Oral Histories

A native of Birmingham, AL, Al spent time at a number of state-side bases before being sent to the Aleutians, where he reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Learn more about his war experiences.

A child of the Great Depression Al Weber joined the Coast Guard to get some decent food to eat. He later worked for CIA and OSS and spent time in Alaska. Watch an interview with Al as he talks about his World War II experience.

Drafted in to service, King served as Mess Sergeant in the Adak 278th Coast Artillery. Listen to his interview and browse his photos to learn more about his time in the Aleutian Islands.

As a pilot for VP-41 Bill and his crew are credited with finding the Akutan Zero, a find that changed the course of the war in the Pacific Theater.

Lieutenant Colonel Bob Brocklehurst was a pilot in the 343rd Fighter Group in the Aleutian Islands. He worked with Jack Chennault, son of the famous aviator Claire Chennault in the Aleutians and recounts the difficulties weather posed for flying safely. He shares many other recollections in this one-hour interview, conducted in 2019.

Bob Eads served as a pilot on the C-47 hauling ammo, supplies and paratroopers on Normandy Beach the in seven major invasions during the war. His brother, John C. “Mac” Eads served in the US Army at Umnak as heavy equipment operator and gunner and various places in Alaska on a burial unit and body recovery. Listen to their joint interview.

Initially offered a deferment for his work at Boeing, Hubbard turned it down. In the Aleutians he fulfilled his flying dreams. Listen to his interview and browse photos and memorabilia to learn more about Hubbard.

Carl worked on lend/lease aircraft during the war. He spent a good part of his life mining outside of Fairbanks. He has lived in Alaska since 1932. Watch or read his interview to learn more about his life.

Cathy opted to leave school at the end of the semester and found work with the United Engineering and Foundry Company, where she worked with representatives from the Soviet Purchasing Commission. After working with the United Engineering and Foundry Company, Cathy joined her husband after the war on Adak.

Mack served in the 4th Infantry Band arriving in Seward, Alaska in 1940. He hopped from island to island entertaining the troops along the way. Listen to his interviews.

Richmond J. Tripp was an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class during World War II. He worked on the USS Ranger and USS Mission Bay, mostly in the Atlantic Theater. He was on a date when he heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Tripp enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter and was placed on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger with about 5,000 other people. Listen to his interview to learn about his World War II experience.

This is the oral history of Loretta Reilly Hoffman. Loretta was a member of the Women's Army Corps stationed at Fort Hancock in 1944.

Mary Duff Heckendorn (top left) working at post library orientation map.

The Barracks Exhibit at Manzanar National Historic Site is an outstanding example of historical thinking that blends original research with community engagement and public outreach.