From World War I through the Persian Gulf War, Montana has ranked in the highest percentile nationally in the number of its citizens serving as military personnel. These numbers include nearly 5,000 women since 1940 and as well as a substantial number of Montanan tribal members. Montana played a significant role in American military strategies during the Cold War, due to the presence of Malmstrom Air Force Base and its numerous missile silos. This project was started in 1993 to record the experiences of those who served in the military forces and the families and communties who were impacted by the service.
This project consists of 109 interviews recording the experiences of Montana's veterans, with discussions of families, precombat training, service on the home front and overseas, returning to civilian life, career military life, and feelings about military conflicts.
Inventory is arranged by item, with each oral history interview listed by its unique OH number. An abstract for each interview is provided in the inventory to allow keyword searchability. The abstract includes the number of cassettes, CDs and/or transcript pages for the interview, as appropriate. Researchers requesting copies of interviews should refer to the OH number when ordering.
Restrictions, if applicable, are indicated within specific oral history descriptions.
Interviews in the collection conducted by Montana Historical Society Staff or volunteers
This collection is indexed under the following headings in the Montana Historical Society Research Center catalog. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons, or places should search under these terms.
John Terreo (b. 1954) discusses his work as a civilian employee with the U.S. Navy during the early 1970s; the 20th Century Montana Military Veterans Oral History Project; uses of oral history in documenting contemporary historical events. Interviewed by Roy Caldwell, April 14, 1993, Helena, MT.
Restriction: RESTRICTED UNLESS PERMISSION GRANTED BY INTERVIEWEE
David C. Thomas discusses his experiences in Operation Desert Shield/Storm as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment attached to the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment. Interviewed by John Terreo, March 19, 1993, Fort Harrison, MT.
Neelian Nelson (b. 1915) discusses his early life in Wisconsin; experiences as a U.S. Army officer assigned to the Camp Rimini Dog Reception and Training Center during World War II; other military assignments. Margaret Nelson discusses her family and early life in Wisconsin; and experience as an army officer's wife at Camp Rimini. Interviewed by John Terreo, February 2, 1993, Missoula, MT.
Susan Gibb (b. 1946) discusses her family and growing up in Hysham, Montana; education and employment as a school teacher in Washington; enlistment and career as a United States Air Force officer. Interviewed by John Terreo, February 2, 1993, Missoula, MT.
Emil Christiansen (1893-1991) discusses his experiences with the Montana Army National Guard on the Mexican border in 1916; service with U.S. Army medical company in France during World War I; and activities with the Montana National Guard following the war. Interviewed by Phil Curry, December 12, 1987, Fort Harrison, MT.
David Sayre (b. 1948) discusses the mobilization of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs detachment and departure for Operation Desert Shield/Storm; the unit's mission, and his responsibilities; service in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps; nuclear, chemical, biological warfare training; work with the Great Falls Tribune; views on the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the United States response. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Patrick Mohan (b. 1948) discusses his service with Montana Army National Guard 103rd Public Affairs Detachment; duties, responsibilities, and position within unit; concerns of operating sensitive video equipment in a desert environment; civilian employment as special education teacher; being mobilized for Operation Desert Shield/Storm; interacting with a very different society; rules imposed on U.S. military personnel by Saudi Arabian government; and reasons for U.S. military presence in the Middle East. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Roy Caldwell (b. 1953) discusses his reasons for joining the Montana Army National Guard; military service with United States Air Force and Montana Air National Guard; his duties and responsibilities in the 103rd Public Affairs Detachment; mobilization for Operation Desert Shield/Storm; concerns over the operation of a dark room in desert environment; rules of conduct for U.S. military forces in Saudi Arabia; the reasons for military response; and cooperation of his civilian employer. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Kareene Ostermiller (b. 1957) discusses the mobilization of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment for Operation Desert Shield/Storm; describes unit's mission; her response to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq; her experiences with Montana Air National Guard and as first woman aide-de-camp to Montana Army National Guard's State Headquarters; discrimination encountered in service; concerns about family and living in different environment; and dealing with another culture and its treatment of women. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Terrance Young (b. 1942) discusses his service with the Naval Reserve in the 1960s; reasons for joining the Montana National Guard; service with a tank unit in Shelby, Montana; assignment to the 103rd Public Affairs Detachment; duties and responsibilities within unit; civilian occupation; affects of crisis on employer and family; primary mission of the 103rd; and views regarding U.S. involvement in Persian Gulf region. