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.
Claude Williams was flying a bombing mission from England when his plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner by the Germans. He recalls the event, and his sister remembers how the family heard about his capture. She also tells about how the family on the home front in South St. Paul tried to reach the imprisoned soldier with packages shipped through the auspices of the International Red Cross. [Read Transcript...]
The American public was horrified by the surprise Japanese attack of Pearl Harbor, which pulled the U.S. into war. The dramatic event prompted many patriotic young Americans to join the military. Minnesotans Bill Olson and Herbert Gager recalled how they were inspired to enlist immediately after the shocking events of December 7, 1941. [Read Transcript...]
Minnesotan George Vandersluis was early in his six years of military service in the Marine Corps on December 7, 1941. Vandersluis was aboard the USS Honolulu that was tied up at the pier in Pearl Harbor as the Japanese began their surprise hit on the Pacific Fleet. He witnessed the attack that pulled the USA … [Read Transcript...]
Bruce Cottington, pictured here at a 2014 Memorial Day event, joined the military during World War 2 in 1942, when he was just 16 years old. Although 18 was the legal age to enlist, Cottington's widowed mother allowed him to enlist during his sophomore year of high school. He went on to serve with distinction in the Pacific. [Read Transcript...]
