The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dr. George Burnet. Burnet joined the Army on May 16, 1944. He studied chemical warfare, and was trained on the 4.2 inch mortar battalion. He served as a forward observer with the 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. Around mid-1944, they were deployed to the Philippines and participated in the Battle of Leyte. He recovered from malaria around June and July of 1945. Beginning in September, they served in the occupation of Japan, providing military support to the U.S. government and completing 8 months of demilitarization duties. In mid to late 1946, they occupied a Japanese military base in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture. He continued his service, and received his discharge in December of 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Dr. George Burnet. Burnet joined the Army on May 16, 1944. He studied chemical warfare, and was trained on the 4.2 inch mortar battalion. He served as a forward observer with the 99th Field Artillery Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. Around mid-1944, they were deployed to the Philippines and participated in the Battle of Leyte. He recovered from malaria around June and July of 1945. Beginning in September, they served in the occupation of Japan, providing military support to the U.S. government and completing 8 months of demilitarization duties. In mid to late 1946, they occupied a Japanese military base in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture. He continued his service, and received his discharge in December of 1947.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Burnet. He discusses his childhood growing up during the Great Depression and what led him to join the chemical warfare service of the US Army. He describes all the different training camps he was sent to around the US and eventually being deployed in the Pacific Theatre during World War Two.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with George Burnet. He discusses his childhood growing up during the Great Depression and what led him to join the chemical warfare service of the US Army. He describes all the different training camps he was sent to around the US and eventually being deployed in the Pacific Theatre during World War Two.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert James Broadwell. Broadwell was born in Iowa in 1926 and joined the Coast Guard in 1944. He recalls several anecdotes about his experiences in the Philippines during the war. He was involved in medical care in the Philippines after the Allied invasion as a chief pharmacist mate. He developed an interest in homeopathic remedies there because the Filipino doctors seemed to be getting better results with their patients. After the war ended, ne traveled to Japan for a while, still working on medical issues. He returned to the US and was discharged in May 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert James Broadwell. Broadwell was born in Iowa in 1926 and joined the Coast Guard in 1944. He recalls several anecdotes about his experiences in the Philippines during the war. He was involved in medical care in the Philippines after the Allied invasion as a chief pharmacist mate. He developed an interest in homeopathic remedies there because the Filipino doctors seemed to be getting better results with their patients. After the war ended, ne traveled to Japan for a while, still working on medical issues. He returned to the US and was discharged in May 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Neece. Neece was drafted into the Army in July, 1943 and had basic training in New Orleans. After basic training, Neece went to Illinois for radio school, then to Florida for radar school. He was then sent to the Pacific and joined the 864th Bomb Squadron as a radar operator. He flew out of Saipan and Okinawa prior to the war's end. When it was over, he spent a little while in Japan before going bakc to the US and being discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with John Neece. Neece was drafted into the Army in July, 1943 and had basic training in New Orleans. After basic training, Neece went to Illinois for radio school, then to Florida for radar school. He was then sent to the Pacific and joined the 864th Bomb Squadron as a radar operator. He flew out of Saipan and Okinawa prior to the war's end. When it was over, he spent a little while in Japan before going bakc to the US and being discharged.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arthur Griffin. Griffin joined the Navy in late 1942. He served as an aircraft navigator in the Pacific Theater. He volunteered for the Marine Corps and became a second lieutenant. He was assigned to a 5-man squadron and a C-47 at an airfield in La Tontouta, New Caledonia. They were part of the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT). SCAT provided rapid transport of personnel and cargo, including munitions, food, replacement parts, and medical supplies to forward areas. From La Tontouta, they flew to the Solomon Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal and Emirau Island. Griffin speaks of his work as a navigator, and overall life in the military. He returned to the US in May of 1944 and was stationed in El Centro, California. He completed 700 flight hours during his service. Griffin received his discharge in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Arthur Griffin. Griffin joined the Navy in late 1942. He served as an aircraft navigator in the Pacific Theater. He volunteered for the Marine Corps and became a second lieutenant. He was assigned to a 5-man squadron and a C-47 at an airfield in La Tontouta, New Caledonia. They were part of the South Pacific Combat Air Transport Command (SCAT). SCAT provided