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Charles "Milo" McLeod (b. 1947) discusses service in the U.S. Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam in 1969; joining Montana Army National Guard in 1976; mobilization of 103rd Public Affairs Detachment for Operation Desert Storm/Shield; the U.S. response to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq; the Total Force concept; employment with U.S. Forest Service and its cooperation with the National Guard; family concerns; and differences between the Gulf Crisis and the Vietnam War. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Todd Buhmiller (b. 1963) discusses joining Montana Army National Guard; the mobilization of 103rd Public Affairs Detachment for Operation Desert Shield/Storm; the function of the unit and his personal responsibilities; cooperation received from employer, Montana State University, regarding his activation; the Soldiers and Sailors Act; Nuclear, Biological, Chemical warfare (NBC); and the U.S. response to Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Restriction: RESTRICTED UNTIL PERMISSION GRANTED BY INTERVIEWEE
Greg Fox (b. 1953) discusses why he enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard; his posting to the 103rd Public Affairs Detachment in 1985; the function of unit and its responsibilities; the mobilization of the unit for Operation Desert Shield/Storm; his civilian employment; the Gulf crisis and the U.S. response to it; concerns over unit's equipment in a desert environment; rules Saudi Arabia imposed on U.S. military forces; the petroleum industry; and family matters. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 9, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Patrick Hermanson (b. 1951) discusses his service with the U.S. Army's 656th Air Defense Artillery Battalion and 7th Infantry Division during 1970s; joining the Montana Army National Guard; his posting to 103rd Public Affairs Detachment as commanding officer; the mobilization of his unit for Operation Desert Storm; his civilian employment; the U.S. response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait; unit's mission; concerns as commanding officer; and family members. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 10, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Jodie Yelton (b. 1944 or 1948) discusses his reasons for joining the Montana Army National Guard; his posting to 103rd Public Affairs Detachment; the mobilization of his unit for Operation Desert Shield/Storm; dealing with another culture; the U.S. military presence in Saudi Arabia; the function of the unit and its reponsibilities. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 10, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Andy Lee Johnson (b. 1968) discusses the mobilization of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment from Fort Harrison, Montana for Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He describes the unit's mission; his job assignment; and his feelings and observations regarding U.S. response to invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 10, 1990, Fort Harrison, MT.
Restriction: RESTRICTED UNTIL PERMISSION GRANTED BY INTERVIEWEE
Duane Longfellow (b. 1971) discusses his early life in Helena, Montana; basic training experiences as a U.S. Air Force recruit in Lackland, Texas; special training as an Air Force Security Specialist; training in Air Base Ground Defense; possible assignment to the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm; personal feelings regarding the U.S. presence in that area; and other related issues. Interviewed by John Terreo, January 17, 1991, Helena, MT.
Mary Felder (b. 1918) discusses her early life in Savannah, Georgia and Butte, Montana; her uncle, Pat Felder, who began the Postal telegraph in Helena; her nurse's training and education; work as a private duty nurse in Townsend and Helena; experiences as one of the first stewardesses for Western Airlines during the late 1930s; service as a nurse aboard hospital ship U.S.S. Bountiful during World War II; employment with Navy Relief Society; and work as a real estate agent in Helena during the 1970s. Interviewed by John Terreo, March 3, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
Larry Longfellow (b. 1945) discusses growing up in Helena, Montana; enlisting in the United States Navy in the early 1960s; basic training in San Diego, California; experiences as a helmsman on the cruiser U.S.S. Galveston (CG-1); fire support missions along Vietnam coast during mid-1960s; rescuing downed pilots; ports of call; Captain (later Rear Admiral) Alexander Goodfellow; and the Vietnam conflict and Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Interviewed by John Terreo, March 22, 1991, Helena, MT.
Juanita Cooke (1910-1998) discusses her early flying experiences in California; acquiring a pilot's license; the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and restrictions placed on non-military flights; her recruitment into the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPS), 1942-1944; primary, basic, and advanced flight training and living conditions at Advenger Field, Sweetwater, Texas; aircraft she flew; ferrying fighter aircraft to various bases in the United States including Great Falls, Montana. Interviewed by John Terreo, March 27, 1991, Helena, MT.
Ernest Fachner (b. 1925) discusses his experiences as an infantry soldier with the 24th Army Division in New Guinea and the Philippine Islands during World War II; living and combat conditions; and basic training at Camp Roberts, California. Interviewed by John Terreo, April 7, 1991, Lewistown, MT.
