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