Interview about the war
Below is an interview, with questions and opinions on World War II. I have decided to interview my grandpa, Jack Voelzke. I knew from pervious stories he told, he served and lived during the time of World War II. My grandpa was born on November 12, 1995. I thought of him right away for this assignment. It was very thrilling to see his responses. It's very mind-blowing to see his thoughts on what was happening during that time. To know someone who lived during this time was very moving towards me.
Q: Ok, to start off, how did life in your community change during the war?
A: My life in our community changed during the World War II. A home watch group was formed in our community and trained to assist others in case of any emergency. I joined as a messenger and was assigned a metal helmet to use if required. I was still in high school until 1943.Rationing was also put on some food items and gasoline was rationed by use of gas stamps. Any driving other then going to work was almost impossible. Most men and some women worked many over time hours during war to manufacture or built military equipment. My father worked many hours in a plant that furnished piping systems for navy ships and submarines. Two of my uncles were drafted into the Army.
Q: What is the most powerful memory about the war?
A: My most powerful memory about the war was on VJ day August 1945. I was in the navy at this time, serving on a Destroyer Escort as Sonar Man 2/c .Our Ship DE 589,USS Tins man had been in South Pacific since April 1944. Our whole crew yelled and smiled when we received word that the war had ended.
Q: When did you first hear about Adolph Hitler and the other world leaders?
A: I first heard about Hitler around 1939 on the radio or seen on News reels at the movie house and also the news papers.
Q: How did you feel when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor?
A: I first heard about the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on the radio or Special news paper issue on Sunday morning Dec 7,1941. When I went to school Monday, the school had Press FDR radio address of declaring war on the sound system. I was in 10th grade at that time. My cousin lied about his age and joined the Navy that week. At that time I wondered , what will happen next and I started thinking, when I am old enough, I will join the Navy so I do not get drafted and don't have to be in the Army.
Q: Did/Do you know anyone who fought in World War II? What did they do?
A: Two of my uncles, my brother and I and many friends and relatives served in the War.
Q: What was your knowledge and opinion about Germany and Japan during the war?
A: I thought Hiller was a nasty Dictator and the Japs(Japanese) were sneaky and cruel in dealing with prisoners and their own people.
Q: Were you aware of what the Nazis were doing to the German population?
A: I was not aware of all the atrocities that Nazis were doing to German people.
Q: Do you remember V-E day (Victory in Europe Day)? What do you remember about this day?
A: Remember hearing about VE day while we were serving in the South Pacific we thought, now our troops will come over and help our military in the Pacific.
Q: Where did you live when World War II broke out? What were your parents thoughts about it?
A: I lived in the city of Pittsburgh, PA when WW2 broke out. My parents were concerned about my older brother and I, as well as many others joined or were drafted into the military. My father, who had fought in Europe during World War I worked many hours producing equipment and supplies for the Navy ships.
Q: Last question, where did you live and work during the war?
A: I did not work during the war but enlisted in Navy on Nov 11,1943, I arrived in Navy Boot Camp on my 18th birth day and served until April 24, 1946.
A: My life in our community changed during the World War II. A home watch group was formed in our community and trained to assist others in case of any emergency. I joined as a messenger and was assigned a metal helmet to use if required. I was still in high school until 1943.Rationing was also put on some food items and gasoline was rationed by use of gas stamps. Any driving other then going to work was almost impossible. Most men and some women worked many over time hours during war to manufacture or built military equipment. My father worked many hours in a plant that furnished piping systems for navy ships and submarines. Two of my uncles were drafted into the Army.
Q: What is the most powerful memory about the war?
A: My most powerful memory about the war was on VJ day August 1945. I was in the navy at this time, serving on a Destroyer Escort as Sonar Man 2/c .Our Ship DE 589,USS Tins man had been in South Pacific since April 1944. Our whole crew yelled and smiled when we received word that the war had ended.
Q: When did you first hear about Adolph Hitler and the other world leaders?
A: I first heard about Hitler around 1939 on the radio or seen on News reels at the movie house and also the news papers.
Q: How did you feel when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor?
A: I first heard about the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor on the radio or Special news paper issue on Sunday morning Dec 7,1941. When I went to school Monday, the school had Press FDR radio address of declaring war on the sound system. I was in 10th grade at that time. My cousin lied about his age and joined the Navy that week. At that time I wondered , what will happen next and I started thinking, when I am old enough, I will join the Navy so I do not get drafted and don't have to be in the Army.
Q: Did/Do you know anyone who fought in World War II? What did they do?
A: Two of my uncles, my brother and I and many friends and relatives served in the War.
Q: What was your knowledge and opinion about Germany and Japan during the war?
A: I thought Hiller was a nasty Dictator and the Japs(Japanese) were sneaky and cruel in dealing with prisoners and their own people.
Q: Were you aware of what the Nazis were doing to the German population?
A: I was not aware of all the atrocities that Nazis were doing to German people.
Q: Do you remember V-E day (Victory in Europe Day)? What do you remember about this day?
A: Remember hearing about VE day while we were serving in the South Pacific we thought, now our troops will come over and help our military in the Pacific.
Q: Where did you live when World War II broke out? What were your parents thoughts about it?
A: I lived in the city of Pittsburgh, PA when WW2 broke out. My parents were concerned about my older brother and I, as well as many others joined or were drafted into the military. My father, who had fought in Europe during World War I worked many hours producing equipment and supplies for the Navy ships.
Q: Last question, where did you live and work during the war?
A: I did not work during the war but enlisted in Navy on Nov 11,1943, I arrived in Navy Boot Camp on my 18th birth day and served until April 24, 1946.