Terrance E. Perry discusses his service with the United States Marine Corps from 1942 to 1946 including basic training and medicial air evacuation missions in the Central Pacific; United States Air Force at Malstrom Air Force Base, Great Falls, Montana from 1947 to 1949; Marine Corps Reserves from 1950 to 1958; Montana Air National Guard from 1963 to 1966; United States Naval Reserve as a recruiter from 1967 to 1976; retirement; and his views on the Persian Gulf War. Interviewed by John Terreo, March 2, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
Hugh Clifford Cumming (b. 1926) discusses growing up in Philipsburg, Montana; early education; service with the United States Marine Corps during World War II, including basic training at San Diego, California and Browning Automatic Rifle Training at Camp Elliot, California; life aboard troop ships; experiences on Guam and Iwo Jima with the Marine Division as part of a mortar squad; earning the Bronze Star; the American Legion; veterans and veterans benefits; and conflicts following World War II. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 26, 1991, Helena, MT.
Orville Quick (b. 1922) discusses growing up in Nebraska and moving to Montana; joining U.S. Army 29th Engineers in 1940; military induction process and basic training at Oceanside, California; service in Hawaii; the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor; amphibious landings, fighting, and airfield construction on Pacific islands of Baker, Makin, and Saipan; destruction of Japanese aircraft by U.S. P-61 night fighters; living conditions while on islands; mass burials of Japanese soldiers; capture of Japanese civilians; encounters with U.S. Construction Battalions (CeeBees); troop transports; and views on later U.S. military conflicts. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 20, 1991, McCone County Museum
OLarry Kilmer (b. 1952) discusses growing up in Helena, Montana; enlisting in the U.S. Coast; training experiences; duty assignments in Alaska and Washington; experiences in the drug war aboard Coast Guard Cutters U.S.S. Lipan and U.S.S. Confidence Guard; and the role of Coast Guard in Operation Desert Storm/Shield. Interviewed by John Terreo, July 10, 1991, Helena, MT.
Kermit Edmonds (b. 1938) discusses his experiences in the U.S. Army; participating in Operation Desert Shield/Storm as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment; and views on war. Interviewed by John Terreo, February 13, 1992, Missoula, MT.
Restriction: ACCESS RESTRICTED: Researchers may contact narrator directly
Frank Lawlor briefly discusses his service with the United States Air Force; employment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture; life in Kalispell, Montana; and the Montana Veterans Home. Interviewed by Raelyn Olsen, May 23, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
Gerald R. Bentley briefly discusses his two years of service in the U.S. Army. Interviewed by Shane Bidwell, May 9, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
Lee J. Corwin briefly describes his service with the United States Air Force guarding military aircraft in Vietnam and later assignments in the Phillippines and Guam; retirement; and move to the Montana Veterans Home. Interviewed by Chuck Peterson, May 10, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
Roy Hoelke (b. 1918) discusses his family and childhood in Wisconsin; education at the University of Idaho; visits to Sanders County, Montana; service in the Reserve Officer Training Cadet (ROTC) program during World War II; service with the Army Air Force 389th Heavy Bombardment Group in the European Theatre of Operations as a bombadier on a B-24 heavy bomber; heavy bomber strategy and tactics; military training at San Antonio (Texas) Aviation Cadet Center; and later life. Interviewed by John Terreo, July 22, 1992, Helena, MT.
Henry Zimmerman, born in Great Falls, Montana, earned a degree in agriculture economics and served in the United States Air Force and the National Guard. His father worked on a cattle ranch as a bookkeeper at Malmstrom Air Force Base Interviewed by Lavon Habets, June 6, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
James E. Harper discusses his service with the United States Army during World War II; and his experiences with medics, artillery, and tank destroyers. Interviewed by Alicia Huff, June 6, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
Philip Smith (b. 1908) discusses his service with the U.S. Navy Sea Bees during World War II and life in Kalispell, Montana following the war. Interviewed by Jill Daugherty, May 16, 1991, Columbia Falls, MT.
Carson Walks Over Ice, a resident of Crow Agency, Montana discusses the warrior traditions of the Crow tribe; enlisting in the U.S. Army; basic and airborne training; his combat experiences in Vietnam as a U.S. Army Ranger; efficiency of the North Vietnamese Army; and his homecoming. Interviewed by John Terreo, August 5, 1992, Little Big Horn College, MT.
Michael A. Sanders (b.) discusses his experiences as an infantry soldier during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Interviewed by Nestor Aurita, March 24, 1992, Missoula, MT.
Dorothy Forrester (b. 1919) discusses her family; early life in Dillon, Montana; education; and working with the American Red Cross during World War II. Interviewed by Lee Graves, April 15, 1992, Dillon, MT.
Roy Forrester (b. 1919) discusses his family; early life in Dillon, Montana; service with the U.S. Army during World War II; and the Siapan Island campaign. Interviewed by Lee Graves, April 15, 1992, Dillon, MT.
