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1. Interview with Aaron Nathenson (1939 - ), Urban Exodus: St. Louis Park Oral History Project, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Creator:
Nathenson, Aaron, (1939 - )
Date Created:
2012-08-28
Description:
In this interview, Aaron Nathenson (1939 - ) gives an account of his life and some related history of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. He discusses how he was born in 1939 in North Minneapolis and raised there before studying ophthalmology at the University of Minnesota. Nathenson reflects on growing up Jewish in North Minneapolis, provides information about the neighborhoods racial tensions and demographics, Jewish schooling, his parents moving to Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, residency and military service, and later his relocating to Saint Louis Park and practice of ophthalmology. The interview concludes on the topic of Saint Louis Park Public schools and his connection to the city today. This interview was conducted by Jeanie Anderson, a volunteer for the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

2. Interview with Roger DeClercq (1922 - ), Urban Exodus: St. Louis Park Oral History Project, Bloomington, Minnesota

Creator:
DeClercq, Roger, (1922 - )
Date Created:
2012-06-19
Description:
In this interview, Roger DeClercq (1922 - ) gives his personal background, which includes World War II military service, an advanced degree from the University of Minnesota and landing a teaching job in Saint Louis Park. The discussion moves to schools and education in Saint Louis Park during the 1950s and 60s, including information about the new influx of Jewish students, theater productions and theater trips. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

3. Interview with Jim McNulty (1948 - ), Urban Exodus: St. Louis Park Oral History Project, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Creator:
McNulty, Jim, (1948 - )
Date Created:
2012-02-03
Description:
In this interview, Jim McNulty (1948 - ) gives an account of personal history along with his family business's role in residential and commercial development in Saint Louis Park, Hopkins and Golden Valley. He describes the history of McNulty Construction Company, which included the development of Westwood Hills Golf Course, Virginia Circle and the Westwood Hills area. McNulty discusses the residential and commercial design, construction and development that his company was doing after World War II to accommodate the returning G.I.'s and those immigrating from Minneapolis. In addition, McNulty describes the relationship of the company to the city council. This discussion concludes with McNulty's thoughts in general about Saint Louis Park, in addition to his observations regarding socio-economic differences among the neighborhoods. This interview was conducted by Jeff Norman, oral historian from California. "Urban Exodus: The Saint Louis Park Oral History Project" explores the post-World War II migration of Minneapolis's Jewish community from the city's North Side to the western suburb of Saint Louis Park. The 35 oral history interviews, representing diverse perspectives from within and beyond the Jewish community, tell the complex story of how, from 1945 to 1970, Saint Louis Park became a major center of Jewish life in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

4. Interview with Richard Olsen, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Olsen, Richard
Date Created:
2008-05-06
Description:
Richard Louis "Buddy" Olsen, Jr. was born on November 11, 1925 and was raised on the Atlantic coast on Sapelo Island, Georgia. Part of a maritime family he joined the merchant marine upon graduating high school and served on Liberty ships in the South Pacific. He described the extensive training received including nine months on merchant vessels in the South Pacific. He received a commission to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and was there when the Japanese surrendered in August 1945. He served for the next nine years transporting goods to war-damaged countries in Europe and Asia as part of the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Agency under the Marshall Plan and bringing back passengers, including war brides and displaced persons. In 1955, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for 21 years in transport and supply service. Serving both at sea and ashore from a variety of stations, Olsen was part of the Commander of Naval Forces in Vietnam staff for one year in Saigon where he worked with the South Vietnamese in preparing them to take over the naval bases there. He died in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on February 28, 2013.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

5. Interview with Bob Duoos, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Duoos, Bob
Date Created:
1993-09-06
Description:
In an oral interview conducted by Mike McDonald on September 6, 1993, Robert "Bob" Duoos discussed his training and service during World War II as a member of the 80th Infantry Division in Europe. Duoos was born on January 15, 1923 and was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. Duoos was drafted in to the U.S. Army in December of 1942. In this interview, Duoos described his experiences in the European Theater, including his interactions with the foreign civilians and the time he spent in England, France, Germany, Luxemburg, and Czechoslovakia. In this interview, Duoos discussed his participation in the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp near Weimar, Germany. He described the horrors of "The Beast of Buchenwald" from his own experiences and recounts the stories he heard from survivors of the camp. Duoos voiced his opinions on the leadership of General Patton and General Dwight D. Eisenhower and the Pacific Theater of World War II.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

