Oral Histories
THE MISSION
These Oral Histories come from a variety of sources. Some are Documents, some are Audio Interviews, and others are Video Interviews.
They are "organized" by Division / Regiment / Battalion / Company. We thank everyone who has contributed to this collection, including:
- Lowell Silverman (Delaware's World War II Fallen project). Lowell is a historian based in Delaware and is currently compiling biographies for the American troops
from Delaware who made the ultimate sacrifice.
- 80th Division Veterans Association interviews by COL(ret) Grant Porter. During the 2001 80th Division Veterans Association Annual Meeting in Hampton, VA
(August 24-25, 2001), COL(ret) Grant Porter sat down with several 80th Division WWII Veterans and recorded their stories. This project was carried through by
MG(ret) John P. McLaren and COL(ret) Brydon Jackson. These extraordinary interviews of the men who fought with the 80th Division during WWII will never be forgotten.
- WW2 Fallen (80th Infantry Division Soldiers)
WW2 Fallen 100 is a project honoring the fallen of World War II soldiers on their 100th birthday.
- Robert Leach is a historian based in Ohio and preparing narratives for all names on the county World War II memorial, several of which include soldiers
from the 80th Division.
-
Library of Congress, Veterans History Project Service - 80th Infantry Division Veterans interviews by various sources.
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War I
-
THE AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES MEMORIAL PROJECT
The Online Museum and Research Center on the History of the US in the First
World War. B. Clark Byrnes is the founder of the American Expeditionary Forces
Memorial Project. Clark is a collector and researcher of WWI photographs,
diaries, letters, and individual level records.
-
Diary of William A. Livergood
A Tale of a Soldier who Served the World War in France.
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - 80th Infantry Division Units
- Clifford Clinton Fowler
80th Infantry Division
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Barbara L. Reeves) [VIDEO: 38m]
- William John Nelson
80th Infantry Division
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Joanne Cargill) [VIDEO: 1h, 5m, 45s]
- Jesse Szoke
Company I, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Donna Madver) [VIDEO: 41m, 30s]
-
Lou Engelke (1) [VIDEO: 13m, 39s]
Lou Engelke (2) [VIDEO: 23m, 30s]
Lou Engelke (3) [VIDEO: 12m, 10s]
MP Platoon, 80th Division
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter)
-
Pvt Clifford L. Hook
Company A, 610th Tank Destroyer Battalion; KIA September 8, 1944; Saizerais, France.
(Delaware's World War II Fallen) [DOCUMENT]
- Donald Paul Schoo
633rd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by unknown) [VIDEO: 46m, 30s]
- Andrew B. Zamba
Company B, 702nd Tank Battalion
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Charles B. Jennings) [VIDEO: 45m, 26s]
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - 317th Infantry Regiment
- Don Kemper
317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Bernice M. Felder) [AUDIO: 7m, 11s]
- Melvin F. Rund
317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Gail Lowry) [AUDIO: 42m, 46s]
-
Clarence Brockman
Headquarters Company, 317th Inf Reg
Liberating Buchenwald in April 1945. [VIDEO: YouTube: 9m, 10s]
-
Lowell A. Drudge
Company A, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Douglas Clanins) [AUDIO (2): 46m, 41s; 44m, 52s]
-
Pvt Arnold H. Harmon
Company A, 317th Inf Reg; KIA February 21, 1945; Enzen, Germany.
(WW2 Fallen 100 Project - 80th Infantry Division Soldiers) [DOCUMENT]
- David Marsh McLelland
Company A, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; intervied by Lauren Rittermann, Andrea Sjogren) [VIDEO: 51m, 8s]
- Harry Bailey
Company B, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Tom Dimiero) [VIDEO: 29m, 57s]
-
John Edward Finn
Company B, 317th Inf Reg
Interviewed by Autumn Hendrickson, author of "Reading's Boys." [DOCUMENT]
-
Letters from Guyowen H. Howard
Company B, 317th Inf Reg
Letter 1;
Letter 2;
Letter 3
Letters Guyowen wrote home to his wife in June 1945. [DOCUMENT]
-
Pvt Joseph D. Johnson
Company B, 317th Inf Reg; KIA October 9, 1944; Jeandelincourt, France.