Carl M. Davis (b. 1922) discusses his family and early life in Dillon, Montana; education; service with the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War; and his experiences fighting in the central Pacific. Interviewed by Lee Graves, April 25, 1992, Dillon, MT.
Robert D. Anderson (b. 1945) discusses his family; early life in Baldwin, Wisconsin; education; enlisting during the Vietnam War; service with U.S. Army in Vietnam; General William Westmoreland; drug use among U.S. troops; memories of Vietnamese people; and life after his discharge. Interviewed by Lee Graves, April 9, 1992, Helena, MT.
Ray Fitchett (b. 1931) a resident of Heron, Montana discusses his early life; enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps; basic training; service in the Marine Guard aboard the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Helena during Korean War; experiences as marine raider and spotter for warship gunfire support; getting wounded; meeting and guarding President Dwight D. Eisenhower; flying back to Montana with Goveror John Bonner and J. R. Wine, the mayor of Helena; and his life after leaving the military. Interviewed by Sara Lou Springer, May 14, 1992, Heron, MT.
Doris Brander (1921-1995) discusses her service in the Womens Auxiliary Voluntary Expeditionary Service (WAVES) during World War II; her reasons for joining the WAVES; her wartime duties; life on the homefront; USO shows; Eleanor Roosevelt; minority women in the military; the 1930s Depression; attitudes towards women in the military; women's military memorial in Washington, D.C.; and life after military service. Interviewed by Rosetta Kamlowsky, June 11, 1992, Helena, MT.
Helen Dawson discusses her experiences with the U.S. Navy's Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) during World War II; serving as a navy storekeeper; duty at Alameda, California Naval Air Station and in Honolulu, Hawaii; and life after discharge. Interviewed by Rosetta Kamlowsky, June 11, 1992, Helena, MT.
Genevieve Squires Adair (b. 1911) discusses her family and growing up in Plainview, Nebraska; relocating to Butte, Montana in 1916; attending the Normal College in Dillon; her enlistment in the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC) in 1943; officers training; work classifying female recruits at Fort Des Moines WAAC training center; transfer to Fort Meade; black military personel; pay scale; nursing; life after military service. Interviewed by Rosetta Kamlowsky, July 29, 1992, Helena, MT.
Eldora McBride (b. 1923) discusses her childhood; attending Northern Montana College, Havre, Montana; medical secretary training; enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1944; military training in Hunter College, New York; racial discrimination; women and promotions in the military; uniforms; living conditions; transfer to Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland and later to naval facility at Corvallis, Oregon; war; transferring to Naval Air Base in Seattle, Washington; GI bill educational benefits; and life after military service. Interviewed by Rosetta Kamlowsky, May 28, 1992, Helena, MT.
Herbert Goodwin (b. 1919) discusses his early life in Canada; service with the Canadian Army; experiences with combined Canadian and American First Special Service Forces during World War II; training at Fort William Henry Harrison; the Kiska Island Landing; various European operations; and his recollections of General Robert T. Frederick. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 17, 1992, Helena, MT.
Mabel Haynes discusses her family and early life in Judith Gap, Montana; father's ownership and operation of First National Bank with C.R. Stone; the Hayes Store; Stone/ Gaugler Ranch; education; enlistment and service with U.S. Marine Corps as an aircraft control tower operator during World War II; and women in the military. Interviewed by Jennifer Peterson, December 1, 1991, Judith Gap, MT.
William Nielsen (b. 1939) discusses his family and early life in Lewistown, Montana; enlisting in the United States Navy; service aboard surface ships and submarines; the Vietnam War; the rescue of downed U.S. pilots and aircrew; later military service and retirement; and views on the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. Interviewed by Shannon Plovanic, December 1, 1991, Stanford, MT.
Jeanne LeClair Robinette (b. 1920) discusses her family and early life in Delphia, Montana; education; work at Boeing Aircraft's Seattle, Washington plant during World War II; return to Montana after the war; her nursing career; and retirement. Interviewed by Monica Brewington, December 6, 1991, Ballantine, MT.
Gerald McFadden discusses his experiences as a soldier in the Canadian Army and First Special Service Forces during World War II; special training at Fort Harrison, Montana; and his recollections of the Anzio campaign. Interviewed by John Terreo, August 19, 1992, Helena, MT.
John C. Harrison (b. 1913) discusses his service with the U.S. Army prior to and during World War II; experiences as a staff officer with VII Corps; D-Day preparations; investigations of atrocities against U.S. military personnel by German military and civilians, including the Malemedy Massacre; meetings with Montanans John Bonner and Lee Metcalf; liberation of concentration camps at Nordhausen and Torgau; and preparations for the invasion of Japan. Interviewed by John Terreo, January 29, 1992, Helena, MT.