6. Interview with Lee Trunnell, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Trunnell, Lee
Date Created:
1993-08-12
Description:
Lee Trunnell was born on July 10, 1922, and grew up in Monticello, Minnesota. He was 19 when America entered the war and served as an aircraft mechanic in the Pacific theater. Trunnell discussed his experience as a member of the Army Air Corps as an aircraft mechanic. In his interview, Tunnell described his training and preparation for his duties as a soldier in Guam. He included experiences and thoughts on homesickness, rebuilding Guam, the role of African Americans and women in the war effort and interactions with Japanese POWs. Trunnell discussed camp life in Guam and the impact on the maintenance crews when crewmen or planes did not return from missions. Trunnell also shared his participation in preparing the Enola Gay for its mission over Hiroshima to drop the first atomic bomb.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

7. Interview with Chester Judd, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Judd, Chester
Date Created:
1992-11-12
Description:
Chester Judd was born on Apr 2, 1916 and served as a first lieutenant in the Air Force during World War II. . He was stationed in England from September 1944 to late 1945 and was a B-17 copilot on 35 missions. Judd described camp life, including food and lodging, and explains how the planes were organized for actual missions. He described several combat experiences and how pilots and crew dealt with the strain, particularly flying his final mission. He returned to the United States and flew C-47 cargo planes to transport wounded veterans to hospitals across the country. After the war he became a farmer. He died on November 15, 1995.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

8. Interview with Matt Kremer, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Kremer, Matt
Date Created:
1992-10-23
Description:
Matt Kremer was the ball turret gunner on a B-17 plane during World War II. He was drafted into the army and trained in several camps around the United States. Throughout the interview Kremer described camp life including morale, food, discipline, and personal pastimes. Kremer participated in five bombing missions before being part of the second Schweinfurt Raid in 1943 over Germany, which cost the 8th Air Force over 60 planes and 600 casualties. Wounded by enemy fire, Mr. Kremer bailed out of his plane after it was shot down. Doctors amputated his leg and Kremer spent the next year in a German prison hospital recovering from his wounds. Kremer described his interactions with other prisoners and his doctors throughout the interview. He returned to the United States as part of a repatriation of wounded prisoners and sailed on a neutral Swedish vessel. Kremer described his efforts to readjust to civilian life after the war and the impact his wounds had upon his post-war life.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

9. Interview with E.V. Gene Sundberg, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Gene, E.V.
Date Created:
1992-10-15
Description:
E.V. "Gene" Sundberg was born on February 2, 1925. A native of Brainerd, he enlisted immediately after high school in the Army Air Corps and trained to become a gunner but eventually became a B-17 pilot stationed in England. Despite flying 23 missions mostly over northern Germany, his crew suffered no wounds and his plane was never severely damaged. However, Sundberg told many stories of planes that were lost, comrades who did not return from missions, and of several near-misses for his crew. Sundberg described the many difficulties involved with a successful mission including flak fire, fighter escorts, the ever changing weather, the dangers involved in flying in tight formation, and flying with dangerous cargo. Sundberg also described base life, including food, dress, discipline, comradery, and specifically how quickly crews from other planes not returning from missions. After the German surrender in May 1945, he flew for the Army Airways Communication System where he was able to celebrate the Japanese surrender in London. He died on July 19, 2001, in Brainerd, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

