experiences aboard the Tennessee. He was discharged in December of 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Jura. Jura was drafted into the Navy in December of 1944. He was sent to Yerba Buena Island and was considered ship’s company. Jura worked in the barracks office as a Ration Yeoman on the island installation, billeting about 4,000 soldiers. Jura describes life on Treasure Island, and his job in detail. He was discharged in July of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Joseph Jura. Jura was drafted into the Navy in December of 1944. He was sent to Yerba Buena Island and was considered ship’s company. Jura worked in the barracks office as a Ration Yeoman on the island installation, billeting about 4,000 soldiers. Jura describes life on Treasure Island, and his job in detail. He was discharged in July of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gordon Wilkinson. Wilkinson was drafted into the Army in January 1945. He completed basic training in Camp Wheeler, Georgia. He provides details of his experiences in training. He served in the Luzon, Philippines campaign. They first landed in Eniwetok and picked up a convoy then headed into the Philippines. He was a part of the fifth replacement and later the 43rd Infantry Division and Headquarters Company. They were set up in Cabanatuan. Then they traveled to Japan in September 1945. The 43rd Infantry Division was deactivated and Wilkinson joined the 1st Cavalry Division in Osaka, and he was assigned to the 302nd Recon. He provides detail of his time in Osaka. He left Japan in December 1945 and was shipped to Fort Stevens, Oregon where he re-enlisted. He attended Counter Intelligence School in Baltimore, Maryland. He was then stationed in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was in the service 29 years, and retired as Chief Warrant Officer Four.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Gordon Wilkinson. Wilkinson was drafted into the Army in January 1945. He completed basic training in Camp Wheeler, Georgia. He provides details of his experiences in training. He served in the Luzon, Philippines campaign. They first landed in Eniwetok and picked up a convoy then headed into the Philippines. He was a part of the fifth replacement and later the 43rd Infantry Division and Headquarters Company. They were set up in Cabanatuan. Then they traveled to Japan in September 1945. The 43rd Infantry Division was deactivated and Wilkinson joined the 1st Cavalry Division in Osaka, and he was assigned to the 302nd Recon. He provides detail of his time in Osaka. He left Japan in December 1945 and was shipped to Fort Stevens, Oregon where he re-enlisted. He attended Counter Intelligence School in Baltimore, Maryland. He was then stationed in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was in the service 29 years, and retired as Chief Warrant Officer Four.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jackie Haworth. Haworth entered the Navy March 1944. He went to Faragut, Idaho for boot camp. From there he went on to California, Hawaii and then to the South Pacific and boarded the USS Boston (CA-69). He was in the black gang on the Boston working in the aft engine room serving as a fireman, first class. Later, he became a machinist mate, first class. He was part of the Battle of the Philippine Sea in 1944. He provides details of that event. He was discharged May 1946. His ship was bombarding Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima. He toured the area afterwards and gives details of what he saw. He used his G.I. Bill to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma for aircraft engine training. He later worked on the railroad, then got into the oil industry.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Jackie Haworth. Haworth entered the Navy March 1944. He went to Faragut, Idaho for boot camp. From there he went on to California, Hawaii and then to the South Pacific and boarded the USS Boston (CA-69). He was in the black gang on the Boston working in the aft engine room serving as a fireman, first class. Later, he became a machinist mate, first class. He was part of the Battle of the Philippine Sea in 1944. He provides details of that event. He was discharged May 1946. His ship was bombarding Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima. He toured the area afterwards and gives details of what he saw. He used his G.I. Bill to attend Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma for aircraft engine training. He later worked on the railroad, then got into the oil industry.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Lowe. Lowe joined the Army Air Forces in October 1944. He completed basic training in Wichita Falls, Texas, gunnery school in Fort Myers, Florida and Clovis, New Mexico. His training consisted of simulation bombing flights over Syracuse, New York and Havana, Cuba. Lowe completed reconnaissance training in Salina, Kansas. He was later transferred to Lincoln, Nebraska where he was assigned to a bomb crew to serve as a B-29 tail gunner. For Lowe, the war ended before he could be deployed overseas or complete any combat missions. He was assigned to Fort Sheridan, Illinois, where he received his discharge in August of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Lowe. Lowe joined the Army Air Forces in October 1944. He completed basic training in Wichita Falls, Texas, gunnery school in Fort Myers, Florida and Clovis, New Mexico. His training consisted of simulation bombing flights over Syracuse, New York and Havana, Cuba. Lowe completed reconnaissance training in Salina, Kansas. He was later transferred to Lincoln, Nebraska where he was assigned to a bomb crew to serve as a B-29 tail gunner. For Lowe, the war ended before he could be deployed overseas or complete any combat missions. He was assigned to Fort Sheridan, Illinois, where he received his discharge in August of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Lawrence. Lawrence graduated high school in 1938 or 1939. He then joined the Navy and completed boot camp in California. He served aboard the USS Portland (CA-33) as a radar operator. He did not go to school to learn the radar, he learned what he needed to know aboard the ship. His ship was torpedoed during the Naval Battle at Guadalcanal in 1942. After the ship was repaired they stayed in the Pacific. He served for three years and three months. Once he was discharged he worked for a local delivery dairy in Santa Rosa.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with William Lawrence. Lawrence graduated high school in 1938 or 1939. He then joined the Navy and completed boot camp in California. He served aboard the USS Portland (CA-33) as a radar operator. He did not go to school to learn the radar, he learned what he needed to know aboard the ship. His ship was torpedoed during the Naval Battle at Guadalcanal in 1942. After the ship was repaired they stayed in the Pacific. He served for three years and three months. Once he was discharged he worked for a local delivery dairy in Santa Rosa.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with William N. Gottsman. Gottsman joined the Army Air Forces in February of 1942. He served as a military policeman at the Kelly Air Force Base aviation cadet center for the duration of his service. He received his discharge in January of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with William N. Gottsman. Gottsman joined the Army Air Forces in February of 1942. He served as a military policeman at the Kelly Air Force Base aviation cadet center for the duration of his service. He received his discharge in January of 1946.