(Delaware's World War II Fallen) [DOCUMENT]
- Victor E. Moiles
Company B, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Michael Mihalus) [VIDEO: 28m, 39s]
-
Pfc Edwin Mello
Company C, 317th Inf Reg; KIA February 21, 1945; Battle on Siegfried Line.
(WW2 Fallen 100 Project - 80th Infantry Division Soldiers) [DOCUMENT]
-
Bob Burrows
Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 317th Inf Reg
Story about joining 2d Bn Christmas Eve, 1944 (Feulen, LUX). Miserable
conditions (cold, deep 10" snow) & tough enemy. Small patrols (Kehmen);
attack at 4:30am. Co E & Co F (attack); Co G in reserve (100 yards behind);
last round landed in command group; killed Col Boydstun, Lt. Clark (Forward
Observer), Hursh (sp?, radioman), Ernie Form (sp?), Capt Miller (Co F).
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 5m, 53s]
-
Bob Burrows
Headquarters Company, 2d Battalion, 317th Inf Reg
Stories about working in Civilian Affairs with 12th Corps, transferring to 80th Division;
under fire (artillery, mortar, MG, small arms); weapons used during his service;
combat; Battle of the Bulge conditions; breaching the Siegfried Line; capturing 16 German
prisoners in a basement.
(Aug 2017, interviewed by Rishi Sharma) [VIDEO: 1h, 6m]
-
Staff Sergeant George C. Curdy
Company E, 317th Inf Reg; KIA March 16, 1945; Greimerath, Germany.
(Delaware's World War II Fallen) [DOCUMENT]
- Frank R. Hodes
Company E, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Carol Fowler) [VIDEO: 1h, 8m, 44s]
- Charles Blaine Fisher
Company F, 317 Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by James M. Snyder) [AUDIO: 30m, 57s]
-
Thaine Ray Hogue
Company F, 317th Inf Reg
"Reflections of World War II" [DOCUMENT]
-
Valie William Hotz
Company F, 317th Inf Reg [DOCUMENT]
-
Tec5 Martin Mason, Mail Clerk
Company F, 317th Inf Reg
In a letter to Fred (Witzgall?), Martin explains his duties as the mail clerk for Company F. [DOCUMENT]
-
Pfc Gilbert B. Bryan
Company G, 317th Inf Reg; KIA March 28, 1945; Kastel, Germany.
(Delaware's World War II Fallen) [DOCUMENT]
- James R. Krohn
Company G, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Phillip L. Elbaum) [VIDEO: 59:20]
-
Gerald Meyers (1) [VIDEO: 34m, 47s]
Gerald Meyers (2) [VIDEO: 35m, 33s]
Company G, 317th Inf Reg
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter)
- Gerald Virgil Myers
Company G, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Krystal C. Bemman, Amy Topol) [VIDEO: 15m, 41s]
-
Pfc Howard F Mangan
Company G, 317th Inf Reg
(Written by Bob Leach) [DOCUMENT]
-
Andrew Z. Adkins Jr.
Company H, 317th Inf Reg
(Interviewed by Sid Johnson, Sep 14, 1984) [DOCUMENT]
- Wilbur L. Peck
Company H, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Caity McGill, Samanth Enright, Shannon O'Connor) [VIDEO: 32m, 45s]
- Jack A. Marshall
3rd Battalion, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Laura Prichard) [AUDIO: 3m, 9s]
-
Eric Reilinger
Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 317th Inf Reg
Story about being captured by Germans; crossed Seille River on Nov 8, 1944.
In charge of Radio Squad in Hq Co. Wounded a couple of times during this action.
Germans treated his wounds in a barn; evacuated to a German hospital in Metz,
then to St. Avold. Ended up in a prison camp in Straasburg (temporary Stalag)
Nov 17.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 14m, 50s]
-
Jerry Spellman
Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, Medical Detachment, 317th Inf Reg
Story about being the first 80th Division replacement. Wounded toward the end of the Battle of the Bulge.
