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.
Native Americans enlisted in large numbers during World War 2. Axel James Holmes, Sr., a member of an Ojibwe band now living on the Bois Forte reservation, joined when he was 20 years old. He reflects on his World War 2 service, first in New Guinea and then in the Philipines. [Read Transcript...]
When World War 2 broke out, many Americans had not traveled far from where they lived. The call to service pulled young soldiers, sailors and Marines from farms, small towns and cities and dropped them into foreign lands in Europe, Asia and North Africa. Don Wickstrom, seen here in 2014, and Bernie Lieder were among … [Read Transcript...]
Bernie Lieder was raised in a Hanover, a Minnesota town that was founded by Germans. As he grew up, he spoke German in the community and at his Lutheran church. His German language skills served him –and his country — during his service in the Army in World War 2. [Read Transcript...]
Decades after World War 2 ended, US veteran Lester Schrenk spent many hours trying to find out more about the German pilot who had the chance to shoot his plane down–but did not. Schrenk first corresponded with –and eventually traveled to Germany to meet — the enemy pilot who spared his life. [Read Transcript...]