Susan Gibb (b. 1946) of Hysham, Montana recalls personal theories and philosophies of military leadership, and recollections of returning home to Hysham following her retirement. Interviewed by John Terreo, April 20, 1993, Helena, MT.
David Sayre (b. 1948) discusses his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment during Operation Desert Storm/Shield; the division of the unit into two cells; the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment; duties as First Sergeant; living and working conditions; and other military issues. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 1, 1991, Fort Harrison, MT.
David Sayre (b. 1948) discusses growing up in Glasgow, Montana; joining the U.S. Marine Corps; experiences with the special Montana Training Platoon; marine boot camp; infantry training; experiences during Vietnam with 26th Marine Regiment; the Seige of Khe Sanh; and U.S. military involvement in Southeast Asia. Interviewed by John Terreo, March 3, 1992, Great Falls, MT.
Patrick Mohan (b. 1948) discusess his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment during Operation Desert Shield/Storm; division of unit into two cells; experiences with 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment; responsibilities as one a cell officer; living and working conditions; the return home. Interviewed by John Terreo, August 1991,
Kareene Ostermiller discusses her experiences as the only woman member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment in Operation Desert Shield/Storm; women in military service; women in American and Arab cultures; women as leaders; gender issues; racial and sexual harrassment; desert life; daily activities; and her homecoming. Interviewed by John Terreo, August 4, 1992, Shepard, MT
Terrance Young discusses his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment attached to 18th Airborne Corps Artillery; his refresher training at Fort Lewis, Washington; arriving in Saudi Arabia; the "Cement City"; living conditions and unit operations; technology; and his homecoming. Interviewed by John Terreo, November 18, 1992, Helena, MT.
Charles McLeod (b. 1947) discusses his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment in Operation Desert Shield/Storm; the division of the unit into two cells; the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment; living and working conditions in desert environment; Meals Ready to Eat (MRE); working with civilian media; and readjusting to civilian life. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 1, 1991, Helena, MT.
This is a follow-up interview conducted with Todd Buhmiller (b. 1963) after the return of his unit from Operation Desert Storm. Interviewed by John Terreo, December 11, 1992, Helena, MT.
Greg Fox (b. 1953) discusses his work in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm with the Montana National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment; his assignment to the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment; refresher training at Fort Lewis Washington; arrival at "Cement City"; the division of his unit into two cells; attitudes of regular army toward military and civilian media; unit activites and operations; escort of civilian media; desert living conditions; return home; opinions about conflict. Interviewed by John Terreo, February 1992
Patrick Hermanson, a Billings, Montana Resident, discusses his experiences as during Operation Desert Shield/Storm as Commanding Officer of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment. Interviewed by John Terreo, August 3, 1993, Billings, MT
Jodie Yelton (b. 1948) discusses his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment in Operation Desert Shield/Storm; the division of his unit into two cells; living and working conditions; his assignment as his cell's First Sergeant; duties and responsibilities of that position; his experiences with XVIII Airborne Corps Artillery; readjusting to civilian life; and his personal opinion of conflict. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 1991
Andy Johnson (b. 1948) discusses his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment during Operation Desert Shield/Storm; his unit's arrival at "Cement City"; serving as media escort for Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) television correspondent Bob Martin; living and working conditions in the desert; Meals Ready to Eat (MREs); and the role of the military media. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 1, 1991, Fort Harrison, MT.
Mary Felder (b. 1918) briefly describes her service in the United States Navy Hospital Corps, and her life at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, Montana. Interviewed by Kari Nelson, May, 23, 1990, Columbia Falls, MT.
Juanita Cooke (1910-1998) discusses her early flying lessons; landing a malfunctioning P-40 fighter plane in Billings airport; the rules and regulations for military ferry flights; experiences as a WASP Squadron Commander; difficulties flying a B-25 medium bomber and instrument flying a C-47 transport plane; aircraft instrument panels; WASP uniforms; the deactivation of the WASPs in December 1944; and life following World War II. Interviewed by John Terreo, May 8, 1991, Helena, MT.
Frank Backbone (b. 1917), a member of the Crow Indian Tribe, discusses his service with the U.S. Army during World War II; his posting to 91st Infantry Division; fighting near Rome, in Po Valley, and Boulange; getting wounded; and life after his honorable discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College.] Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 1, 1991, Crow Agency, MT
Charles Brown, Jr. (b. 1921) discusses his service with the U.S. Army 127th Infantry Division during World War II; basic training at Fort Ord, California; meeting other Crow Indians while there; experiences in New Guinea fighting the Japanese; being wounded; and life after his honorable discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, June 18, 1990, Crow Agency, MT.