Wounded again & sent home.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 1m, 36s]
- Victor Arnopolin
Company K, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Ellen L. George) [VIDEO: 1h, 18m, 56s]
-
Bert Langdon
Company K, 317th Inf Reg
"My War Years" [DOCUMENT]
- Harrison Peter Goodspeed
Company K, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by James Smither) [VIDEO: 1h, 9m, 59s]
-
Robert Smith
Company K, 317th Inf Reg
Story about closing the gap at Argentan (walked through 1st Bn 318th; seeing
80th men who had been KIA). Described the move in mid-Dec to Luxembourg for
the Battle of the Bulge. Company Commander at the time; awarded the DSC during
the Battle of the Bulge, in and around Kehman (Dec 24-26): went to find a
lost platoon that was separated, bringing them back to the Company. Wounded
four (4) times during the war. Wounded at Kehmen on Dec 26, 1944, returned
back to England, USA.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 6m, 59s]
- James L. Swindell
Company K, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Douglas Clanin) [AUDIO (3): 1h, 31m, 42s; 1h, 31m, 8s; 39m, 26s]
-
Angelo Barone
Company L, 317th Inf Reg
Story of being captured by Germans. Wounded Sep 5, 1944 at Pont-a-Moussonabout
about 9p. Germans captured them the next day, Sep 6. Described being shelled by
Allies in the barn, killing some Germans and Lt. Ferguson. Germans took them to
Metz, then to Frankfurt Germany; 13 men operated on by German doctors; stayed
about 4 weeks. From there, took them to Limburg (hospital) then to Mooseburg,
then to Munich for work detail.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 11m, 16s]
-
John Sowders
Company L, 317th Inf Reg
Paul Sowders (son) transcribed notes from his father's "My Service Diary" book. [DOCUMENT]
- Floyd L. Ball
Company M, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project interviewed by Richard A. Dailey) [VIDEO: 52m, 7s]
- Paul D. Nelson
Company M, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Jeffrey E. Gearhart, Sarah Gutknecht) [VIDEO: 34m, 3s]
- Henry Mack Erford
Anti-Tank Company, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Bryan Verhoff, Kevin J. Niese, Brock Verhoff) [VIDEO: 18m, 57s]
-
William L. Koob, Sr., Captain
Anti-tank Company, 317th Inf Reg
"The Operations of the Antitank Company (Reinforced), 317th Infantry (80th Infantry Division) Northeast of Argentan in the Closing of the
Argentan-Falaise Gap, 17-20 August, 1944 (Northern France Campaign)." Part of the Advanced Infantry Officers Course, The Infantry
School, Fort Benning, Georgia. [DOCUMENT]
-
Dempsey Pappas
Anti-Tank Company, 317th Inf Reg
Story about speaking to students in Kansas City; questions from students:
"Would you do it again?" "How did it change your life?"
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 2m, 00s]
- James Springer George
Cannon Company, 317th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Aaron Casas, Dawn Michelle Hill, Christiane Ngueha) [VIDEO: 42m, 33s]
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - 318th Infantry Regiment
- Edward Fred Gavan
318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Emil Dansker) [VIDEO: 50m, 18s]
- Nickolas Jekogian
318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Kristi Bergeman, Bryce Talley, Robin Carbaugh) [AUDIO: 32m, 58s]
- George E. French
Headquarters Company, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by James K. Rambin) [VIDEO: 45m, 54s]
- Elmer G. Dorsten
Company A, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Nathan Davis) [VIDEO: 1h, 18s]
-
Renaldo Martin
Company A, 318th Inf Reg
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 19m, 30s]
-
Ed Bredbenner (1)
Company B, 318th Inf Reg
Story about heading into the Battle of the Bulge; attack on Ettlebruck. Loss of
officers, sergeants; up to and attack of Bastogne. Fighting in extreme weather
conditions. Wounded, sent back to aid station; shot down during evacuation to
England.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 5m, 5s]
Ed Bredbenner (2)
German soldiers surrendering at end of the war.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 2m, 15s]
- Oneal Brewton
Company B, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Jerry M. Bacon, Steve Morrow) [VIDEO: 14m, 59s]
-
Sgt James Albert Meehan, Jr.
Company B, 318th Inf Reg; KIA December 25, 1944; Bastogne, Belgium.
(WW2 Fallen 100 Project - 80th Infantry Division Soldiers) [DOCUMENT]
- Mark Anthony Osweiler
Company B, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Dwight Merritt Davis) [VIDEO: 1h, 8m, 14s]
-
John H. Scanlon, Major
Company B, 318th Inf Reg
"The Operations of Company B, 318th Infantry Regiment (80th Division) During the German Ardennes Counteroffensive, 19-24 December 1944
(Rhineland Campaign)." Part of the Advanced Infantry Officers Course, The Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia. [DOCUMENT]
-
Henry (Hank) Frank Rosenthal
Company B, 318th Inf Reg
Letters and video interviews from Hank's son, Will Rosenthal. The letters cover his time during the Fall of '44, through
his recovery from being wounded in Ettelbruck, Luxembourg, through working in the post office in Paris.
