Oral history of Allen Easterday
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Jeff Fulton with Allen Easterday on February 22, 2013. Born in 1932, Allen Easterday served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, where he was assigned to a destroyer escort as a disbursing clerk.
Easterday shares memories of his early life, enlistment, naval training, and the daily challenges of life aboard a warship. He recounts a harrowing experience when his ship was struck by shore bombardment, detailing the impact it had on him and his crewmates. He also discusses his responsibilities as the ship's disbursing clerk and how his time in the Navy shaped his post-service life.
2013-02-22
Oral history of Walter Morgan
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Austin Mall with Petty Officer Second Class Walter Morgan on November 17, 2013. Born on April 30, 1925, Morgan enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943. After completing radio school, radar school and gunnery training, he was assigned to 85th Bombardment Group as a rear gunner and radar operator on Curtiss Helldiver bombers.
Morgan describes his intensive dive-bombing training where he witnessed fellow pilots lose their lives due to the extreme stress placed on aircraft during practice dives. After additional carrier landing training, he was assigned to the USS Shangri-La, a newly commissioned aircraft carrier that saw combat in the Pacific during the final months of the war. He recounts narrowly escaping enemy anti-aircraft fire over Kure Harbor, where his squadron successfully bombed the Japanese cruiser Oyodo and describes the intensity of kamikaze attacks. Morgan also reflects on the dropping of the atomic bombs and their continued operations until Japan's official surrender. He later participated in prisoner of war supply drops and the mass flyover of Japan to demonstrate US air power.
2013-11-17
Oral history of Carl Weisenberg
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Anna Hickey with Chief Motor Machinist's Mate Carl Weisenberg on November 26, 2012. Born on December 16, 1911, Weisenberg was working as an auto mechanic when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Driven by a deep sense of duty, he volunteered for the United States Navy within days of the attack.
Weisenberg trained in diesel mechanics before being assigned to Landing Craft Infantry gunboat, LCI-475. As motor machinist, he was responsible for maintaining and repairing eight main diesel engines and three generators to ensure his ship remained operational. His ship supported amphibious landings in the Pacific Theater, including battles at Guam, Saipan, Leyte, and Okinawa, where his crew fired rockets to clear enemy defenses before United States troops landed. He describes the intensity of Okinawa during which he operated a 75mm gun firing at the swarm of Japanese planes attacking his fleet. After three years at sea, Weisenberg was discharged at Pearl Habor in 1945 just before the war's official end.
2012-11-26
Oral history of Beau Bauer
Clemson University Libraries. Special Collections and Archives A video recording of an in-person interview conducted by Daniel Mack with Staff Sergeant Beau Bauer on June 6, 2012, in Clemson, SC. Born on June 13, 1980, Bauer served in the United States Marine Corps. Motivated by the events of 9/11 and the growing conflict in Iraq, he enlisted in 2003 and trained as an infantry assaultman, specializing in demolitions, rockets, and anti-armor warfare.
Bauer reflects on his first deployment to Iraq in 2005, serving in Ramadi during some of the heaviest fighting of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He describes the intensity of urban combat and the cycles of patrols. His second deployment took him across the Pacific with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducting amphibious training and international military exercises before returning to Iraq for a final tour in 2007. This time, he operated out of Al-Asad Air Base, serving along Iraq's western borders, conducting long-range reconnaissance and interdiction missions. He presents pictures of his time serving and reflects on the transition back to civilian life and the bonds he formed with fellow Marines.
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.