10. Interview with Clifton Gawtry, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Gawtry, Clifton
Date Created:
1992-09-27
Description:
In an oral history conducted by Kris Wiggs on September 27, 1992, Clifton L. Gawtry discussed his experience as a flight instructor for the United States Navy during World War II. Gawtry was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on September 29, 1923. In 1941, after graduating high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enlisted in the United States Navy in the V-5 program. After various flight schools for eighteen months, Gawtry became a flight instructor in Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida. Gawtry recounted his experiences and comments on various aspects of flight and flight instruction. In 1944, he married his wife, Alice, and had four children. From 1949 to 1963, Gawtry served in a reserve squadron until he retired. He died on April 2, 2000 at the age of 76.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

11. Interview with Clair Dziuk, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Dziuk, Clair
Date Created:
1992-09-04
Description:
In an oral interview conducted by David Overy on September 4, 1992, Clair A. Dziuk discussed his experiences in the construction of the Alcan Highway, from 1941 to 1943. Dziuk was born April 5, 1907 in Benton County, Minnesota, where he was raised. In this interview Dziuk describes the day to day life of building the Alcan Highway, from working with Canadians and the Army, camp life, and the wildlife of Canada.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

12. Interview with Kenneth Porwoll, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Porwoll, Kenneth
Date Created:
1992-08-05
Description:
In an oral history conducted by David Overy on August 5, 1992, Kenneth J. Porwoll discussed his experiences as an armored tank battalion sergeant and Japanese prisoner of war during World War II. He born on April 13, 1920, in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Porwoll was raised in Brainerd, Minnesota. In 1938, Porwoll joined the National Guard, and was activated into the service in 1941 as sergeant in an armored tank battalion in the Philippines. During World War II, he was captured by the Japanese in 1942, and participated in the Bataan Death March. He was then imprisoned for the next three and a half years in Japanese prisoner camps. In addition, he detailed the day to day life in the camps, living in a tropical climate with little to no food, water, and personal space, and living with illnesses like dysentery, malaria, and dengue fever. Porwoll described the kindness of the Filipino people. The Filipino would go out of their way to provide food, water, and cigarettes to the prisoners whenever they had the opportunity, even risking the punishment of death. Porwoll discussed the guilt of being a survivor and the luck that was involved in making it through another day. After the war, Porwoll was informed that he would probably be unable to have children because of the malnutrition and abuse he endured. Despite that assessment and back pain, Porwoll and his wife Mary Ellen had nine children. Outside of his military career, he worked for Capital Gears for thirty years and was an active volunteer in Minneapolis VA Hospital and the Listening House in St. Paul. Kenneth J. Porwoll died on November 11, Veterans Day, 2013 at the age of 93.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

13. Interview with Jim Gabriel, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Gabriel, James S.
Date Created:
1992-08-05
Description:
In an oral history conducted by David Overy on August 5, 1992, James S. Gabriel discussed his experience as an executive officer in the 143rd Battalion of the United States Army during World War II. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, He enlisted in the National Guard in 1938 and joined the United States Army in 1941 when the United States entered World War II. In this interview, Gabriel described his experiences in the Battle of the Bulge and the demilitarization efforts of Germany by the Allied Forces. In addition, he discussed his impression of the various foreign civilians that he encountered while serving in Europe. After World War II, Gabriel discharged from the Army, but served on active duty for the U.S. during the Korean War. Lastly, Gabriel recounted his life as a result of his military experience, both good and bad. He had married his wife, Beulah, and had three children. In 1973, Gabriel married his second wife, Joan, and had three stepchildren. Gabriel retired at the rank of Brigadier General (BVT) and was a supervisor at Western Electric for thirty years. He died on December 17, 2001.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

14. Interview with Clem Miller, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Miller, Clem
Date Created:
1992-07-23
Description:
Clem Miller was born on May 5, 1922 in Duluth, MN. He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 1939 and was inducted into the Army in 1941. He and his unit, the 125th Field Artillery in the 34th Infantry Division, were sent to the European theater, and he saw action in North Africa and Italy. Miller directed artillery fire on the battlefield as a surveyor had a wide variety of combat experiences including artillery barrages, air raids, sniper fire, minefields, and friendly fire. In North Africa he patrolled the battlefield after the Allied victory and guarded POWs. In Italy, he served with the 100th Infantry Division and the 92nd Infantry (segregated units of Japanese Americans and African Americans, respectively). Throughout the interview, Miller gave his opinions on the quality of American troops as well as the German and Italian soldiers, their respective armaments, and the civilians he encountered. Miller wrote about his military experiences in a book entitled Some Things You Never Forget. He died on August 27, 2008 in Hermantown, MN.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