Link to Hank Rosenthal's WWII "Recollections" (PDF): Click HERE
Link to PDF with Hank Rosenthal's letters: Click HERE
Links to Hank Rosenthal interview VIDEOS (below):
- George D. McLin
Company C, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by William M. Tilt) [VIDEO: 36m, 18s]
-
Owen McKean Laughlin
2d Battalion, 318th Inf Reg
"Lucky To Be Alive"
Barbara Laughlin Adler's father was in the 318th Infantry Regiment. [DOCUMENT]
-
Leonard Borin
Company E, 318th Inf Reg [VIDEO (YouTube): 19m, 23s]
- Ralph P. Chapman
Company E, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Bonita Callahan) [AUDIO: 20m, 23s]
- Grady McCoy Hubbard
Company E, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Jerry T. Kendall) [AUDIO (2): 1h, 2m, 18s; 3m, 29s]
- John D. Razzano
Company E, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Domenick Razzano) [VIDEO: 24m, 31s]
-
Seymour Miller
Company F, 318th Inf Reg
Matthew Gibbs' grandfather (Seymour Miller) fought at Mousson Hill for the 317th
Company L. Seymour "Stretch" Miller provided several typed pages of memoirs. [DOCUMENT]
- Max L. Fullmer
Company G, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Sue Paul) [VIDEO: 1h, 23m, 57s]
- Edward William Mull
Company G, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Michael A. Sewards) [VIDEO: 1h, 33m, 6s]
-
Paul & Alice Wiedorfer
Company G, 318th Inf Reg
Congressional Medal of Honor [VIDEO: (January 5, 2002) 58m, 37s]
- Williams Ray Abell
Company I, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Joseph W. Davidson) [VIDEO: 1h, 6m, 48s]
- Murrill Lowry
Company I, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Angela M. Roman) [VIDEO: 33m, 45s]
- Irving Richmond
Company I, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Eric Hoyt) [VIDEO: 42m]
- Wesley M. Voorhis
Company I, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Rod Gragg) [VIDEO: 29m, 51s]
- Norval Richard Williams
Company I, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Louis Orlando) [VIDEO: 32m, 32s]
- Van Thomas Jones
Company K, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Annie Kathleen Smith) [AUDIO: 29m, 55s]
- Dale D. Nickols
Company K, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Robert E. Scott) [VIDEO: 1h, 17m, 15s]
- Orvil R. Shea
Company L, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Neil R. Grootenboer) [VIDEO: 43m, 10s]
-
Bob Murrell
Company M, 318th Inf Reg
Story about originally being attached to 2d Ranger Bn, but being transferred
to 80th Division (MG water-cooled). Described his first time seeing "what war
was all about:" lost three men during Argentan to mortar attack. While at
Mousson Hill - a buddy who stated, "I'm tired of digging in." He didn't dig
in, and was KIA that night. Described horid conditions of Battle of Bulge,
Ettlebruck, loss of men.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 5m, 02s]
- Francis J. Redar
Anti-Tank Company, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Jean Prebis) [AUDIO: 1h, 4m, 46s]
- Robert W. Cox
Service Company, 318th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Gale D. Robinett) [VIDEO: 55m, 54s]
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - 319th Infantry Regiment
- Virgil E. Ronnabaum
319th Infantry Regiment
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Mika Schmehle) [AUDIO: 59m, 53s]
-
Pfc Lloyd George Price
319th Inf Reg; KIA September 14, 1944; Nancy, France.
(WW2 Fallen 100 Project - 80th Infantry Division Soldiers) [DOCUMENT]
-
Frank Gerone
1st Battalion, 319th Inf Reg
Story about Sgt Catalge (sp?) busted from Sgt to Pvt (Moorsville, France),
Oct 2, 1944. Lt Freske, Sgt Bolt, Sgt King, Cpl Hicks all wounded during
firefight. Described Our River crossing with 13 men in a boat, capsized.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 5m, 40s]
-
Lloyd Bowes
Company A, Company C, Service Company, S-4, 319th Inf Reg
Story about being fired upon by friendly forces.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 1m, 36s]
-
Charles Faulconer
Company A, 319th Inf Reg
Stories about basic training, joining as a replacement in February 1945; what it's like to
be under artillery fire; going on patrol; & being wounded.