Barney Old Coyote, Jr. (b. 1923) discusses his service with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II; basic training; serving, with his brother Henry, in the 48th Bomb Group in Africa; service with Royal Navy; sinking a German submarine (U-boat); service with 47th Bomb Group on raids in occupied Europe; his Crow Indian heritage; his honorable discharge; and life after military service. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College.] Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 1991, Crow Agency, MT
Hubert Dawes, Sr. (b. 1928) discusses his service with U.S. Navy prior to and during the Korean War; basic training; his Crow Indian heritage service aboard the U.S.S. Current (ARS-22) and U.S.S. Hitchiti (ATF-103) off the Korean Coast; patrol and salvage missions; and his discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 28, 1991, Crow Agency, MT
John W. Pease, Sr. (b. 1924) discusses his service with the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II; basic and electronics training; his Crow Indian heritage; service in India with the 1309th Army Air Force Unit; flying supply missions as radio operator on various aircraft; and life after his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn Collge.] Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 27, 1991, Crow Agency, MT.
Frank Iron, Sr. (b. 1917) discusses his service with the Oklahoma National Guard prior to World War II; posting and service with the U.S. Army 158th Infantry Division; combat experiences in the South Pacific and Philippine Islands; his Crow Indian Heritage; getting wounded; and his life after military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 1991, Crow Agency, MT.
Gilbert W. Scott, Jr. (b. 1937) discusses his experiences with the United States Marine Corps; basic training; his service with the 9th Marine Division in Japan; service aboard various ships; his Crow Indian heritage; and life after military discharge from Marine Corps. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 29, 1991, Crow Agency, MT.
Isaac Shane, Sr. (b. 1921) discusses his service with the United States Army during World War II; his postings to various units and assignments in the Pacific; his spinal injury; his Crow Indian Heritage; and life after his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 28, 1991, Crow Agency, MT.
William Medicine Tail (b. 1932) discusses his service with the United States Navy during the Korean War; his Crow Indian heritage; service aboard the destroyers U.S.S. Bausell and Anderson as a gunner; and life after his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College.] Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 29, 1991, Crow Agency, MT.
Frederick Turns Back discusses his service with the U.S. Army; basic training; experiences with the 40th Infantry Division and 24th Signal Company in Korea; returning to the United States on rotation; his Crow Indian Heritage; and his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 1, 1991, Crow Agency, MT
George Pease (b. 1898) discusses his military service with the United States Navy; duty aboard the U.S.S. Minneapolis and other ships; the Brooklyn Naval Yard; his Crow Indian heritage; and life after his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, June 5, 1990, Crow Agency, MT.
David J. Stewart (b. 1929) discusses his service with U.S. Army during the Korean War; training and posting with the 955th Field Artillery Battalion; his participation in major battles; his Crow Indian Heritage; and life after his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, June 12, 1990, Crow Agency, MT.
Collena L. Caplet (b. 1952) discusses her service in the U.S. Army; basic training; file clerk training; various duty assignments; her Crow Indian heritage; discrimination within the military; and life after her military discharge. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, June 27, 1990, Crow Agency, MT.
Christine Stops Hill (b. 1957) discusses her reasons for enlisting in the United States Air Force; basic training and special training; duty with the 321st Security Police Squadron as a Security Specialist; her military discharge; her Crow Indian heritage; later work in law enforcement; and difficulties working with men. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, March 1991, Crow Agency, MT.
John Bull Tail (b. 1922) discusses reasons he was not accepted for service during World War II; his acceptance into service after World War II; basic training; Military Police Training; service with 45th Infantry Division during Korean War; combat experiences and getting wounded on Bloody Ridge; recovery; service with 123rd Infantry Division; and his Crow Indian Heritage; his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, October 1990, Crow Agency, MT
Roy Caldwell (b. 1953) discusses his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103rd Public Affairs Detachment during Operation Desert Shield/Storm; refresher training and last-minute preparations at Fort Lewis, Washington; unit's flight to Saudi Arabia; arrival at Dhahran and temporary stay at "Cement City;" being media escort for Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) television correspondent Bob Martin, Detroit Free Press reporter Frank Bruni, and Washington Post photographer Lucian Perkins; attitude of regular army toward civilian and military news media; various unit activities; attempting to write and publish stories and associated activities as well as associated problems; living conditions; equipment acquisitions; morale of unit at particular times; Meals Ready to Eat (MREs); equipment acquisitions; opinions of 3rd ACR troops and officers; theoretical and actual functioning of military's Joint Information Bureau (JIB); air war's beginning; recollections of ground war; future concerns for military media. Interviewed by John Terreo, June 24, 1991, Helena, MT.
