Type: Sound Recording Nonmusical / Subject Headings: World War, 1939 1945

1. Interview with Alan Stiegler (1925-?), Judges and Lawyers Oral History Project, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Creator:: Stiegler, Alan, 1925-?
Date Created:: 2009-06-13
Description:: In this interview, Alan Stiegler gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan, World War II veteran and legal practitioner. He was born in 1925 and raised in Minneapolis. His family background in is Russia and he describes some of their stories that involve working in a sweatshop in St. Paul and homesteading in North Dakota. Stiegler describes how he was drafted at age 18 to fight in World War II, how he began specialized training but wound up in general infantry, having experienced some anti-Semitism. He describes how he fought through the Siegfired Line and the Battle of the Bulge, encountering new rocket propelled bombs developed by the Germans, and tells a story about how he was injured by a roadside bomb. In addition, he describes his life occupying Germany after the war and his subsequent career as a medical mal practice lawyer in great detail. He tells specific stories of anti-Semitism in Minnesota and North Dakota during his law career. He concludes with a description of his personal life after retirement and his family. This interview was conducted by Helen Rubenstein as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

2. 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

3. Interview with Sheldon Kaplan (1915-?), Judges and Lawyers Oral History Project, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Creator:: Kaplan, Sheldon, 1915-?
Date Created:: 2008-04-21
Description:: In this interview, Sheldon Kaplan gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan, legal practitioner and veteran of World War II. In his account of his life, Kaplan describes the circumstances of his birth on the North Side of Minneapolis to Lithuanian parents who were in wholesale produce, attending Lincoln Junior High, the University of Minnesota, Columbia Law in New York, practicing civil law in New York, joining the Military Police and helping refugees escape from Europe, working as a lawyer on wartime termination contracts, and finally working as a lawyer with Kaplan, Edelman and Kaplan, specializing in tax law, trusts, estates, and civil law, representing such clients as the Minnesota Vikings. He sees Jewish and non-Jewish lawyers integrating more and more. This interview was conducted by Helen Rubenstein as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest Jewish Judges and Lawyers History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

4. Interview with Rosalind Simon, World War II Veterans Oral History Project. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Creator:: Simon, Rosalind
Date Created:: 2007-01-29
Description:: In this interview, Rosalind Simon gives an account of her life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. Rosalind was born in Minneapolis and gives some details about her Jewish Minnesotan family. She explains that before World War II she was a social worker, and later married her husband that was a graduate of West Point. The married couple were stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii when it was bombed by the Japanese. Simon gives a detailed account of the bombing, including life before and after. She goes on to describe their later life and career in Minnesota, telling stories about her husband who eventually made the rank of colonel, how he headed a national program called Service Corps for Retired Executives, and worked for the Army Air Defense Command. Simon gives some details about these programs, Army administration, associated women's organizations and the lives of army wives. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

5. Interview with Harold Arenson (1922-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Arenson, Harold, 1922-?
Date Created:: 2006-10-9
Description:: In this interview, Harold Arenson gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in 1922 in St. Paul. Arenson explains the while attending the University of Minnesota he joined the Service as a combat engineer and eventually fought in France, Belgium and Germany. He suffered an injury but continued to serve after rehabilitation. Arenson tells stories abundantly about the war. He recounts his post-war experience partnering with his father on St. Paul's East Side, and raises the issue of Jews fighting war in general. This interview was conducted by Susan Hoffman as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

6. Interview with Harold Specktor (1923-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Specktor, Harold, 1923-?
Date Created:: 2006-10-18
Description:: In this interview, Harold Specktor gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1923. Specktor explains that he joined in the Army as infantry and received training to be a combat engineer. He describes his training and subsequent combat along the Siegfried Line in Europe, giving specific information about combat and casualties in his unit, along with a description of his life during the occupation of Germany. Specktor concludes with a description of his post-war life in St. Paul as a carpenter building homes in the Highland Park area of St. Paul. This interview was conducted by Fay Kaye as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

7. Interview with Leonard Parker (1922-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, Minnetonka, Minnesota

Creator:: Parker, Leonard, 1922-?
Date Created:: 2006-06-12
Description:: In this interview, Leonard Parker discusses in some detail how as an infantryman in World War II, he was among the few first Allied soldiers to arrive at the Dachau Concentration Camp in southern Germany. Parker gives an account of his life and relationship to Minnesota from a Jewish perspective. He was born in Poland, 1922 to Russian Orthodox, Zionist parents. Before this, Parker describes his early childhood memories as an Orthodox Jew in Milwaukee. He enlisted to serve in the military, and because of high casualties he was assigned to the Army in a specialized unit. Parker completed some training in civil engineering in Minnesota before departing for southern France, where he became a platoon leader, for eight months of combat at the end of the war. His platoon over time suffered greatly. Parker recalls life in foxholes, fighting along the Siegfried Line before liberating Dachau. After the war he returned to Minnesota to fulfill a promise to a fallen comrade and ended up staying to attend architecture school. Subsequently Parker did graduate work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and designed buildings around the country and around the world. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

8. Interview with Gerald Weinberg (1921-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Weinberg, Gerald, 1921-?
Date Created:: 2006-06-06
Description:: In this interview, Jerry Weinberg gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in 1921 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Weinberg explains that his father owned a hardware store on West 7th and an appliance store on Rice Street. He recalls his enlistment attempt during World War II with the army to be a teletype operator in the Philippines and later New Guinea. Weinberg discusses his memories here and tells his stories from a Jewish and Minnesotan perspective. He concludes the interview by talking about his post-war life in St. Paul working in the store on Rice Street, his family, and by showing Fay Kaye photographs and other wartime memorabilia. This interview was conducted by Fay Kaye as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

9. Interview with Walter Schwartz (1921-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Schwartz, Walter, 1921-?
Date Created:: 2006-05-18
Description:: In this interview, Walter Schwarz gives an account of his life as a Jewish World War II veteran. He was born in Romania, 1921. Schwarz gives family background in Europe, explaining that his father had ties to Czechoslovakia in the textile industry. He describes his childhood in Europe and teenage years at high school in Czechoslovakia, where Nazi violence and intimidation found him after Germany invaded the country. Schwarz and his family ultimately leave to the United States through Italy destined for New York. Wishing to fight Germany, he attempts to enlist and is later drafted. Schwarz discusses his training in the United States, which involved learning how to interrogate prisoners. He discusses his activity overseas was mainly in France and Germany at the end of the War. Schwarz was able to visit relatives who survived Auschwitz, and concludes with explaining his post war life and connection to Minnesota. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

10. Interview with Joe Garelick, World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Garelick, Joe
Date Created:: 2006-05-11
Description:: In this interview, Joe Garelick gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in West St. Paul and trained to be an aviator in the Army Air Force as a gunner during World War II. Garelick discusses how after training in various places in the United States, he ended up on a bomber crew over Germany during the height of the war. He supplies story after story of vivid detailing of the nuts and bolts of his job, missions and social life during this period. Garelick also gives in great detail stories about his post war life in St. Paul, Minnesota. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