rapid transport of personnel and cargo, including munitions, food, replacement parts, and medical supplies to forward areas. From La Tontouta, they flew to the Solomon Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal and Emirau Island. Griffin speaks of his work as a navigator, and overall life in the military. He returned to the US in May of 1944 and was stationed in El Centro, California. He completed 700 flight hours during his service. Griffin received his discharge in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jack Bacastow. Bacastow joined the Navy in March of 1943. He completed Aviation Ordnance School. He assisted with setting up an air base in the South Pacific to service carriers. He joined the Aviation Construction Ordnance Repair Navy 28 (ACORN 28) unit, serving in the Admiralty Islands from March through October of 1944. Bacastow was transferred to the USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71), where he served through the battles of Leyte Gulf and Luzon. He continued his service after the war ended, receiving his discharge in March of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Jack Bacastow. Bacastow joined the Navy in March of 1943. He completed Aviation Ordnance School. He assisted with setting up an air base in the South Pacific to service carriers. He joined the Aviation Construction Ordnance Repair Navy 28 (ACORN 28) unit, serving in the Admiralty Islands from March through October of 1944. Bacastow was transferred to the USS Kitkun Bay (CVE-71), where he served through the battles of Leyte Gulf and Luzon. He continued his service after the war ended, receiving his discharge in March of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Warren Gilmour. Gilmour was born in 1932 and was 8 years old when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. He recalls his relatives who were in World War II, including an aunt and uncle. He also shares what he remembers as a child growing up during wartime, including collecting rubber and metals as well as rationing gasoline. He recalls living in fear during brownouts and watching for planes overhead. Gilmour joined the Navy in January of 1951. He served as gunner’s mate aboard the USS Black Warrior River (LSMR-404) beginning May of that same year. In October his group traveled to Korea, participating in coastal bombings, blockade force and protecting small islands on the west coast of Korea. He provides some details of the Landing Ship Medium Rocket, and its use in World War II and during the Korean War. Gilmour was discharged in August of 1954.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Warren Gilmour. Gilmour was born in 1932 and was 8 years old when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred. He recalls his relatives who were in World War II, including an aunt and uncle. He also shares what he remembers as a child growing up during wartime, including collecting rubber and metals as well as rationing gasoline. He recalls living in fear during brownouts and watching for planes overhead. Gilmour joined the Navy in January of 1951. He served as gunner’s mate aboard the USS Black Warrior River (LSMR-404) beginning May of that same year. In October his group traveled to Korea, participating in coastal bombings, blockade force and protecting small islands on the west coast of Korea. He provides some details of the Landing Ship Medium Rocket, and its use in World War II and during the Korean War. Gilmour was discharged in August of 1954.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Morris. Morris joined the Navy in November of 1942. He describes his boot camp experiences, including his amphibious training on Coronado Island, California. He trained as a coxswain. In November of 1944 he boarded the USS Highlands (APA-119) to Hawaii. Beginning in January of 1945 he served aboard the USS LST-678. They traveled to Iwo Jima. Morris was in the fifth wave and landed on Yellow Beach and he vividly explains his experiences there. In April of 1946 he received a three-day pass to visit Japan and provides some detail of his travels. He was discharged in May of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with James Morris. Morris joined the Navy in November of 1942. He describes his boot camp experiences, including his amphibious training on Coronado Island, California. He trained as a coxswain. In November of 1944 he boarded the USS Highlands (APA-119) to Hawaii. Beginning in January of 1945 he served aboard the USS LST-678. They traveled to Iwo Jima. Morris was in the fifth wave and landed on Yellow Beach and he vividly explains his experiences there. In April of 1946 he received a three-day pass to visit Japan and provides some detail of his travels. He was discharged in May of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Curtis Whiteway. Whiteway joined the Army in December 1943 and trained at Fort Knox. He was attached to the 99th Infantry Division and landed in France in September of 1944. He recalls a friendly fire incident that reduced his company to 18 men. He also mentions liberating various concentration camps. He had a comrade die in his arms and he shares anecdotes from during the Battle of the Bulge and other combat experiences. He received three Purple Hearts. When the war ended, Whiteway went back to France. His records were misplaced and he was finally sent home and discharged in March, 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Curtis Whiteway. Whiteway joined the Army in December 1943 and trained at Fort Knox. He was attached to the 99th Infantry Division and landed in France in September of 1944. He recalls a friendly fire incident that reduced his company to 18 men. He also mentions liberating various concentration camps. He had a comrade die in his arms and he