Naval convoys

Abstract

NA4300 Al Rynberg, interviewed by Morgiana Halley, January 22, 1990, in the Chief Engineer quarters aboard the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA. Topics include: experience on convoys; being under attack in the South Pacific; recreation aboard ship; ethnic relations aboard ship; crossing the Equator ceremonies; initiation of Greenhorns and "Fool's errands"; Mitsubishi bombers; rough weather; and lifeboat drills. Audiofile: c758, 1 hr. Interview summary. Text: 1 pp.

Abstract NA4290 Arrie W. "Artie" Grissom (1927-2010), interviewed by Morgiana Halley, November 1989, in his motorhome near Berth 177, Wilmington, California. Arrie "Artie" Wade Grissom, originally from Arkansas. Topics include: WWII convoys; jinxed cargo; human casualties; unloading cargo at Tacloban airstrip in the Philippines; the Pacific theater; becoming ill with a lung condition that saw him medically surveyed out of the Navy; getting papers to serve in the Merchant Marine in 1945; Merchant...

Abstract

NA4295 Capt. Frank Clayton Waters, interviewed by Morgiana Halley, January 15, 1990, at Barnett Road, Medford, OR. Topics discussed: His first convoy; shipping in the Atlantic; weather; went to see in 1906; being drafted into the Army in WWI; Army food; recreation aboard ship; initiation of Greenhorns; life after retirement. Audiofile: c753, 1 hr. Interview summary. Text: 3 pp.

Abstract NA4297 David H. Grover, interviewed by Morgiana Halley, January 17, 1990, Napa, CA. Grover served as a deck cadet for nine months, 1943-1944. Topics include: convoys and bad weather; ship-to-ship signal methods; witnessing wartime England; visiting various ports; superstitions; shakedown cruise out of Houston; initiation of Greenhorns and "Fool's errands" involving left-handed monkey wrench and golden rivet; social relationships aboard ship; race relations aboard ship; liquor and fighting;...

Abstract NA4304 Jim Cunningham and Robert Leach, interviewed by Morgiana Halley, January 26, 1990, in Sailors Union of the Pacific Dispatch Hall, Harrison St., San Francisco, CA. Topics include: experience with convoy; running convoys from Dutch Harbor to Adak Island, in the Aleutians; Japanese torpedo boats at New Britain; cargo; "hard luck ships;" nicknames; "Fool's errands;" initiation of Greenhorns; deaths; the Murmansk Run; and social relationships. Audiofile: c762, 1 hr. Interview summary....

Abstract NA4299 Joseph J. Milcic, interviewed by Morgiana Halley, January 20, 1990, aboard the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA. Topics include: joined the Merchant Marine between age 15-16, lied about his age; speed of convoys in the North Atlantic; cargo carried; loss of human lives; rescuing torpedo attack survivors; rough weather; recreation aboard ship; initiation of Greenhorns and "Fool's errands," keys to the locks of the Panama Canal; crossing the Equator; ethnic relations...

Abstract NA4298 Rudy Jasen and Tony Abela, interviewed by Morgiana Halley, January 20, 1990, aboard the S.S. Jeremiah O'Brien, Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA. Topics include: descriptions of convoys in which Jasen sailed; carrying Seabees to the invation of Kwajalein; reacting to submarine attack; recreation aboard ship; Tokyo Rose; mail buoy "Fool's errand" and initiation of Greenhorns; crossing the Equator initiations; race relations aboard ship; and rough weather. Audiofile: c756, 1 hr. Interview...