11. Interview with Jerry Sinykin (1925-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, Corona del Mar, California

Creator:: Sinykin, Jerry, 1925-?
Date Created:: 2006-03-06
Description:: In this interview, Jerry Sinykin recounts how he witnessed the liberation of a Nazi concentration camp (Dachau) as a Jewish Minnesotan member of the American infantry. He was born in St. Paul, 1925, and gives his family background and connection to Russia and North Dakota homesteading. Sinykin discusses how father was a manufacturer of cosmetics in St. Paul, and goes on to describe his Jewish childhood, answering questions about anti-Semitic hazing in junior high. He explains an attempt to enlist in the Navy Air Corps and that he was denied but was later drafted into the Army, receiving infantry and engineering training. Sinykin remembers how he crossed the Atlantic on a boat with Winston Churchill who addresses the men onboard. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge and Siegfried Line in the rear supplying the front, and recalls many stories illustrating the anxiety of battle. Sinykin describes his participation in the liberation of Dachau and Mauthausen concentration camps, depicting the scene with several anecdotes, all the while affording special attention to his perspective as a Jew and a Minnesotan. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

12. Interview with Sidney Feldman, World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Feldman, Sidney
Date Created:: 2006-02-22
Description:: In this interview, Sidney Feldman gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in St. Paul to Russian immigrant parents. Feldman gives a description of his childhood, basic training at Fort Knox, arriving in France twelve days after D-Day by boat, fierce combat in France and the living conditions, the journey towards the Battle of the Bulge, some recollection of the battle itself, his injury and Purple Heart and adjusting back home after the war. This interview was conducted by Fay Kaye as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

13. Interview with Lionel Greenberg (1921-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Greenberg, Lionel, 1921-?
Date Created:: 2005-09-27
Description:: In this interview, Lionel Greenberg gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He tells the dramatic story of how while as a navigator in the Army Air Corps during World War II, his B-24 collided with another B-24 over Bavaria. Miraculously surviving, Greenberg explains how he was taken prisoner for seven months and forced to march from prison to prison. The Russian Army liberated him from his final camp (Dulag Luft III), a place later depicted in the major motion picture The Great Escape. Greenberg's experience in Germany is described in great detail, with special emphasis on his Jewish perspective. He also explains the circumstances of his birth in Grafton, North Dakota, 1921, and how his poor Jewish family came to arrive there. Greenberg continues, describing his college experience at the University of Minnesota, subsequent jobs, enlisting in the Army Air Corps, training in Texas and Idaho, and the journey to Europe in detail. This interview was conducted by Brian M. Krasnow as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

14. Interview with Howard Gelb, World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Gelb, Howard
Date Created:: 2005-08-11
Description:: Howard Gelb, a senior Jewish lawyer in the Twin Cities and also a veteran of World War II, discusses in this interview his family history, his father's interests, his childhood in Minneapolis, family, education, military experience, legal work (real estate), US Attorney work, prominent political associations, social clubs and values all from a Jewish Minnesotan perspective. This interview was conducted by Brian M. Krasnow as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

15. Interview with Joseph Brochin (1918-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, Minneapolis, Minnesota

Creator:: Brochin, Joseph, 1918-?
Date Created:: 2005-07-05
Description:: In this interview, Joseph Brochin gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. Joe Brochin was born in 1918 and raised on the North Side of Minneapolis where his father operated a store. He discusses how he studied pharmacy at the University of Minnesota, enlisted in the military, and went to the South Pacific in combat infantry. He tells numerous stories about specific aspects of World War II. This interview was conducted by Diane Siegel as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

16. Interview with Sam Malinsky (1920-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Creator:: Malinsky, Sam, 1920-?
Date Created:: 2005-06-13
Description:: In this interview, Sam Malinsky gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in 1920 in Minneapolis to an Orthodox Jewish family who attended Mikro Kodesh synagogue. Malinsky went to Hebrew High School and describes poor Jewish life during the 1930s. He talks about what he knew about what was going on in Europe at the time and how he was drafted. Malinsky describes basic training and a boat ride to Barry, Scotland, where his company took enemy fire, and landing at Utah Beach on D-Day under heavy enemy fire. On the way to Belgium he describes infantry life in the woods and how he was shot by a sniper in Paris. After the war, Malinsky became an insurance agent and talks of his support for the state of Israel. This interview was conducted by Brian M. Krasnow as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

17. Interview with Sherman Richter (1924- ?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Creator:: Richter, Sherman, 1924-?
Date Created:: 2005-06-03
Description:: In this interview, Sherman Richter gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in 1924 to an Orthodox Jewish family in North Minneapolis. Richter discussed leaving North High early to enlist in the Marine Corps, being somewhat aware of the Jewish situation in Europe in the early 1940s. He was trained in California to operate a machine gun at the age of nineteen and gives some account of the culture there in regards to Judaism. Richter describes fighting in the South Pacific on various Islands such as Majuro. After World War II he returned to the North Side and operated at a bakery which later became the Lincoln Deli. Richter gives a description of this time and place from the Jewish perspective. He was drafted as a Marine to Korea and left his family for fierce fighting, mentioning the "Nightmare Alley' and other encounters with North Koreans and Chinese. Having been injured, Richter received several medals and memorabilia. This interview was conducted by Brian M. Krasnow as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

18. Interview with Daniel Heilcher (1923-?), World War II Veterans Oral History Project, Minnetonka, Minnesota

Creator:: Heilcher, Daniel, 1923-?
Date Created:: 2005-04-15
Description:: In this interview, Daniel Heilcher gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan and World War II veteran. He was born in 1923 and raised on the North Side of Minneapolis. Heilcher gives a description of his Jewish childhood on the North Side, and explains how he entered the service with the Air Corps Cadets, training in various places around the country, including St. Paul. He remembers in the interview how he rode on bombers that landed in France and subsequently pushed forward to Paris where his unit worked to ferry supplies to the front lines. Toward the end of the war he traveled around Europe. Heilcher recalls the arrival back in the United States and his post war life. Much of the interview involves Heilcher's post-war record company that expanded almost nation-wide. He concludes with an account of his personal life and family after the war. This interview was conducted by Linda Schloff as a part of the Jewish Historical Society of the Upper Midwest World War II Veterans Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

19. Oral history interview with Ralph Fishbach, Melrose, Minnesota

Creator:: Hartung, Kristi; Melrose Girl Scouts
Date Created:: 2001-11-20
Description:: Ralph Fishbach describes his life and World War II years.
Contributing Institution:: Melrose Area Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

20. Oral history interview with Donna Kociemba, Melrose, Minnesota

Creator:: Monroe, Melissa; Melrose Girl Scouts
Date Created:: 2001-06-14
Description:: Donna Kociemba relates her biography, travels, World War II and working in a grocery store.
Contributing Institution:: Melrose Area Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

21. Oral history interview with Walter Rieland, Melrose, Minnesota

Creator:: Paschke, Roger; Melrose Area Historical Society
Date Created:: 1999-02-08
Description:: Walter Rieland relates his World War II stories.
Contributing Institution:: Melrose Area Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. Interview with Stanley Biniek, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Foley, Minnesota