(From the 2017 Reunion, Richmond, VA. Interviewed by Rishi Sharma) [VIDEO: 46m, 48s]
-
W. M. Cunningham, Captain
Company B, 319th Inf Reg
"Operations of the 1st Platoon, Company B, 319th Infantry (80th Infantry Division) in the Assault on the Siegfried Line at
Wallendorf, Germany, 7-11 February 1945 (Rhineland Campaign)." Part of the Advanced Infantry Officers Course, The Infantry
School, Fort Benning, Georgia. [DOCUMENT]
-
SSGT Vincent M. Shannon
Company B, 319th Inf Reg
(Interview @ Niagara University, 2003) [VIDEO]
-
SSGT Vincent Taglimonte
Company B, 319th Inf Reg
(Andy Biggio from Boston interviewed Mr. Taglimonte of the 80th Divison) [VIDEO (YouTube): 1h, 58m]
-
Sgt Day Turner & the Defence of
Am Aastert Farm | Medal of Honor | January 1945
Company B, 319th Inf Reg
"Liveth for Evermore" of the events in Dahl, Luxembourg surrounding Sgt Day Turner's MOH. [VIDEO (YouTube): 7m, 38s]
- Stephen Charles Mace
Company C, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by unknown) [VIDEO: 1h, 4m, 44s]
- Eugene Patrick O'Neil
Company C, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Charles T. Harrell) [VIDEO: 48m, 46s]
-
Lt Jack Roark
Company D/B, 319th Inf Reg; KIA February 9, 1945; Battle on Siegfried Line.
(WW2 Fallen 100 Project 80th Infantry Division Soldiers) [DOCUMENT]
-
Pvt Charles M. Brittingham
Company F, 319th Inf Reg; KIA January 23, 1945; Kautenbach, Luxembourg.
(Delaware's World War II Fallen) [DOCUMENT]
- Robert W. Miller
Company F, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Thomas A. Swope) [AUDIO (2): 46m, 26s; 46m, 44s]
- Warren Kenneth Coomer
Company G, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Larry Ordner) [AUDIO: 41m, 46s]
-
Warren Kenneth Coomer, Sgt Maj
Company G, 319th Inf Reg [DOCUMENT]
-
Bill Lainge
Company G, 319th Inf Reg
Story about Sauer River crossing Feb 8, 1945, capture of a German pillbox.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 3m, 58s]
-
Charles Parker
Company G, 319th Inf Reg
Stories about using BAR; first experience in combat; night patrols; artillery
barrages; river crossing; & Wounded in Action.
(Aug 2017, interviewed by Rishi Sharma) [VIDEO: 40m, 20s]
- Charles G. Parker
Company G, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by William V. Knapp) [AUDIO: 26m, 3s]
-
Gene N. Barry
Headquarters Company, 3d Battalion, 319th Inf Reg [DOCUMENT]
- Roland George Perkins
Company H, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by John Hursk) [VIDEO: 38m, 36s]
-
Charles K. Corthell
Company I, 319th Inf Reg
"Recollections of Charles Kinsman Corthell" [DOCUMENT]
-
Pvt James Lloyd Cruise
Company I, 318th Inf Reg; KIA November 8, 1944; Saar Basin.
(WW2 Fallen 100 Project - 80th Infantry Division Soldiers) [DOCUMENT]
-
Pfc Luther Curtis
Company K, 319th Inf Reg
Written by Bob Leach. [DOCUMENT]
-
Don Davis
Company K, 319th Inf Reg
Story of capture by Germans (Sep 27, 1944). Forward observation post; five (5)
GIs in a barn with limited visibility; near Pont-a-Mousson (Port-sur-Seille);
transported to Straasburg, Stalag 12A, Stalag 7A. Worked on German railroad
during winter 44/45. Singing Christmas Carols with Germans. Liberated by 99th
Division on April 20, 1945.
