A lot of the interviews we have shared with our readers tend to focus on the American perspective in the Pacific or European Theaters. Gert Schmitz actually fought with the Germans during World War II. He talks about his war experiences, what it was like to live in Germany in the 1930s, postwar Germany and why he left the country. This interview comes from the Memoirs of WWII YouTube channel.
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“So they don’t forget what we had to go through”
Veterans Day is November 11th and what better way to honor our veterans than to listen to their stories? In this powerful interview with World War II veteran Frank Devita, he talks about his experiences on D-Day and how his service impacted his life. Because his job was to operate the ramp on his boat, some of the scenes he describes are very intense and difficult to listen to. It took many years for Mr. Devita to feel comfortable talking about his war experiences and he credits reporter Tom Brokaw for helping him get there.
Interview with Mildred “Micky” Axton
This week, we wanted to share a great interview with you that was posted by Roger Bindl. At a young age, Micky Axton became entranced by flying. She went on to serve as a WASP in World War II and later became the first woman to fly a B-29.
Interview with Glenn Frazier
Captured by the Japanese and forced to walk in what would later be known as the Bataan Death March, Col. Glenn Frazier talks about his experiences as a POW in a powerful interview with Memoirs of WWII.
Interview with Raymond Carey
We came across another good interview by Memoirs of WWII on YouTube. Telling a story of an intense mission over Japan is Raymond Carey, who was the radio operator on a B-29.
Interview with Harry Shaw Jr.
After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, 17-year-old Harry “Pete” Shaw Jr. went to enlist in the Navy. His colorblindness kept him out, so he served in the Army instead. Here, he talks about some of his experiences fighting in Europe during World War II. This video was made by Memoirs of World War II.
Interview with WWI US Navy Veteran Lester Hillegas
While Veterans Day is always a time for us to honor those who have served in wars, this November 11th is especially notable because it also marks the 100th anniversary since the end of World War I. Instead of posting an interview with a World War II veteran, we wanted to share a superb interview posted by YouTube user ly776 that was recorded in the 1980s. Lester Hillegas served in the U.S. Navy during World War I and died in 1989.
To all of our veterans, we want to extend our sincerest appreciations for your military service.
Interview with Lee Hutchinson
Of all the interviews with World War II veterans that we have watched, this might be the first time we have found one who was a radio operator on a B-17. Watch his compelling interview with WHAS11 below.
An interview with World War II veteran Julius Haberman
We found an excellent interview by WWII Veterans History Project with Julius Haberman, a former member of the 69th Infantry Division who served in the European Theater in World War II. Among his experiences was an encounter with prisoners in a concentration camp. Listen to his story below.
Interview with Fergus Anckorn
We found another interview to share with you this week. Here, Fergus Anckorn recounts his time as a POW in the Pacific Theater. His multiple brushes with death during World War II played a major role in the shaping of his perspective on life.