Creator:: Biniek, Stanley, 1912-2008
Date Created:: 1992-01-019
Description:: This was an interview conducted on January 19, 1992 by Karen Wenz. Stanley Biniek was born in Raczyce, Poland on November 3, 1912. Biniek and his family were separated in 1939 into concentration camps by the German Army. Biniek recalled witnessing prisoners being sent to killing chambers and the side effects of those on the camps water supply. Biniek spent over three years in Buchenwald before escaping with two other prisoners. After 72 days of travel, Biniek made it safely to Luxembourg, where he married his wife Victoria Adaszak in 1948. Biniek and his wife moved to Minnesota in 1952, and he worked for Woodcraft Industries and St. Regis Paper Mill. He had two daughters and one son. Biniek passed away on June 7, 2008 in Foley, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

34. 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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. Interview with Stuart Lindman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Lindman, Stuart
Date Created:: 1991-03-13
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on March 13, 1991, Stuart A. Lindman discussed his experiences both in training and combat as a field-medic in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Minnesota, Lindman enlisted in the Army Reserve Corps in 1943. In this interview, Lindman was assigned to the Pacific Theater where he served on Leyte Island in the Philippines and Okinawa, Japan. He discussed his basic training and the antics some of the soldiers prior to being shipped out to the Philippines. Lindman's primary responsibility was as a litter-bearer who would carry soldiers, sometimes for miles, away from the frontlines to aid stations. On numerous occasions, Lindman discussed his survival of his time in Japan as being credited to luck, narrowly avoiding deadly situations by chance. Lastly, Lindman detailed being hit by a Japanese airplane attack and sent home from the wounds suffered. He concluded with a brief mention of how he and his fellow soldiers coped with combat and some effects he had of post-traumatic stress disorder. After being discharged from the service due to wounds suffered in combat, Lindman returned to earn his college degree in broadcasting and psychology from the University of Minnesota. Lindman then received a job working for what is now television channel KARE 11, retiring in 1987. Lindman was born on August 11, 1922, and passed away on January 12, 2010.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

45. Interview with Richard Johnson, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Johnson, Richard
Date Created:: 1991-03-06
Description:: Richard Johnson was born on August 9, 1924. He was a B-17 pilot stationed in England and later became a prisoner of war after being shot down in the fall of 1944 on his eighth bombing mission. He was a B-17 pilot stationed in England. Johnson thoroughly detailed his training including through basic training to various levels of flight training. He was sent to three different schools to eventually become a copilot of a B-17 bomber. Stationed in England, Johnson was shot down during a mission in the fall of 1944. Johnson described the mission, how he survived and was captured. He was held at Stalag Luft III until January 1945 when he and the rest of the camp marched westward. They were held in Stalag Luft 7A until April 1945 when American forces liberated their camp. Johnson described the basics of camp life including food and sleeping arrangements as well as the interactions with Germans. He was in France when Germany surrendered and was sent home with other POWs. He died on May 11, 2009 in Dassel, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

46. Interview with Neal Tholen, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:: Tholen, Neal
Date Created:: 1990-12-29
Description:: Neal Tholen was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on March 20, 1919. He graduated from Little Falls High School in 1939 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in April, 1941. He trained for the infantry and, while stationed in Ireland in the early months of the war, transferred to a Military Police Platoon within the 85th Division. He served as an MP throughout the war in Ireland, Tunisia, and Italy before being discharged in 1945. He described the arrest procedures and his personal philosophy of what his role was for the soldiers. He also describes the organization of his particular MP platoon, the procedures for directing large convoys of traffic, policing soldiers on leave, and guard duty. Tholen shared stories about how locals in Tunisia and Italy interacted with the troops and various raids to local "cathouses" he participated in. Tholen also described the effect his service had on him after the war and his appreciation for the friendships he made there. He returned to Little Falls, married and raised seven children. Mr. Tholen worked at Camp Ripley as a member of the National Guard for 36 years before retiring. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, at the age of 81 on July 12, 2000.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

47. Interview with Donald Grant, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Grant, Donald
Date Created:: 1990-12-28
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on December 28, 1990, Donald C. Grant discussed his experience as an artillery officer in the United States Army's 151st Field Artillery during World War II. Donald C. Grant was born on February 16, 1913, and was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 1928, at age 15, Grant lied about his age and joined the National Guard of the United States. In 1937, Grant made second lieutenant in the United States Army and went on active duty during World War II. While stationed in North Africa, Grant received a Silver Star for role in the Battle of Hill 609. Grant discussed his experiences in Italy at the Battle of Monte Cassino and the Battle of Anzio and the harsh realities of being an artilleryman. In 1941, Grant married his wife Norma, and had three children. Lastly, Grant described his thoughts and feelings about military service impacting civilian life. He also served active duty stateside during the Korean War. In 1967, then Governor Harold LeVander chose Major General Grant to head the Army National Guard�s 47th �Viking� Infantry Division from 1963 to 1971. Throughout his military career and after, Grant was employed by the Western Electric Co. He worked his way up from floor sweeper to retiring at warehouse supervisor. Grant died in June 1998.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

48. Interview with Gordon C. Rogstad, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Fountain, Minnesota

Creator:: Rogstad, Gordon C.
Date Created:: 1990-12-26
Description:: In an oral history conducted by Daniel T. Lewis on December 26, 1990, Gordon C. Rogstad discussed his experiences as an Air Force mechanic during World War II. He was born on August 21, 1920, and raised in Fillmore County, Minnesota. Rogstad graduated from Preston High School in 1938 and worked as a farm laborer until he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942. He went to airplane mechanics school in Texas before being assigned to the South West Pacific theater of World War II. Rogstad discussed the various responsibilities in plane repair, the bases he lived on, the combat conditions, and enemy raids during his tour of duty. He earned three battle stars, American Defense Medal, Phillipine Liberation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and several ribbons from serving in three military campaigns. Rogstad concluded with a description of the home front when he returned, as well as his ability to adapt away from the pressures of combat. Moreover, after he was discharged from the Air Force, Rogstad described the difficulties in finding work and the continuation of health problems from his time spent in the military, but maintains that he should have stayed in the military longer. After he was World War II, Rogstad farmed and worked for Kappers Constuction, as well as a handyman. Rogstad died on May 8, 2004 at the age of 83.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

49. Interview with Charles Arnold, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Arnold, Charles
Date Created:: 1990-12-25
Description:: In an oral history conducted by Daniel Lewis on May 18, 1991, Charles Arnold discussed his experience as a baker and typist in the United States Air Force during World War II. Raised in Preston, Minnesota, he was drafted into the Army in 1941, but enlisted in the Air Force and became a baker. In this interview, Arnold described day to day life living and working in the Matagorda Island Air Force Base in Texas. In 1945, Arnold was transferred to Fresno, California to attend typist school. In addition, he discussed his thoughts and feelings about his time in the Air Force and the several military bases he served on. In 1944, Arnold married his wife, Audrey, and had six children. Lastly, Arnold discussed life after the Air Force, becoming a farmer and raising his children. He died on December 9, 2009.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