(Aug 2001, interviewed by COL(ret) Grant Porter) [VIDEO: 9m, 37s]
- Henry C. Einolf
Company L, 319th Inf Reg
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Brian Bailey, Kai Dambach, Edward Green) [VIDEO: 41m, 4s]
-
Burt Marsh
Company M, 319th Inf Reg
Stories about joining the 80th Division as a replacement in Dahl, Luxembourg;
his baptism of fire, Battle of the Bulge; breaching the Siegfried Line; under
artillery barrage; role of a MG squad in combat; river crossings.
(Aug 2017, interviewed by Rishi Sharma) [VIDEO: 35m, 47s]
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - 305th Combat Engineer Battalion
- Merle M. Duvall
305th Combat Engineer Battalion
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by David Vansickle) [AUDIO: 22m, 56s]
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - 305th Medical Battalion
- Robert L. Stubblefield
305th Medical Battalion
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by unknown) [AUDIO: 14m, 9s]
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - Field Artillery Units
- Oliver L. Warner
Battery A, 313th Field Artillery Battalion
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Ann Birch) [VIDEO: 2h, 18m, 41s]
-
Robert T. Gholson
Battery B, 313th Field Artillery Battalion. [DOCUMENT]
- Ray Don Myers
Battery B, 313th Field Artillery Battalion
(Library of Congress: Veterans History Project; interviewed by Allen Van Osdol) [AUDIO: 41m, 36s]
-
1st Lieutenant Thomas O. Hudson
Headquarters Battery, 315th Field Artillery Battalion; KIA December 23, 1944; Heiderscheid, Luxembourg.
(Delaware's World War II Fallen) [DOCUMENT]
-
John Byrne
Headquarters Battery, 905th Field Artillery Battalion
John Byrne's son, Dan, shared this 2-page oral history that his father wrote 25 years ago for Dan's daughter,
who was working on a school project - life during WWII. [DOCUMENT]
80th DIVISION ORAL HISTORIES - World War II - Miscellaneous
-
Opa's Story:
German 352nd Volksgrenadier Division
Thorsten Herbes shares his grandfather's (Erich Michely) story from the German perspective, who was
taken prisoner in Mertzig, Luxembourg on 12/22/44 by 3d Battalion, 319th Inf Reg. [DOCUMENT]
Here's a Step-by-Step Procedure for Conducting an Oral History
Sample Oral History Interview Questions to Ask
- Develop a list of initial questions. Focus on the basics, such as:
- What branch of the service did he serve? Most of the 80th Division
veterans served with the U.S. Army, but I would not be surprised if several
veterans served with another branch such as the Marines or the Navy.
- What was his rank? In most cases, an enlisted man joins the Army as a
private and works his way up through promotions. Officers start as 2d
Lieutenants and work their way up through promotions.
- Did he join the 80th as a replacement soldier? The 80th entered the
ETO (European Theatre of Operation) in July 1944 when they arrived in
Scotland. They hit the beaches of Normandy the first week of August 1944.
Anyone joining the 80th Division after that time would be considered a
replacement.
- In what unit did he serve? In the 80th Division during WWII, there were
three rifle regiments (317th, 318th, 319th), four Field Artillery Battalions
(313th, 314th, 905th, 315th), and a number of other support units (80th
Reconnaissance Troop, 305th Engineer Combat Battalion, 305th Medical Battalion,
780th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company, 80th Quartermaster Company, 80th
Signal Company, Military Police Platoon, Headquarters Company, and the Band).
He may have served in more than one unit. Also, note the company he was in:
for every rifle regiment, there are three battalions, each with three rifle
companies and one heavy weapons company.
- Was he awarded any medals? If so, what medals and does he have the
official citations that came with the award? While the citation would be
"official," ask him about the circumstances. This may be a tough one
(see below), but it would help explain the story.
- In what campaigns did he participate? During WWII, the 80th Division
participated in four campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace,
and Central Europe.
- Keep in mind there are typically three "phases" of your veteran's history:
- Before action: This is where he learned to become a soldier. Initial
training, then training for his particular MOS (Military Occupational
Specialty), though not everyone had specific training, then training with
the unit.
- Action: The 80th Division spent 277 days in continuous
combat. Many veterans fought with the 80th Division from the time the
division landed on Utah Beach in early August until the end of the war on
May 7, 1945. This will be the toughest part of the interview.
- After the war: Many veterans came home in one piece;
others, not so lucky. But all veterans came home a different person than
when they went over. It's also important to try to understand how the war
shaped their lives and what they did after the war.