15. Interview with Paul V. Meyer, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:
Meyer, Paul V.
Date Created:
1992-07-16
Description:
In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on July 16, 1992, Paul V. Meyer discussed his experiences as National Guardsman during World War II. He was born on May 18, 1918 and raised in Mankato, Minnesota. In 1935, Meyer graduated from Mankato High School and enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard. He attended Mankato Business College and graduated from Mankato State College. Meyer married his first wife, Wilda Gifford, in 1940, they had four children. Meyer spent most World War II stationed in Kodiak, Alaska. In this interview, Meyer described his experiences in the Minnesota National Guard as an infantryman during World War II. He enlisted in 1935 and was inducted into the Army in June 1941. He discussed his unit's duties at Fort Greely in Alaska - to defend the most northern U.S. military base and to build infrastructure. In addition, he described the day to day life on the base, along with living conditions, road construction, hunting, and leisure activities, as well as the boredom. Meyer also discussed his interactions with civilians, natives, and regular army personnel, adding that each relationship was more different than the next. Meyer stressed that his experience in the National Guard was positive and his only regret was not staying in longer. He retired from the service in 1974 at the rank of major general and as Commander of the 47th Infantry Division, ending 39 years of service to his county. Outside of his military career, Meyer partnered into the family business, Meyer & Sons, an appliance business in Mankato, Minnesota. After Wilda's death in 1997, Meyer married his second wife, Doris Beyer, in 2000. Meyer died on January 10, 2016, at the age of 97.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

16. Interview with Edward V. Anderson, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Winona, Minnesota

Creator:
Andersen, Edward V.
Date Created:
1991-10-07
Description:
In an oral history conducted by John Carter on October 7, 1991, Edward V. Anderson discussed his experiences both in training and combat as a B-24 pilot in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Illinois, Anderson enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1942. In this interview, Anderson described his training experiences to become a B-24 pilot and flying several missions to bomb German oil storage tanks. Lastly, Anderson details what the final days of the war were like and briefly describes his life post-war, which included his wife, Lucy and their five children: David, Howard, Carol, Joyce and Timothy. Anderson was born on April 14, 1923, and passed away on March 13, 2011.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

17. Interview with Roy F. Kuhlman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Winthrop, Minnesota

Creator:
Kuhlman, Roy F.
Date Created:
1991-08-21
Description:
In an oral history conducted by Daniel T. Lewis on August 21, 1991, Roy F. Kuhlman discussed his experiences as a bomber pilot and flight instructor during World War II. Kuhlman was born on February 5, 1922, in Madelia, Minnesota. In 1940, he graduated from Truman High School and attended the University of Minnesota until his enlistment in the Army Air Corp in 1942. After Kuhlman completed his basic and advanced training in Texas, he graduated as a pilot and was commissioned at second Lieutenant. He flew twenty combat missions in a B-24, until he was shot down near Gospic, Yugoslavia. Kuhlman was a prisoner of war in Germany from October 16, 1944 to April 29, 1945. Kuhlman described his experiences at Stalag Luft III, Stalag XIII-D, and Stalag VII-A. He recounted the harsh conditions of the camps and the reliance on the Red Cross parcels to supply food and living with sixteen men to a room or tent, and sleeping on wood shavings or straw. Throughout the interview, Kuhlman remained optimistic and acknowledged that this time allowed him leisure time to learn the game of chess and become closer to his religion. Kuhlman received five Bronze Stars and the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Clusters. Lastly, he discussed life after the military, and adjusting to civilian life and his marriage to his wife, Mollie. He returned to farming and was an active member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Winthrop, Minnesota. On September 19, 2013, Kuhlman died at the age of 93.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