50. Interview with Forrest Klockeman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Kockeman, Forrest
Date Created:: 1990-12-24
Description:: Born on April 4, 1916 in Plainview, MN, Forrest L. Klockeman was a hydraulic engineer and mechanic during World War 2. He served with the Army Air Corps in Cairo, Egypt and, from there, made several trips into Turkey before returning home. In Africa, he was largely responsible for checking aircraft as they were transferred to the African theater from other locations. In Cairo, he worked at Heliopolis Airport servicing C-46 cargo planes. Settling in Fountain, Minnesota, with his wife, he operated Klockeman Brothers Garage and raised four sons. He died on January 26, 1994.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

51. Interview with William Chirhart, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Chirhart, William
Date Created:: 1990-12-17
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on December 17, 1990, William "Bill" Chirhart discussed his experiences as an infantryman in Asiatic-Pacific Theater during World War II. In 1939, Chirhart joined the Minnesota National Guard and called into active duty by the United States Army in 1941. In this interview, Chirhart discussed his training in anti-aircraft defense, searchlight, and automatic tracking. Once deployed to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, he spent time on and near the islands of the Philippines, New Guinea, Bougainville, and Cebu. Chirhart's division often spent time on ships, doing patrols while on sea duty. He detailed difficulties of living in a tropical climate, the water restrictions, food shortages, body rashes, and interactions with scorpions and beetles. In 1949, he married his wife, Alice Pierkskalla, the couple had four children. Shortly after returning from World War II, Chirhart was deployed as a reconnaissance platoon sergeant during the Korean Conflict. Chirhart concluded that his military experience as a positive one, it gave him discipline that made him the man he needed to be, and allowed him an easy transition into police work in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Chirhart died on September 11, 2008 at the age of 85.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

52. Interview with William Cheeseman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:: Cheeseman, William
Date Created:: 1990-12-08
Description:: William Cheeseman was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on April 22, 1918. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 1938 and was called to active duty in 1941. Mr. Cheeseman was part of a transportation company that was attached to the 34th Infantry Division when it was deployed to Ireland for training. Sent to North Africa in 1943, he participated in the North African campaign including the retreat at Kasserine Pass. Cheeseman was given a field promotion and was the supply officer with the headquarters battalion when it moved to Italy in mid-1943. There he experienced frequent artillery bombardments and served on the court martial board. Cheeseman made several comments about the various nationalities he came into contact with including international allies, German and Italian opposition, and civilian population in Ireland, Italy, and Africa. He also made observations about the quality and efforts of the Nisei Regiment and the African American 92nd division. As a junior member of the court martial board, Mr. Cheeseman speculated about the motivations of the many offenders that were tried, the severity and effectiveness of their punishment, and shared some notable cases. He observed the action at Monte Cassino before being shipped home in 1944. He remained with the National Guard and eventually rose to the rank of general. Mr. Cheeseman married and raised a family in St. Paul before retiring to Little Falls. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 4, 2014.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

53. Interview with Vernon Bigalke, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Little Falls, Minnesota

Creator:: Bigalke, Vernon
Date Created:: 1990-12-08
Description:: Vernon A. Bigalke was born in Little Falls, Minnesota, on February 18, 1917. Before the war, he served in the Minnesota National Guard and then was drafted into the Army in 1941. For the first years of the war, Bigalke was part of an anti-aircraft artillery unit that guarded American shores. He was reassigned to the 259th Infantry in Mississippi and sent to Le Harve, France in December 1944 as part of the 65th Infantry Division. While at the Seigfried Line he was captured by the Germans in January 1945 and held as a prisoner until the end of the war. He described his treatment by the Germans, his survival mechanisms, and his experiences as a POW until liberation, which included a brief stop at Dachau concentration camp. After the war, Mr. Bigalke became a farmer and raised a family. He died in Little Falls, Minnesota, on November 22, 2007.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

54. Interview with Marvin Fellman, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Anoka, Minnesota

Creator:: Fellman, Marvin
Date Created:: 1990-11-21
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on November 21, 1990, Marvin R. Fellman described his experiences as an infantryman in the United States Army during World War II. Fellman was born in Red Lake, Minnesota, on November 15, 1919, and raised in Pipestone County, Minnesota. After graduating from Pipestone High School in 1937, Fellman went to Macalester College for a year and a half when he was drafted in the United States Army. He was assigned into the 82nd Airborne in the European Theater. Fellman described his combat experience in Normandy, the invasion of Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge. He discussed his participation in liberation of the Wobbelin concentration camp and his perceptions of the German people. After the war, he and his infantrymen marched in the New York City victory parade in 1946. In 1949, Fellman joined the Minnesota Army National Guard, where he would serve as a battery commander of the 47th Division during the Korean Conflict. Lastly, Fellman discussed his thoughts and feelings toward the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. He received many awards and decorations for his military service including the Purple Heart, Army Occupation Medal (German), European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, and the Minnesota Medal of Merit. Fellman married his wife, Marjorie, and had five daughters. Fellman died in September 2012.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

55. Interview with Carl Erickson, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Brainerd, Minnesota

Creator:: Erickson, Carl
Date Created:: 1990-11-17
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on November 17, 1990, Carl E. Erickson discussed his experiences as a lawyer before being called to duty as a training officer and Civil Affairs officer in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Erickson had joined the National Guard ROTC while studying law at the University of Minnesota. In this interview, Erickson described his experiences that led him to being assigned as part of General Douglass MacArthur's staff, and how he contributed to the rebuilding of the Pacific communities destroyed by the war. Lastly, Erickson detailed being reassigned from going into service in Korea to continue being a lawyer in Tokyo while the Army engineers rebuilt the area. Erickson was born on June 22, 1911 and is believed to have passed away on January 13, 1992.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

56. Interview with Joseph P. Plakut, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Swanville, Minnesota

Creator:: Plakut, Joseph P., 1921-2005
Date Created:: 1990-10-30 - 1991-01-21
Description:: This interview was conducted on October 30, 1990 and January 21, 1991 by David Overy. Joseph Plakut was born in Swan River Township, Minnesota, on March 17, 1921. He entered the Army in October 1942. Plakut was trained as an airplane mechanic and .50 caliber machine gunner on a bomber plane in England. On his first mission, his plane was shot down while trying to bomb a German plant at Bremen and he spent the remainder of the war in a German prison camp. During a camp evacuation march in 1945, Plakut and the rest of the surviving prisoners were liberated by the American 3rd Armored Division Plakut married his wife Anna Maciej on June 11, 1946 and they had four children: Richard, JoAnn, Kathleen, and David. Plakut concluded his oral history with a discussion about how his treatment as a prisoner and the treatment of prisoners in Iraq were very different experiences. Plakut passed away on June 24, 2005 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

57. Interview with William Faber, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Faber, William
Date Created:: 1990-10-20
Description:: In an oral interview conducted by David Overy on October 1990, William "Bill" Faber discussed his twenty years of military service in the National Guard, Navy, Air Force, and Army from 1937 to 1962. Faber was born on January 15, 1921, in Anoka, Minnesota, where he was raised. Faber enlisted in the National Guard in January 1937 as a member of the 125th Field Artillery, then joined the Navy in 1940, and later the Air Force as a sergeant first class. He would then transfer to the Army as second lieutenant. Faber"s military career spans multiple wars, he describes his role in the Battle of Midway in June 1942 during World War II and later his time as a member of the Korean Military Advisory Group after the Korean War. Throughout his various military roles Faber detailed daily life, food, foreign civilian interactions, and fond memories of his time in the service. In 1962, Faber retired from the Army as a major. He returned to Anoka and worked from the Telect Company as a quality control director. On January 18, 2008, Faber died in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