Roy Caldwell (b. 1953) discusses the drill weekend for the 103rd Public Affairs Detachment following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990; and views on first anniverary of the invasion. Interviewed by John Terreo, August 2, 1991, Helena, MT.
Roy Caldwell (b. 1953) discusses his experiences as a member of the Montana Army National Guard's 103 Public Affairs Detachment attached to 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment; regular army personnel attitudes toward civilian and military media; escorting civilian media; obtaining transportation supplies; military suppression of civilian media; and restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabian government. Interviewed by John Terreo, March 18, 1992, Helena, MT.
Michael Fitzpatrick (b. 1911) discusses his service with the U.S. Army during World War II; his posting to the 66th Quartermaster Regiment which remained in the United States; his Crow Indian heritage; his hip injury; and life after his military discharge. [Originals held by Little Big Horn College]. Interviewed by Carson Walks Over Ice, February 28, 1991, Crow Agency, MT.
Ron Davis (b. 1947) discusses being drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War; basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington; Advanced Infantry training in jungle warfare; in-country training; his view of soldiers on both sides of the conflict; the goals of the War; morale; politics on the homefront; lingering effects of the War; stereotypes of Vietnam Veterans; the Wall; and his work as a DAV (Disabled American Veterans) representative. Interviewed by Amy McKinney, September 29, 1994, Helena, MT
In this interview Victor Leikam discusses entering the Air Force in 1948, training experiences, and serving during the Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 29, 2001, Billings, Mont.
In this interview James Follensbee discusses entering the Merchant Marines, serving in Montana Air National Guard, WWII service, and experiences during the Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 23, 2001, Eureka, Mont.
In this interview Donald Nadeau discusses entering the Marine Corps Reserve, training received, injuries received during service, and experiences serving during Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 7, 2001, Kila, Mont.
In this interview William Staudinger discusses being drafted into the Army in 1951, basic training, family military service, and service with 14th Infantry during Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 30, 2001, Laurel, Mont.
In this interview E. Lee Magone discusses enlisted in the Army in 1947, other family military service, basic training, re-enlisting, and serice during Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 21, 2001, Missoula, Mont.
In this interview John Radonich discuses his family's dairy farm and growing up near Anaconda, other family member's military service during WWII, enlisting in the Army in 1950, basic training, and service during Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 28, 2001, Anaconda, Mont.
In this interview Lawrence Rasmussen discusses being called up for duty during WWII but failing the physicals due to Rhuematic Fever, being drafted into the Army in 1951, basic training, and service during Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 18, 2001, Missoula, Mont.
In this interview Paul Coolidge discusses entering the Marine Reserves in Shelby, Montana, going on active duty, being injured, and general service experiences during Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 12, 2001, Sunburst, Mont.
In this interview James Kello discusses entering the Marine Reserves in Shelby, Montana, going on active duty, training, and service during Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 12, 2001, Butte, Mont.
In this interview Raymond Holt discusses service with 43rd Combat Engineers during WWII, trainng, service with the 300th Field Artillery during Korean War, work for the Job Corps, and job training received in post-war through GI bill. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 19, 2001, Butte, Mont.
In this interview Gerald Nelson discusses being drafted into military service in 1951, basic training, and experiences during the Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 21, 2001, Butte, Mont.
Robert L. Todd III was born in Bozeman, Montana in 1933. In this interview Mr. Todd discusses being drafted into the Army in 1953, his training, issues of race in the military, entering Korea during the armistice, living conditions for Korean people, and feelings about military service. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 8, 2001, Charlo, MT
In this interview Elmore Tintzman discusses his decision to enlist for service during Korean War in the Navy; experiences traveling to Chicago for training; work and training in boiler room on various ships on Great Lakes and later along West coast; being shipped overseas aboard the U.S.S. Shelton; patrolling Korean shoreline; writing letters home to his wife; returning to the United States and being stationed in Long Beach; serving three tours in Korea; return to Montana; taking advantage of GI Bill to recieve agricultural training; receiving a veterans bonus; comparison of Korean and Vietnam Wars'; R and R in Hong Kong; and weather. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 6, 2001, Corvallis, MT
In this interview Carl Drescher discusses his decision to enlist in the military as a Marine; his life in Anaconda or "Goose Town" as he calls it; service in Japan and China during World War II with 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division; weather conditions during winter; living conditions including food and clothing; thoughts about Chinese soldiers; comparison of World War II, Korea and Vietnam Wars; thoughts about Douglas MacArthur; dealing with causalities; career in Marines following Korean War. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 17, 2001, Anaconda, MT
In this interview William Johnson discusses his decision to join the Navy; serving three tours of duty in Korea; experiences with mined harbours; taking fire; work as a gunner's mate; service in Long Beach, California; training; life aboard ship; misfinformation about casualties and ships damaged that got home to his parents; returning home following discharge; buying first home with GI bill monies; and life following military service. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, August 28, 2001, Anaconda, MT.
