Oral history of Robert Garrett
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of a virtual interview conducted by Averi Brice with Danny Roach on December 15, 2024. Roach shares the story of his grandfather, Robert Garrett, born October 21, 1924, who served in the 82nd Airborne Division during World War II.
Garrett enlisted in the Army at age 17 because he had his birth certificate changed at 14 to allow him to work. He deployed to North Africa and then served all across Europe. During a battle in Belgium, Garrett and six other soldiers suffered a motor attack that killed three and wounded him and two others. Despite his own injuries, he helped evacuate a more severely wounded soldier before returning to combat the next day, earning a Purple Heart for his actions. He also received five Bronze Stars. As part of the Glider Infantry, he described the experience of landing in enemy territory in canvas-covered gliders, often under fire, referring to the bullets ripping through the canvas sounding like popcorn popping.
2024-12-15
Oral history of Kelby Hagerluck
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an interview conducted by Daniel Redmond with Lieutenant Colonel Kelby Hagerluck on March 28, 2024. Born on September 9, 1980, Hagerluck joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned in 2003.
Hagerluck was trained as a C-17 Globemaster pilot, initially stationed at Charleston Air Force Base before later becoming an instructor at Altus Air Force Base. Over a 20 year career, he flew global airlift missions, transporting a wide range of things. He talks about missions taking him to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa and recalls airdropping supplies into mountains, presidential support missions, and transporting fallen service members home.
2024-03-28
Oral history of Tom Maertens
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Austin Mall with Lieutenant Colonel Tom Maertens on September 30, 2013. Born on October 17, 1948, Maertens grew up in a military family, moving frequently as his father was stationed across the United States and overseas. Following in the family tradition, he attended West Point, graduating in 1970, and commissioned into the Field Artillery Branch of the United States Army.
Maertens recounts his early assignments with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, his transition to aviation, and his training as an AH-1G Cobra attack helicopter pilot. He deployed to Vietnam during the final years of the war, serving with F Troop, 9th Air Cavalry. Following Vietnam, Maertens continued his military career in aviation, commanding the 207th Aviation Company in Heidelberg, Germany and later transitioning to the Transportation Corps, where he worked in aviation logistics, aircraft testing, and research and development. After retiring from the Army in 1992, he pursued a second career in higher education fundraising, including six years at Clemson University.
2013-09-30
Oral history of William Austin
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Daniel Mack with Colonel William Austin, II on October 14, 2012, in Clemson, SC. Born on December 18, 1937, Austin served in the United States Air Force, flying combat missions in Vietnam. In this interview, he describes his extensive training in navigation, electronic warfare, and pilot school, leading to his assignment as an Electronic Warfare Officer.
Colonel Austin recounts his training to become an Electronic Warfare Officer and his first assignment at Forbes Air Force Base in Kansas during the Cold War. He discusses his transition to flying F-4 fighter jets in Vietnam, his role in the Wild Weasel program, and his experiences flying combat missions over North Vietnam, including encounters with enemy MiGs and surface-to-air missiles. He vividly describes the high-stakes nature of aerial combat and his role as a mission planner and backseat flight leader. He details his experience of being shot down, captured by enemy forces, and held as a prisoner of war. He shares the physical and psychological toll of captivity and the brutal conditions he endured.
Oral history of Danny Rhodes
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Schuyler Easterling with Colonel Danny Rhodes on December 7, 2012. Rhodes attended Clemson University, where he joined ROTC and became actively involved in the Pershing Rifles, which deepened his interest in military service. After graduating in 1968, he was commissioned in the United States Army Transportation Corps and entered active duty.