58. Interview with Carl VonderHaar, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: VonderHaar, Carl
Date Created:: 1990-10-20
Description:: In this oral history by David H. Overy, Carl F. VanderHaar details his service experiences in the Minnesota National Guard and U.S. Army from 1931 to 1952. VonderHaar was born in Albertville, Minnesota on June 21, 1913, and was raised in Little Falls where he spent his adult life. His service includes early surveying and construction at Camp Ripley, motor repair during World War II, and later quartermaster duties in both World War 2 and Korea. VonderHaar served overseas in Ireland, Africa, France, and the Philippines. In Minnesota, he ran several successful businesses between his terms of military service. VonderHaar also discusses Japanese internment, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The father of four he died on April 27, 2014, at the age of 100 in Little Falls, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

59. Interview with Joseph S. Grams, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Grams, Joseph S., 1924-2009
Date Created:: 1990-10-03
Description:: This was an interview conducted on October 3, 1990 by David Overy and Karen Wenz. Joseph S. Grams was born on March 15, 1924 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. After graduating from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1942, Grams was drafted into the Army. After being drafted, Grams trained with the Glider Infantry and flew 52 glider missions. Grams trained in North Carolina at Camp McCall. He was part of the 82nd Airborne Division and was wounded at the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Grams went back into action as the Allied forces moved in and captured Berlin at the end of the war. Grams remained in Berlin to aid in the restoration and occupation before returning to the United States. After the service, he worked for the Great Northern Railroad and as a police officer for the City of St. Cloud. Grams retired in 1985 as a captain. Grams married his wife Alma Thielman on November 3, 1948 and had five children together: Timothy, Stephen, Susan, Vivian, and Paul. Grams concluded the interview with a discussion on Vietnam War comparisons to World War II and a discussion of post-war life. Grams passed away on December 12, 2009.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

60. Interview with Robert Wick, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Wick, Robert
Date Created:: 1990-06-22
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David H. Overy on June 22, 1990, Robert Wick discussed his experiences in training and overseas as a signal information officer in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Iowa, Wick was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. In this interview, Wick described his training experiences, including officer's training school, and his responsibilities working in an intelligence company while stationed in Italy. Lastly, Wick details what his time in the service had provided him with and his thoughts of the Vietnam Conflict. Prior to the war, Wick was a high school teacher in Newton, Iowa and married to his wife Alice. Wick was born on January 23, 1913, and passed away on March 8, 2006, in St. Cloud, Minnesota
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

61. Interview with Joseph Hoppe, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Avon, Minnesota

Creator:: Hoppe, Joseph
Date Created:: 1990-06-20
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on June 20, 1990, Joseph B. Hoppe discussed his experiences as a mechanic for the United States Air Force in World War II. He was born on February 2, 1920, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hoppe graduated from the Dunwoody Institute in April 1941 and taught machine work there until he was drafted into World War II in December 1941. Hoppe was assigned into the 57th Air Service Squadron, part of the 332nd Air Service Group. Hoppe described how he provided repair and maintenance for fighter aircraft in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France. He recounted the repair on various types of airplanes, from welding to machine work. Hoppe described the impact his military experience had on his life. It provided not only an education, but an experience that cannot be bought. After the war, Hoppe owned and operated the Avon Machine Shop for four years, was employed as a tool and die maker for DeZurik Corporation and then Rimco Manufacturing of Rice. He married Veronica Blenker in 1950; she passed away in 1970. In 1973, Joseph married Colette Wedl; she passed away in 1989. In 1991, he married Mathilda �Babe� Maile; she passed away in 2009. Hoppe died on December 22, 2012.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

62. Interview with James Graham, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Graham, James
Date Created:: 1990-06-06; 1990-06-18
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Overy on June 6, 1991, James C. Graham, Sr., discussed his experiences as a bombardier in the United States Air Force during World War II. When World War II broke out, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1942, then transferred into the Army Air Corps and became a bombardier. He described his responsibilities as a bombardier - identifying ground targets, studying maps, briefings, and dealing with weather issues. On Graham's 16th mission, his plane was shot down and was taken as a prisoner of war to Stalag Luft 1 Camp in Germany, where he would spend the rest of the war. He discussed the harsh realities of being a prisoner of war, the starvation, sickness, cold weather, all while never giving up hope. Towards the end of the war, the Germans fled the prison camp because the Russian Army was advancing. As a result, the prisoners were left to fend for themselves until help arrived. After returning home, Graham maintained that his military experience was a positive one. The military provided him with discipline, physical training, and allowed him to be surrounded by like-minded people. This interview concludes with Graham's thoughts and feelings toward the Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Graham married his wife, Jeanne Sauer, in 1947. The couple had four children, Michael, James Jr., Mary, and Elizabeth. Graham was employed as a brakeman and conductor for Burlington Northern Railroad for forty-three years, he retired in 1983. James C. Graham, Sr., died on May 7, 1994, at the age of 73.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

63. Interview with James A. Grunerud, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Grunerud, James A., 1917-2010
Date Created:: 1990-05-09 - 1990-06-06
Description:: This was an interview conducted on May 9 and June 6, 1990 by David Overy. James Grunerud was born on December 11, 1917 in Waseca, Minnesota. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved back to Saskatchewan, Canada, where he grew up on a farm. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Dragoons (First Armored Regiment) in 1940, shortly after the Battle of Dunkirk. Grunerud arrived in England during the height of the Battle of Britain and he described the aftermath of the Germans bombing an elementary school and a movie theatre filled with children. Gross was involved in military action in Sicily, Italy, France (D-Day), Germany, Belgium, and Holland. From September 1943 to May 1944, he saw action in Italy, including at Monte Cassino. He was wounded in action three times. Grunerud told of a visit to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp shortly after it was liberated. After the war was over and while waiting to be evacuated, Grunerud had the opportunity to travel in Europe.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

64. Interview with Donald O. Davis, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Bloomington, Minnesota

Creator:: Davis, Donald O.
Date Created:: 1990-05-07
Description:: This was an interview conducted on May 7, 1990 by John Carter. Donald Davis enlisted in 1942 to serve as a cadet with the Army Air Corps as a pilot. Davis participated in the College Training Detachment (CTD) in Utah. The majority of his time was spent stateside, flying trainers and fighter aircraft. This program exposed Davis to flight testing, and went to Tulare, California for pilot training in a Boeing Stearman bi-wing airplane. While in training, Davis earned the rank of flight officer and wore a blue bar. Three days prior to the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Davis arrived in Spain to assist in pilot training to fight against Japanese forces. Davis was discharged in October 1945 after two and a half years of service. Davis attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a journalism degree. He worked various jobs within the water conditioning business until retirement. He married later in life. He concluded the interview by stating his favorite plane to fly was the AT-6.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