In this interview Robert Prim discusses working for the railroad in Livingston while he was still in high school; joining the Navy Reserve in 1950; being called to active duty; boot camp; training for radio operations; assignment to U.S.S. Merganser, a minesweeper; describes work of the minesweeper; life aboard ship including food, sleepingquarters; getting transferred to the Swallow; taking prisoners; issues of race aboard ship; wages received and hazardous duty pay; information received about on-shore fighting; experiences during R & R in Japan; return to the states to serve out his enlistment; attending school on GI bill following discharge; and returning to work for the rail road in Livingston as part of the Northern Pacific oil analysis department. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 25, 2001, Havre, MT
Donald R. Anderson discusses basic training in San Antone, Texas in 1947; the decision to enter the Air Force; specializing in aircraft welding; experiences on F-51 ground crew during Korean War; and returning home following service. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, October 3, 2001, Shelby, MT
Lois Staves, wife of Korean War Veteran and POW, discusses the birth of their first child; her husband leaving for his second tour of duty ten days later; his difficulties readjusting to civilian life following his first tour; impact of service on their marriage; her work for the telephone company in Missoula; taking classes at the University; her husband's restlessness following the war; reaction of community to returning Korean War Veterans; the role of the VFW in their lives; and her feelings about her son serving in the military, post September 11th terrorist attacks. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 28, 2001, Stevensville, MT
Rudy Crawford discusses enlisting in the Army in 1947; basic training; service in occupied Japan; entry into Korean conflict in Pusan perimeter; being captured, questioned and released by North Korean soldiers; Chinese entry into the war; rotation out to Billings; work on burial crew in Missouri; contracting malaria; meeting and marrying his wife; and experiences boxing in the military. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 21, 2001, Billings, MT
Kenneth Harvey discusses his childhood and growing up in Harlem, Montana; enlisting in the Navy in 1950; basic training; military discipline; working on transport ships; participating in a mock invasion near Gwonchon; reenlisting in 1954; thought about Communism; thoughts about Vietnam War; and overall thoughts about his 30 year career in the military. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 20, 2001, Billings, MT
In this interview Kathryn Staudinger discusses her childhood in North Dakota during the Depression; her family members military service during World War II; meeting and marriage to her husband William Staudinger; her huband's leaving for military duty in Korean War; being pregnant while husband in service; serviving on military dependents allotment; her family support system; communication problems; her husband's return; and overall impact of service on her family. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 2001, Laurel, Mont.
In this interview Robert W. Grimm discusses his enlistment in the Navy in 1951; military service of other family members; service in Japan; his work in military communications; encoding, radio and teletype; newspapers for soldiers; life on crusiers; returning to Montana and attending school in Bozeman; and life after military service. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 2001, Cut Bank, Mont.
In this interview Ralph Cox discusses growing up in Great Falls; joining the Navy Air Guard following World War II; special training received; running bombing flights; experiences during typhoon while stationed in Okinawa; his career in Navy following Korean War; running supply flights during Vietnam War; and his retirement in 1971. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 2001, Cut Bank, Mont.
In this interview Gerald Hoffman discusses attending Northern Montana College studying industrial arts; being drafted into the Army to serve during Korea War; basic training; assignment to the Signal Corps; ocean trip to Korea aboard the Breckenridge; training regarding biological warfare; battlefield conditions; experiences in U.N. peace talks conference site; prisoner exchanges; returning to Montana following discharge; comparison of Korean War homecoming to World War II; using GI bill to continue education; his thoughts about communism in Korean War and Vietnam War era; and thoughts about terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, Billings, Mont., September 2001
In this interview Lester Oellerman discusses his family history in the Glendive era; being drafted in 1950 into the Army; basic training; the difficulties of sea crossing to Japan; work as personnel specialist hauling a typewriter with him, even to the front lines; difficulties of troops lives; different reports he created; living conditions or orphans (mostly Korean-American children); thoughts on communism; thoughts about other nations troups, including England, France, Turkey; challenges of keeping records near the front lines; maintaining contact with family and fiancee; returning home following discharge; gaining work in Postal Service in Glendive; the U.S. Veterans Administration; and Chinese military propaganda. Interviewed by Suzanne Julin, September 26, 2002, Glendive, Mont.