Following training at Fort Knox and Airborne School, Rhodes served in the 82nd Airborne Division for a year before his deployment to Vietnam in 1971. He was assigned to the 178th Assault Support Helicopter Company as a maintenance officer. He managed the upkeep of CH-47 Chinook Helicopters, ensuring their readiness for missions. He recalls the frustration of undisciplined leadership among officers and non-commissioned officers and the logistical challenges of keeping aircraft operational in Vietnam's harsh climate. After returning from Vietnam, Rhodes remained in aviation logistics and, in 1983, transferred to the Army's Aviation branch. His later assignments included Cold War-era Germany, where he supported United States Military operations along the East-West German border, and leadership positions at Fort Bragg, MacDill Air Force Base, and Fort Gillem.
2012-12-07
Oral history of Robert Blackburn
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Daniel Mack with Staff Sergeant Robert Blackburn on August 27, 2012, in Clemson, SC. Born on March 30, 1979, Blackburn enlisted in the United States Army after 9/11. He was trained as an airborne infantryman, later completing the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP), and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.
Blackburn talks about his combat experience in Operation Iraqi Freedom, fighting against Saddam Hussein's forces and securing the cities of Mosul and Kirkuk. He describes the shift in warfare as roadside bombs and insurgent tactics became more sophisticated. He speaks on his service in Operation Enduring Freedom, leading joint military operations from Bagram and navigating the harsh terrain and logistical challenges of combat in the Hindu Kush mountains.
Oral history of James Wall
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by John Richter with Captain James Wall on March 18, 2014. Born on March 18, 1920, Wall served in the United States Army Air Force during World War II. After graduating from Texas A&M, he was called to active duty in 1941, initially serving in the War Department before transferring to flight training and becoming a fighter pilot.
Wall talks about flying P-51 Mustangs in combat missions over India, Burma, and China. He describes engaging in dogfights, engaging bombers, and striking enemy supply lines. During a mission in China, his plane was damaged by friendly fire, forcing him to bail out. He was captured by Chinese soldiers and given over to the Japanese and spent nine months as a prisoner of war. He details the harsh conditions of captivity before his eventual liberation at the war's end.
2014-03-18
Oral history of Jason Bradley
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Jeff Fulton with Captain Jason Bradley on November 20, 2013. Born on January 10, 1977, Bradley enlisted in the United States Army Aviation branch in 1994. He trained as an AH-64 Apache crew chief and was first stationed at Katterbach, Germany. He then moved to Camp Comanche in Bosnia and describes missions for Operation Joint Guard. After six years of active duty, he left the military in 2000 to pursue an engineering career with General Electric while completing his education.
In 2008, motivated by 9/11 and a desire to contribute as a leader, Bradley re-entered the Army as a direct-commissioned officer in the Engineer Corps. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, where he led a route clearance platoon tasked with detecting and neutralizing IEDs. He describes the intensity of Operation Strong Eagle, in which his unit faced an intense ambush.
2013-11-20
Oral history of Charles Norton
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Austin Mall with Lieutenant Colonel Charles Norton on April 1, 2014. Born on December 30, 1922, Norton served in the United States Air Force across three major conflicts: World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he knew he had to serve in the military and was determined to fly.
Norton recounts the grueling experience of flight training, where instructors pushed cadets to their limits, and his training in jump school at Fort Benning, Georgia and Lawson Army Airfield. He describes the immense relief of finally earning his wings and the heartbreak of seeing others wash out. During and after World War II, he was stationed in Europe, where he helped establish early airline operations. His service continued into the Korean War, and later in Vietnam, where he commanded the 51st Bombardment Squadron, a B-52 squadron, leading bombing missions from bases in Guam.
2014-04-01
Oral history of John Allen
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Anna Hickey with Brigadier General John Allen on November 9, 2012, in Seneca, SC. Born on October 17, 1935, John Allen served in the United States Air Force, flying strategic bomber missions during the Cold War and Vietnam War. He talks about his extensive flight training and career progression, which led to his role as a bomber pilot.
Brigadier General Allen reflects on his time standing alert in bombers on nuclear missions, three tours in Vietnam, and flying bombing missions, including Operation Linebacker I and II. Beyond combat, he discusses his later role in military planning and logistics at the Pentagon, his post-retirement transition to Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) consulting and serving as a prominent advocate for military funding.