65. Interview with Dick Carroll, World War II Veteran Collection, St. Cloud State University, Burnsville, Minnesota

Creator:: Carroll, Dick
Date Created:: 1990-04-18
Description:: In an oral history conducted by David Lewis on April 18, 1991, Richard L. Carroll discussed his experiences in training, combat and as a prisoner of war as a heavy bomber pilot in the European Theater during World War II. Born and raised in Rosemount, Minnesota, Carroll enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 and was called to active duty in 1943. In this interview, Carroll described his training to become a bomber pilot and his combat missions, including his fifteenth when he had to bail-out of his airplane only to be shot and captured by Hungarian civilians. Carroll described his experiences as a prisoner of war with a bullet lodged in the muscle of his heart, including his medical complications and multiple prisoner transfers. Lastly, Carroll describes his liberation and being used in prisoner negotiations between the Soviet Union and the United States as well as a brief mention of getting married, being placed on disability, and retiring from military service, all while the bullet remained lodged in his heart. Carroll was born on October 19, 1920, in Rosemount, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

66. Interview with Herbert Blad, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Hector, Minnesota

Creator:: Blad, Herbert, 1920-1997
Date Created:: 1990-04-07
Description:: This was an interview conducted on April 7, 1990 by David Overy. Herbert Blad was born on January 12, 1920. He joined the Army on March 22, 1942 and served as a 60mm mortarman in the 32nd Infantry, 7th Division. Blad primarily spent World War II in the Pacific theater, where he participated in the Aleutians, Kwajalein, Leyte, and Okinawa campaigns. One of the most shocking things Blad witnessed was the treatment of native civilians by the Japanese military which included mass slaughter and use of civilians for bayonet practice. Blad described an incident when a kamikaze pilot struck the ship he was on, sending one man overboard. World War II concluded with Blad stationed on Okinawa, but he was sent to Pusan, Korea to police the area until the Japanese troops left. He was discharged on November 15, 1945. Blad concluded the interview with his thoughts on those draft-dodging Vietnam, and how he felt they did not appreciate America by their actions. Blad passed away on December 27, 1997.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

67. Interview with Sherby R. Woods, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Milaca, Minnesota

Creator:: Woods, Sherby R., 1918-2007
Date Created:: 1990-02-18
Description:: This interview was conducted on February 18, 1990 by Richard Olson. Sherby Roy Woods was born August 17, 1918 in Iowa. After moving to Minnesota, he worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps and the lumber industry as a heavy equipment operator in northern Minnesota. Woods was drafted into the Army on October 14, 1941 at the age of 23. During the war, he was attached to Company B, 6th Armored Infantry Regiment, 1st Armored Division. Discharged as a Technician Fifth Grade, Woods worked in heavy equipment and demolitions during campaigns in North Africa and Italy. Woods shared his opinions of Allied soldiers and Axis Power POWs and what he described as the poor training given to replacement troops. He also described how the war changed the U.S. military, including his improvised invention of a more efficient automatic transmission system for light tanks. After returning to the U.S. in 1945, Woods married Cora Lillian Moe, attended heavy equipment maintenance school on the GI Bill, and began a long series of treatments for a facial injury at the Veterans Administration hospital. He worked on heavy equipment for Milaca County until his retirement. Woods concluded the interview with a discussion of contemporary events such as apartheid in South Africa and stated that embargos are a more effective tool than war. He passed away on January 23, 2007 at the age of 88 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Milaca, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

68. Interview with Keith Trimble, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Milaca, Minnesota

Creator:: Trimble, Keith, 1915?-1991?
Date Created:: 1990-02-18
Description:: This interview was conducted on February 18, 1990 by Richard Olson. Keith Trimble was born in Agenda, Kansas and joined the National Guard at the age of 15 by lying on the enrollment form. He went overseas to France in 1943 and worked with Headquarters Company in France during World War II as counter intelligence. Trimble was shot during combat and was put into a Prisoner of War (POW) hospital. After American forces bombed the hospital, Trimble and other patients made an escape towards the woods nearby. Trimble was also involved in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a bronze star for running communications through combat zones.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

69. Interview with Donald E. Anderson, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Milaca, Minnesota

Creator:: Anderson, Donald E., 1922-1999
Date Created:: 1990-02-11
Description:: This was an interview conducted on February 11, 1990 by Richard Olsen. Donald E. Anderson was born on April 5, 1922 in Milaca, Minnesota. He joined the National Guard in 1939 at the age of 16. Anderson entered World War II assigned to the 34th Division Field Artillery and spent most of his service in North Africa and Italy. Anderson discussed his frustration with ninety-day wonders. Anderson also experienced taking German prisoners, as well as interacted with civilians in Italy. He was also present when the body of Mussolini was hanging from a building. After being discharged from service in 1945, Anderson opened a restaurant as well as worked as a postal worker. Anderson passed away on August 29, 1999 at the age of 77.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

70. Interview with Albert Wedell, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Milaca, Minnesota

Creator:: Wedell, Albert, 1911-2000
Date Created:: 1990-02-11
Description:: This was an interview conducted on February 11, 1990 by Richard Olson. Albert Wedell was born September 29, 1911 in Milaca, Minnesota. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and trained in California. He was assigned to the repair division of the U.S.S. Louisville, on which he served in the Aleutian Islands and the South Pacific. He discussed the armaments of the ship, the conditions aboard, men he met in the crew, and some of the attacks on the ship by Japanese ships and aircraft. While in the Navy, Wedell married Velma Swenson on March 14, 1945, and was honorably discharged on October 27, 1945. After the war, he ran a dairy farm near Milaca for 45 years and served on the Chase Brook School Board, the local telephone and creamery boards, and the county ASCA. Wedell passed away on March 16, 2000 and was buried in Borgholm Cemetery in Bock, Minnesota. He was survived by his wife, two sons, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

71. Interview with Norman J. Thomas, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Creator:: Thomas, Norman J., 1924-2006
Date Created:: 1990-01-28
Description:: This interview was conducted on January 28, 1990 by John Carter. Norman James Thomas was born February 29, 1924 in south Minneapolis. After graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1942, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was deployed to the South Pacific with the 64th Troop Carrier Squadron and later the 13th Air Force Service Command Headquarters. He flew several types of airplanes, primarily C-47s, on 140 missions in Australia, New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, the Solomon Islands, the Adele Islands, the Halmaheras, and the Ryukyus. In the Philippines, Thomas flew missions in support of the OSS what became the CIA and the Filipino resistance. Shortly after being discharged in January 1946, he met Marjory Brady, and the two were married on June 28, 1947. Thomas remained a reservist for five years after the war until finding a job as a corrections officer at the Minnesota Correctional Facility � St. Cloud. He worked there for thirty years and retired in 1979. After Marjory passed
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

72. Interview with Edward T. Haats, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Willmar, Minnesota

Creator:: Haats, Edward T., 1914-1999
Date Created:: 1990-01-20
Description:: This interview was conducted on January 20, 1990 by David Overy. Edward T. Haats was born on February 21, 1914, in Raymond, Minnesota. He entered the military as part of the Army's 105th Infantry Division in 1942. He served in the Medical Corp Detachment. Haats saw action in Saipan and was wounded in battle on July 8, 1944. Haats told of several events he observed where Japanese military and civilians committing suicide rather than surrender. Haats was wounded on July 8, 1944, the day he said that Saipan was secured. Haats was discharged from the military on April 5, 1945, and returned to Minnesota. Haats and his wife, Muriel P. Sell, owned and operated several businesses in Echo and Winthrop, Minnesota. Haats died on January 14, 1999.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