18. Interview with Lloyd Klosowsky, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Klosowsky, Lloyd
Date Created:
1991-07-10
Description:
Born on June 25, 1919, Lloyd Klosowsky was married and a father when he was drafted into the Army shortly after the start of the war. He described his infantry training in Texas and his travel across the Atlantic Ocean on the ship Queen Elizabeth. He saw extensive action throughout the European theater as a sergeant in the 90th Infantry Division. He was involved in the North African campaign where he frequently experienced artillery barrages as well as guarded POWs. He participated in the D-Day landings although this portion of the interview is missing and only his last comments about the invasion are available. He was part of the liberation of France and the Battle of the Bulge and shared many stories about his combat experiences in both. He managed to escape serious injury even though he was wounded during D-Day and nearly lost his feet at the Battle of the Bulge. Klosowsky, with the rest of the 90th Division, helped pursue a German Panzer Corps into Czechoslovakia until the Germans surrendered. The 90th then prepared to invade Japan until receiving word that the war ended. Mr. Klosowsky returned to Duluth after his discharge from the service in December 1945. He died in Stillwater, Minnesota, on November 27, 1996.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

19. Interview with Walter Gerzin, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Gerzin, Walter
Date Created:
1991-07-01
Description:
In an oral history conducted by David Overy on July 1, 1991, Walter J. Gerzin discussed his experiences as a bomber pilot and flight instructor during World War II. Gerzin was born on September 4, 1916, and raised Chisholm, Minnesota. In 1939, he graduated from St. Cloud State Teacher's College and enlisted into the flying cadet program of the United States Air Force. After his training, Gerzin flew anti-submarine patrols off the East Coast, until he was assigned to Project X. He described the bombing missions in North Africa, the Middle East, and India. Gerzin was a member of the 513th Bomb Squadron, which was detailed by Captain Rowan T. Thomas in "Born in Battle: Round the World Adventures of the 513th Bombardment Squadron." In 1943, Gerzin became a squadron commander and trained squadrons in Walla Walla, Washington and Avon Park, Florida. Gerzin flew twenty-five bombing missions, earning himself an Air Medal and a Silver Star along the way. Lastly, he discussed the positive outcomes of his military service. It allowed him to travel and live all around the world and gain self-discipline and respect for others. He served in the United States Air Force for twenty-one years before leaving to become a teacher. On September 30, 2013, Gerzin died at the age of 97.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

20. Interview with Neill Torssell, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sleepy Eye, Minnesota

Creator:
Torssell, Neill
Date Created:
1991-06-12
Description:
Neil Torssell was born on April 18, 1920, in Wisconsin. Torssell describes his experiences with the 322nd Signal Aviation Company as a photographer during World War II. He discussed traveling to England on the Queen Mary and what England was like. Torssel talked about the build-up for the North African invasion, going to North Africa, and what he did during the war. He gave a detailed account of his camera equipment and how he used it to photograph enemy positions and where bombs were dropped. He also described being shot down in Italy in 1943, when he was wounded and captured by Italian forces. As Italy was in transition and close to surrender, the behavior and attitude of the Italians, particularly guards, are described. Torssell detailed life in the POW camp and the various people he interacted with. He participated in a large, impromptu escape and spends the next 10 months moving across eastern Italy with other American POWs, working on farms and evading capture. Repatriated by American forces in the summer of 1944, he rejoined his unit and was sent home in 1945.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

21. Interview with Marcel Froneyberger, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Froneyberger, Marcel
Date Created:
1991-06-05
Description:
In an oral interview conducted by David Overy on October 30, 1991, Marcel Froneyberger discussed his experiences in United States Army in World War II and the Korean War. Froneyberger was born April 14, 1919, and was raised in Dupo, Illinois. In this interview, Froneyberger described his participation in rebuilding railroads and infrastructure in North Africa and Europe during World War II. He recounted his time on the frontlines on the Pusan Perimeter during the Battle of Bloody Ridge during the Korean War. In addition, he described how his military service affected his everyday life with family and employment, both good and bad. Froneyberger died December 19, 1996, and was buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Missouri.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