shares anecdotes from during the Battle of the Bulge and other combat experiences. He received three Purple Hearts. When the war ended, Whiteway went back to France. His records were misplaced and he was finally sent home and discharged in March, 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Ehinger. Ehinger was drafted into the Navy in October of 1943. He graduated as Ensign from Supply Corps School in January of 1944, with training in record keeping, payroll and supplies. He was assigned to the USS Lamson (DD-367). They traveled to Hawaii, then to Majuro in the Marshall Islands. From there, they went to Eniwetok and connected with the Seventh Fleet. In December of 1944 the Seventh Fleet traveled to Ormoc Bay, to reinforce the troops remaining on the island after the invasion of Leyte. They were hit by a kamikaze and Ehinger details this event. After repairs in Bremerton, Washington they were sent to Iwo Jima to supply the Marines and where he witnessed the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi. From March through August 1945 they traveled the Philippine Sea picking up any pilots that got lost or had to ditch. After the war ended they went to Kyushu to inspect Japanese ships. They returned to San Diego and Ehinger went to Rhode Island in charge of shipping surplus property that was being made available to contractors. He was discharged in June of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Robert Ehinger. Ehinger was drafted into the Navy in October of 1943. He graduated as Ensign from Supply Corps School in January of 1944, with training in record keeping, payroll and supplies. He was assigned to the USS Lamson (DD-367). They traveled to Hawaii, then to Majuro in the Marshall Islands. From there, they went to Eniwetok and connected with the Seventh Fleet. In December of 1944 the Seventh Fleet traveled to Ormoc Bay, to reinforce the troops remaining on the island after the invasion of Leyte. They were hit by a kamikaze and Ehinger details this event. After repairs in Bremerton, Washington they were sent to Iwo Jima to supply the Marines and where he witnessed the flag raising on Mt. Suribachi. From March through August 1945 they traveled the Philippine Sea picking up any pilots that got lost or had to ditch. After the war ended they went to Kyushu to inspect Japanese ships. They returned to San Diego and Ehinger went to Rhode Island in charge of shipping surplus property that was being made available to contractors. He was discharged in June of 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard Yarling. Yarling was at Indiana University when the war started. He joined the Navy while still in school and graduated in 1943. After further training and commissioing, he joined USS Chauncy (DD-667) and served as an assistance communications officer working closely with the radar and radio. Yarling shares anecdotes about life on board the destroyer and recalls going ashore at Tarawa. He also recalls experiences in two typhoons as well as carrier screening duty off the home islands of Japan. Yarling recalls witnessing other ships rescuing several crewmen from the stricken USS Franklin (CV-13). When the war ended, and after the ship returned from China, Yarling was discharged in January 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Richard Yarling. Yarling was at Indiana University when the war started. He joined the Navy while still in school and graduated in 1943. After further training and commissioing, he joined USS Chauncy (DD-667) and served as an assistance communications officer working closely with the radar and radio. Yarling shares anecdotes about life on board the destroyer and recalls going ashore at Tarawa. He also recalls experiences in two typhoons as well as carrier screening duty off the home islands of Japan. Yarling recalls witnessing other ships rescuing several crewmen from the stricken USS Franklin (CV-13). When the war ended, and after the ship returned from China, Yarling was discharged in January 1946.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Juventino Mata. Mata was born of Mexican-American parents on a ranch in Imperial County, California. He recalls being forced to flee Mexico as a youngster due to the Cristero War conducted by the Mexican dictator Elias Calles. In the US, Mata attended a segregated school to the 8th grade at which time he quit to contribute to the family income. He tells of the family working as itinerate farm workers, picking various crops throughout California. In 1942, he was drafted into the US Army Air Forces. Upon completion of basic training, he joined the 29th Fighter Group, 55th Fighter Squadron and went to England aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. There he became a cook for the unit. He tells of the missions of the 55th Fighter Squadron and the various types of fighter planes they flew. Mata was discharged in late 1945.

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with Juventino Mata. Mata was born of Mexican-American parents on a ranch in Imperial County, California. He recalls being forced to flee Mexico as a youngster due to the Cristero War conducted by the Mexican dictator Elias Calles. In the US, Mata attended a segregated school to the 8th grade at which time he quit to contribute to the family income. He tells of the family working as itinerate farm workers, picking various crops throughout California. In 1942, he was drafted into the US Army Air Forces. Upon completion of basic training, he joined the 29th Fighter Group, 55th Fighter Squadron and went to England aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. There he became a cook for the unit. He tells of the missions of the 55th Fighter Squadron and the various types of fighter planes they flew. Mata was discharged in late 1945.