73. Interview with Romuald Thibault, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Thibault, Romauld, 1918-2002
Date Created:: 1989-12-12
Description:: This interview was conducted on December 12, 1989 by David Overy. Romuald Thibault was born on December 22, 1918 in Garden, Michigan. He enlisted in the military twice, first in 1937 with the 7th Tank Company and again in 1942. During World War II, Thibault spent most of his service in Alaska patrolling the North Pacific Ocean with the Navy. His first overseas duty was in the Philippines, and he discussed his interactions with the local civilians and life there before the outbreak of World War II. After the war, Thibault came to St. Cloud where he worked for the railroad, retiring in 1980. He married Rachael Kramer on January 2, 1945 and they had two sons, Jack and Pat. Thibault concluded the interview with his thoughts on the Vietnam War and how he was against the draft process .Thibault passed away on May 28, 2002.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

74. Interview with Stewart Gross, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gross, Stewart, 1921-2013
Date Created:: 1989-12-07
Description:: This was an interview conducted on December 7, 1989 by Nancy Baker. Stewart Gross was born in New England, North Dakota, on November 9, 1921. He moved to Minnesota when he was less than one-year old. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1939 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp, trained as a radio operator, in aerial gunnery, and basic navigation. Gross served in both the Pacific and European Theatres as a navigator/bombardier, first with the 20th Fighter Pursuit Group and 14th Fighter Group (China) in 1942-1943. While in China, Gross was shot down twice, once by anti-aircraft and the second time by Japanese fighters. Gross left China in November 1943, having flown 85-90 missions. Later in 1944 he served with the 321st Bomber Group (Italy, Corsica) and the 10th Bomb Division. Near the end of the war, he was transferred to the 15th Air Force. After the war, Gross re-enlisted and was stationed first in Garden City, Kansas, then later in Alaska with the 7th Weather Group. Gross left the military in May 1948. Gross passed away on December 25, 2013.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

75. Interview with Clara Schrom Gruber, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Gruber, Clara Schrom, 1921-2002
Date Created:: 1989-12-07
Description:: This interview was conducted on December 7, 1989 by Nancy Baker. Clara Schrom Gruber was born in Albany, Minnesota, on July 3, 1921. After graduating high school in 1939, she enrolled in St. Cloud Hospital nurses training at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Riley, Kansas, finishing in 1942. In June 1943, Gruber entered the United States Army Nurse Corps as a first lieutenant. Gruber helped establish two general hospitals, one outside of London, the other near Glasgow, Scotland, where wounded soldiers were evacuated directly from the war zone. In addition to her nursing responsibilities Gruber described the German and Italian prisoners of war who were housed next to the hospital in Glasgow. Upon discharge from the Army in December 1945, Gruber returned to St. Cloud and worked as a private nurse at the St. Cloud Hospital. In 1946, she married Roland Gruber, a paratrooper during World War II, and they raised five children. She worked as a registered nurse at the St. Cloud VA Hospital from 1967 until she retired in 1981. In this interview Gruber also discussed her nurses training at the St. Cloud Hospital and being encouraged to enlist by one of the doctors, the benefits of having served, and life after returning to St. Cloud. Gruber passed away on July 5, 2002.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

76. Interview with Margaret Haverly Theisen, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Creator:: Theisen, Margaret Haverly, 1914-2007
Date Created:: 1989-11-30
Description:: This interview was conducted on November 30, 1989, by Nancy Baker. Margaret Theisen was born October 12, 1914 in Wesley, Iowa. After graduating from high school, she moved to Iowa City, where she worked for the editor of Better Homes and Gardens. After attending the University of Iowa School of Nursing, she took a position at the VA hospital in St. Cloud, where she met her future husband, Earl Theisen. Both served in World War II, he in Hawaii and she as an Army nurse in England, France, Belgium, and Norway. Theisen discussed her experiences as a nurse with the 46th Field Hospital during World War II. Theisen was awarded the Bronze Star for her service as a surgical nurse during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, she and Earl were married on November 29, 1945 and then went to work at St. Cloud Hospital. She later returned to the VA hospital, where she worked for another 25 years before retiring in 1978. Theisen passed away on June 16, 2007 and buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

77. Interview with Milon George, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Creator:: George, Milon, 1918-2012
Date Created:: 1989-07-25
Description:: This was an interview conducted on July 25, 1989 by David Overy. Milon George was born on March 17, 1918 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School and was drafted into the Army Air Corps in 1942. George trained at Randolph Field, Texas, before moving onto Fresno, California. After training, George and his crew spent a little time in North Africa before ending up in Spinazzola, Italy. George was a pilot of a B-24 bomber and was part of 51 combat missions. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after a mission over Austria in 1944. After the war, Milon worked as a parts manager for Otto Brothers Dodge dealership as well as a rural mail carrier out of Sauk Rapids. George married Margaret Sova, and they had two children, Milon and Janet. George concluded the interview with a summary of his post-combat life as well as his thoughts on Vietnam. George passed away on April 2, 2012.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

78. Interview with Dean Aarvig, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Willmar, Minnesota

Creator:: Aarvig, Dean, 1920-1998
Date Created:: 1989-07-19
Description:: This was an interview conducted on July 19, 1989 by David Overy. Dean H. Aarvig was born on October 15, 1920 in Wilmar, Minnesota. He graduated from high school in 1937 and was drafted into the Army in 1942. After completing basic training, Aarvig went to Officer Candidate School (OCS) and joined the 9th Armored Division in France as a platoon leader that conducted intelligence & reconnaissance missions. During his service, Aarvig participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Remagen. After the wars end, Aarvig returned to Minnesota, where he and his wife ran a newspaper in Grand Meadow, as well as farmed. In November of 1950, Aarvig was recalled into the service and served with the 25th Infantry Division as a Company Commander in Korea. He talked about his thoughts on those in Vietnam burning their draft cards and going to Canada. Aarvig was married and had two children. He passed away on July 2, 1998.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

79. Interview with Donald Dean, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Willmar, Minnesota

Creator:: Dean, Donald
Date Created:: 1989-07-07
Description:: This interview was conducted on July 7, 1989 by David Overy. Donald Dean enlisted into service on July 5, 1942 and joined the 133rd Ordinance Maintenance Battalion as a vehicle repairman. He was present at the Battle of the Bulge as well as the liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp, and described the scene of the former prisoners and their actions towards their former German captors. Dean had gotten married prior to being shipped overseas and had two sons. Dean concludes the interview by sharing a personal story about his son refusing to fight in Vietnam if drafted.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