- Conduct the interview - this is where you get to talk to your veteran and
ask specific questions. You've got your initial set of questions (see examples
below), but you may find you want to ask more questions that take you into a
different direction during the interview--be flexible. That's fine and you
should go with the flow. You've got to be interested in your veteran's story
and learn to adapt to the conversation. There is no book to read on how to do
this, thought there are lots of resources; you just learn by experience. If
you're interviewing your father or grandfather, be patient (both of you).
These men grew up without computers, some without telephones--a proud generation
that grew up not showing their emotions.
A Few Tips for You
- Before the Interview, do a little research: Does your veteran have any
papers or documents from the Army? The discharge papers will provide a lot of
information. Some veterans filed their papers with the local clerk of the court,
many of which are online. Does he have a scrapbook, or any photos from the time?
Does he have the letters he wrote home?
- When you conduct the interview, try to avoid background noises, such as
phones, TVs, radios, noisy pets.
- Write your initial set of questions down and share them with your 80th
Division veteran. If you don't have a script, your conversation may go all
over the place. Also, letting your veteran know what you'll be asking will
give him a chance to think about and reflect what he's going to say; he may
also have several other questions to suggest you ask.
- If you can get one, use an audio recorder, preferably digital. You can
try to record using a video recorder, but the veteran may be self-conscious
about what he looks like rather that what he's saying. Many older people don't
want pictures or videos of themselves, so using audio is less intrusive and
makes the person more comfortable. It's also easier, less expensive, and less
time-consuming.
- A digital recorder allows you to store the voice file onto the computer
and playback using the computer. This is especially important when you
transcribe (or have someone else transcribe) the interview. On the other hand,
a video of the oral history interview would be a treasure for you and your
family. Set the microphone six to twelve inches from the veteran. Test the
audio (or video if you're videotaping) before you start.
- Conduct the interview in a safe, comfortable environment. Try to interview
the veteran at his home, where he's more comfortable. Before you start the
interview, spend a few minutes talking about the interview in general, how it
will proceed, and what you're going to ask. You don't necessarily want to just
jump in there and start asking questions.
- Don't rush the interview. Most veterans like to talk about themselves,
but not about everything. Begin the interview by asking some of the basic
questions outlined below, then transition into more specific questions. To do
this right, expect to conduct the oral history interview over a period of time.
It will probably take more than an hour or two and you may want to break it
into several different interviews.
- Don't interrupt. It's not your job to comment on what the veteran is saying,
but to record the memories. Remember, you're asking someone to bring back
memories (some may be difficult and emotional) that happened 65+ years ago.
If you get stuck on a question, or in an awkward moment, ask him what the
weather was like or were there any particular sights or smells he remembers.
- Ask the veteran's permission to send this Oral History to the 80th
Division Veterans Association.
- Be sensitive. There are some taboo subjects that your veteran may not
want to talk about-at least not up front. The subject of killing is difficult,
but what probably hurts more is the subject of lost buddies. If your veteran
gets upset or emotional as they tell their story, you should react and show
concern. Give him time to recuperate. You may even suggest taking a break
after acknowledging this tough moment.
What to Do When You're Done with the Interview
First of all, you will probably be exhausted as will the veteran--it's natural,
especially if any of the interview was emotional. Thank the veteran for his time
and his service to this great country of ours. The next steps are to review the
interview. If you've done an audio or video interview, you want to take some time
to digest the information; it's ok, there's no rush. Once you've had time to rest
and digest, you'll want to transcribe the interview. In other words, you'll listen
to the recording and type out the interview. Usually, the transcription takes the
form of:
Question (or your name as the interviewer): Here's the question I asked
(verbatim).
Answer (or the veteran's name): Here's the answer by the veteran.
This is an important step, since this becomes the recorded Oral History. It will
take time, especially if you've done a quality job. You want to make sure that you
type the questions and answers in the order in which you conducted the interview.
After you've typed it all out, review for spelling and grammar errors. Then, you'd
probably like to share it with the veteran. He may have remembered something else,
or after reading the interview, may need to make a change or two. This is very
common and it is courteous. Once you are comfortable with the interview and the
Oral History, you'll want to send it (either e-mail or postal mail) to:
80th Division Veterans Association
Andrew Z. Adkins III
80th Division WWII Historian
3520 N.W. 41st Terrace
Gainesville, FL 32606
adkins@80thdivision.com