22. Interview with Claude Menzhuber, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Joseph, Minnesota

Creator:
Menzhuber, Claude
Date Created:
1991-06-03
Description:
In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on June 3, 1991, Claude Menzhuber discussed his experiences both in combat and post-war as a combat engineer and supply sergeant in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Minnesota, Menzhuber was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. In this interview, Menzhuber described his training experiences as a combat engineer, both in basic and combat, as well as participating in the invasion of Sicily. He described the civilian's attitudes towards the American soldiers and briefly his conversations with German solider prisoners of war. Lastly, Menzhuber discussed his feelings about the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He married his wife, Marian, in 1943 and they had two children, Carole and Lowell. Menzhuber was born on May 12, 1909, in Spring Hill, Minnesota, and passed away on March 21, 2005, in Sartell, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

23. Interview with Don Jurgs, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Jurgs, Don
Date Created:
1991-04-18
Description:
Donald Jurgs was born on September 16, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. Jurgs was drafted into the Army on March 1, 1942 and served with the 3rd Infantry Division. He was captured by the Germans in 1944 at the Battle of Cisterna in Italy. He was held as a prisoner of war in a various camps throughout Italy and Germany for fifteen months until being liberated. He spent time in large scale prisoner camps as well as working for almost a year in a 50 man work crew in a lumbering camp. Jurgs described aspects of camp life including food, clothing, and survival skills. He also describes the many acts of resistance the prisoners engaged in, the spirit and code among the POWs, interactions with guards and civilians, and the treatment prisoners of different nationalities received. After the war, Jurgs married, attended college to become a teacher, and was a father of three. Jurgs was active in the organization American Ex-Prisoners of War (AXPOW) and worked with the National Prisoner of War museum in Andersonville, Georgia. He died on March 11, 2001, and is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

24. Interview with William Nunn, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Maple Plain, Minnesota

Creator:
Nunn, William
Date Created:
1991-04-09
Description:
In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on April 9, 1991, William H. "Bill" Nunn discussed his experiences as a personnel administrator in the Army stationed in India during World War II. Born and raised in Texas, Nunn enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps and was called to active duty in 1943. In this interview, Nunn described his experiences as a military administrator in India and his interactions with the Indian population during his tour. He discussed often using his free time to travel to different cities and looked to explore India's culture. Lastly, Nunn discussed segregation in the Army, and how it had begun to integrate by the end of World War II. After his service in World War II, Nunn returned to college and received his master's degree in Political Science in 1948. He taught high school in Galveston, Texas, before accepting a position at St. Cloud State College in 1954. Nunn was born on January 15, 1922 and passed away on April 17, 2016.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories

25. Interview with Kenneth Skalberg, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:
Skalberg, Kenneth
Date Created:
1991-03-27
Description:
Kenneth Skalberg discussed his induction and training in the Army Air Corps in 1943. He described in detail his training throughout the United States in fighter pilot school. During the interview he gave thorough descriptions of the benefits and failings of the P-39, the P-38, and the P-47, which was the fighter he flew the most. He also described the different types of training received including mock dog fights that would spontaneously occur when Army pilots came across Navy pilots. Skalberg was eventually stationed in the Pacific theater but the war ended before he saw actual combat. He also discussed his continued involvement in the military and his later participation in Vietnam. During the 1950s, he was the personal pilot for Air Force Major General Doubleday and then flew C-133 Cargomasters for the remainder of his career, including 55 missions into Vietnam. Skalberg shared many flight experiences including near-misses, accidents he observed, and delivering military cargo to airfields near the battles. He also discusses the variety of cargo that he flew around the world. Throughout the interview, Skalberg showed appreciation for his military career and the opportunities it provided him. Retiring in 1970, Skalberg settled with his family in Dassel, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:
St. Cloud State University
Type:
Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:
Oral histories
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