Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

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Robert L. Harris

WWII | B Company, 310th Infantry Regiment, 1st Battalion, 78th Infantry Division

Robert L. Harris describes what was going through his mind when he first faced combat as a replacement during World War II. (:51)
Robert L. Harris describes in detail the events leading up to the capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, the strategic importance of the bridge to Allied forces, and the subsequent destruction of the bridge by German troops in March of 1945. (7:47)
Robert May

WWII | U.S. Air Force, 3rd Wing, 490th Bomb Group, 851st Squadron

Mr. May describes what he experienced during his first mission over D-Day, and discusses the unfortunate events that occurred due to inclimate weather. (1:54)
Mr. May describes the functions of the flight suit he wore during missions and shares a funny incident that turned out to be a valuable lesson learned. (1:32)
Mr. May recalls the fear he experienced flying while being under a heavy amount of flak. (1:58)
Mr. May describes nearly going down after losing two engines during flight training. (2:52)
Mr. May describes what it was like to drop bombs from 8,000 feet during a "Milk Run." (2:27)
Robert Purdy

WWII | US Army Air Force

On the cusp of the Depression, Robert Purdy's father had a good job in the automobile industry in Michigan, but after the crash, employment became spotty and his family had to move several times to keep afloat. Interview donated by Margot Smith. Part 1 of 6. (5:14)
Robert Purdy describes the intensely political climate during the Great Depression, which had many people embracing leftist ideals. He worked in a tool and die shop preparing for engineering school, and along with his brother Harry, an accomplished writer, began to put those ideals into action. Interview donated by Margot Smith. Part 2 of 6. (9:37)
During a break from his college education, Robert Purdy and his two brothers became increasingly angry about the Nazi aggression in Europe. After Pearl Harbor, all three enlisted in the Air Corps together. He received his wings as a fighter pilot, but losses in the bomber groups required that he move into B-24's. Interview donated by Margot Smith. Part 3 of 6. (7:51)