80. Interview with Donald U. Weiler, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Weiler, Donald U., 1923-2011
Date Created:: 1989-03-15
Description:: This interview was conducted on March 15, 1989 by David Overy. Donald Ursus Weiler was born July 12, 1923 in St. Cloud. He was drafted in spring 1943 and served as a machine gunner in the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division of the Army National Guard in North Africa and Italy. After being wounded in the leg during the Battle of Monte Cassino, he underwent an experimental treatment using a high-calcium diet at a hospital in North Africa. He spent a significant amount of time discussing how he would climb poles to listen for enemy movements and described at length the ways in which his unit would support riflemen and vehicle convoys as they advanced through Italy. While recovering and working in a military production factory in Iowa, Weiler met Thelma Ruth Lair, whom he married on January 27, 1945. Weiler lived his entire life in St. Cloud and had a long career as a service technician at the Typewriter Shop and later retired as a sales representative of Marco Business Products. As a recipient of the Purple Heart, Weiler dedicated time to supporting wounded and sick veterans at the St. Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He passed away on March 1, 2011 at the VA Center, and is buried at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley. He was survived by two sons who followed him into the military; two daughters, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

81. Interview with Raynold J. Winter, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, Maple Lake, Minnesota

Creator:: Winter, Raynold J., 1918-2008
Date Created:: 1989-02-19
Description:: This interview was conducted on February 19, 1989 by David Overy. Raynold John Winter was born March 15, 1918 in Watkins, Minnesota. He was drafted into the Army in 1941. His company trained in southern California as military police in the 506th MP Battalion and was assigned to guard Boulder Dam, which was later renamed Hoover Dam. His company, Company D, was reassigned to combat in Europe and retrained as infantry before being shipped overseas. Winter and many others were captured at the Battle of the Bulge. They became prisoners of war in Leipzig, Germany, where Winter was hospitalized for malnutrition before being liberated. Winter described how American planes bombed the prisoner camps and how American POWs got along with each other, the German guards, and French POWs. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. After the war, he married Catherine Klein of Watkins, where he worked for Kraft Foods. In 1958, they moved to Maple Lake, where he worked for Tem Tee Bakery. He became a member of the Northstar Baseball Hall of Fame as manager of the local Lakers team. Winters passed away at the age of 90 on December 2, 2008 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud and is buried in St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery in Watkins. He was survived by Catherine, their six children, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

82. Oral history interview with Dillo Hinnenkamp, Melrose, Minnesota

Creator:: Paschke, Roger; Melrose Area Historical Society
Date Created:: 1988-07-05
Description:: Dillo Hinnenkamp describes his life, mainly as a boxer, blacksmith shop operator, moonshining, and World War II experiences.
Contributing Institution:: Melrose Area Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

83. Interview with John Voth, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: Voth, John, 1921-2013
Date Created:: 1988 - 1993
Description:: This was an interview conducted by David Overy. John Voth was born on February 9, 1921 in Fair Haven, Minnesota. After graduating from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1939, Voth attended St. Cloud Teachers College until volunteering for duty in World War II with the Army Air Corps on October 6, 1942. Voth had experience as a pilot prior to his war years, which led him to the Air Corps. Voth spent time in the south as well as in Minnesota training pilots before moving to airplane maintenance. Voth detailed how students were trained and typical reasons they would washout of school. After the war, Voth owned the St. Cloud Hobby Shop as well as earned his Doctoral Degree in Industrial Education. He taught at both Hutchinson and Sartell High Schools as well as the Minnesota State Reformatory. He was an inductee in the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame. He was married to Adeline (Dickie) Dickinson and they had two children, Diane and John. Voth concluded the interview by stating he estimate
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

84. Interview with Bohn E. Fawkes, World War II Veterans Collection, St. Cloud State University

Creator:: Fawkes, Bohn E., 1919-2007
Date Created:: 1988 - 1993
Description:: This was an interview conducted in the late 1980s to early 1990s by John Carter. Bohn E. Fawkes was born on September 2, 1919 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was part of the ROTC program when World War II began, and was called to active duty initially in antiaircraft battery, but he took up the opportunity to attend flight school and be a pilot. Fawkes was a B-17 pilot with the 8th Air Force and participated in bombing raids on a manufacturing facility at Schweinfurt, Stuttgart, and Hamburg in Germany. He flew 25 missions before returning to the United States. Fawkes was stationed at Rapid City Airbase in South Dakota as a B-17 flight instructor, and eventually transferred to a B-29 training instructor in Fairmount, Nebraska. Fawkes left the military in 1962 to become a stock broker. He passed away on February 17, 2007 and is buried in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

85. Interview with Robert Wick (1913-2006), St. Cloud State University Oral History Collection, St. Cloud, Minnesota

Creator:: St. Cloud State University
Date Created:: 1981-08-17
Description:: In an oral history conducted by St. Cloud State University Professor of History Calvin (Cal) Gower on August 17, 1981, Robert Wick described his family history, as well as his educational background. Born in 1913 in Henry County, Iowa, Wick said he was the only member of his family to attend college, receiving great encouragement from his grandfather to pursue his education at a time during the Great Depression. Wick described his time teaching after college in Iowa, and then his experiences in the Army. Of the unit of 100 men that fought in Europe, he was one of six who returned home. After the war, Wick attended graduate school at the University of Iowa, and through a friend from Iowa, found an opportunity to teach in St. Cloud while pursuing his doctorate. Wick discussed his time at St. Cloud State. Arriving in 1948, he taught speech courses and coached the debate team. He described his transition into administration and felt his time as a lieutenant in the Army had given him good experience to do so. Wick talked about being Dean of Science, Literature, and Arts, and some of the changes he took part it. Wick also described the road that led him to become St. Cloud State president, which he served as from 1965 to 1971. He detailed the goals he had as president, mainly to create more physical space for a campus that was growing rapidly. He also wanted to improve working and learning conditions for faculty and students and refine some of the programs since the school had gone from a teacher's college to a university with a broad curriculum. Wick described changes that took place while president, such as the growth of the Inter-Faculty Organization. He said students' attitudes changed during the Vietnam War, claiming that some came to the university simply to protest and did not care about pursuing an academic career. Wick touched upon the relationship between the university and the city of St. Cloud, stating that he did not believe it was very good when he first came in 1948. But that he and other presidents tried to improve it.
Contributing Institution:: St. Cloud State University
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

86. Interview with Irving Nathanson (1900-?), United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project, St. Paul, Minnesota

Creator:: Nathanson, Irving, circa 1900-?
Date Created:: 1978-04-05
Description:: In this interview, Irving Nathanson gives an account of his life as a Jewish Minnesotan. He explains how he was born around the turn of the 20th century to Morris and Jenny Nathanson, who left Chicago for Eveleth, Minnesota to be merchants. Nathanson continues, telling the story of how the family moved to St. Paul in the 1920s so that Irving could go to the University of Minnesota. He and his father than successfully started and operated an importing business which survived the Depression. Life in the 1920s is discussed at length, including home life, cars, neighborhoods in St. Paul (Crocus Hill, Grand Avenue, and possibly Rondo), Jewish businesses, temple, and family. This interview was conducted by Andy Gellman as a part of the United Jewish Fund and Council Oral History Project focusing on the West Side Flats/Lower West Side Jewish community in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: University of Minnesota Libraries, Nathan and Theresa Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

87. Oral history interview with John Meyer, Melrose, Minnesota

Creator:: Hoeschen, Evelyn; Melrose Area Historical Society
Date Created:: 1970
Description:: John Meyer relates stories of World War II, the lumber business, and his biography.
Contributing Institution:: Melrose Area Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

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