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.
After Bernie Lieder completed his Army service on the front lines in the European theater in World War 2, he came home to Minnesota and his history of service continued. Lieder went on to be elected to the Minnesota legislature, where he was the last serving WW2 vet and championed veterans causes, including the sponsoring … [Read Transcript...]
Lester Schrenk was just 19 years old when he was shot down while flying a combat mission over Germany. The valiant young Minnesota endured brutal conditions in a German prison camp that almost cost him his life. [Read Transcript...]
Growing up in Minnesota, Herbert Gager learned to play many instruments and loved playing in bands. When he began his military service in the Marines, he played in a military band. But Gager had to give up playing music when he was assigned to be a stretcher-bearer in battles in the Pacific theater. He was … [Read Transcript...]
Post traumatic stress disorder had not been identified yet in the World War 2 era. Many returning soldiers struggled and often suffered in silence. Veterans Axel Holmes, Gerbert Gager and George Vandersluis talk about their efforts to put the difficult and sometimes traumatic memories of war behind them after they returned home to Minnesota. [Read Transcript...]
