AMPERS
Diverse Radio for Minnesota's Communities
Minnesota World War II Veterans share their personal stories and memories of the war. Listen to their voices and gain a deeper understanding of the character, values, and spirit of the Minnesota men and women who served their country during World War II.
A program launched by the armed services identified promising young men and sent them to college for specialized training for the war. Minnesotans Bernie Lieder and Sherman Garon were two student soldiers who the Army sent to college. But urgent manpower needs ended the wartime higher education program. [Read Transcript...]
Even wartime military recruiting films spoke of the value of the close friendships forged during battle. Minnesota veterans George Vandersluis and Herbert Gager recall the powerful bonds that formed between young servicemen, far from home. [Read Transcript...]
Lester Schrenk, pictured in 2014, and Claude Williams were both stationed in England, where they were assigned to fly bombing missions to Germany and German-occupied parts of Europe. They were part of the determined but dangerous effort by the Allies to destroy the industrial power of the Nazis. [Read Transcript...]
A number of relatives in Minnesotan Bill Olson’s family joined the Navy during World War 2, including an uncle who died while serving. When it came time for Olson to join the military, he chose the Navy, too. His assignment was working on the relief crew of a submarine tender to help keep U.S. submarines … [Read Transcript...]
