In September of 2003, Winthrop University began participation in the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project as a partner institution. The goal of this project is to “honor our nation’s war veterans and those who served in support of them by creating a lasting legacy of recorded interviews and other documents chronicling veterans’ and other citizens’ wartime experiences, how those experiences affected their lives and America itself.” As a partner institution, Winthrop Archives and Special Collections will house, preserve and make available the interviews conducted by volunteers. The basic biographical information of the veteran will be entered into a national database identifying the institution where the interview and accompanying documentation are available. To volunteer or for more information, please contact the Winthrop Archives and Special Collections.
-
Interview with Eugene 'Gene' Driver
Julius Eugene Driver
In his January 24, 2018 interview with Emily Deinert, Gene Driver discusses his career in the Air Force – he served during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. During the Cold War, he was loaned out to the CIA and worked in Area 51 with an alias doing research with the spy planes. He discusses who else worked in Area 51 with him (he knows only aliases), and why they were chosen to work on this secret project. Driver then talks about when he was sent to Vietnam in 1967, and describes the mortar attacks on the air force base at which he was stationed and how he earned a bronze star with the “V” device.
-
Interview with Harvey Mayhill
Harvey Mayhill
In his November 29, 2017 interview with Emily Deinert (nee Cranwell), Harvey Mayhill describes his time in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He shares why he enlisted in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, as well as what the basic training experience was like. He then discusses his time at various Air Force bases across the United States and what his responsibilities were as part of a Communications squadron. Mayhill also talks at length of how his Commander, Wayne Schrame, had invited Mayhill over for Thanksgiving the year Mayhill's mother died -- Mayhill points to this act of kindness as influencing the way Mayhill volunteers and serves those around him. He then describes some of the volunteer service he currently participates in.
-
Interview with Richard Dinning
Richard Dinning
In his October 17, 2012 interview with Robert Ryals, Richard Dinning details his thoughts and memories as an army air corps cadet at Winthrop. Dinning includes details of his career in the Army Air Corp during WWII. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Lanford Brackett
Lanford Brackett
In his October 9, 2009 interview with Anna Douglas, Lanford Brackett describes his assignment overseas in Samoa. Brackett also shares the story of how he won the Silver Star medal and the recognition he received afterward. Brackett concludes his interview with how he spent his leave time and confronting rations on the home front. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Mary White Gettys
Mary White Gettys
In her October 14, 2009 interview with Miciah Bennett, Mary White Gettys relays her experience in the WAVES as a code breaker. Gettys details the equipment she used and the secrecy in her work. Gettys speculates what the WAVES did for women and provides her opinion on the wars in the Middle East. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with John Chester
John Chester
In his April 3, 2008 interview with Kristin Malone, John Chester details his service overseas in Europe during WWII. Included are stories of interactions with German soldiers and the rules and regulations of the United States Military. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Margaret Howell Heath
Margaret Howell Heath
In her October 12, 2006 interview with Nicole L. Wilson, Margaret Howell Heath explains why she joined the WAVES and shares her experiences being stationed in San Francisco. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Henry Clark
Henry Clark
In his October 26, 2005 interview, Henry Clark discusses his time in the Air Force during World War II. He talks about how he enlisted after Pearl Harbor, and then talks about his time serving in the Pacific Theater. He remembers where he was when the Atomic Bombs were dropped, and how he felt when the war ended. He then talks about his transition to civilian life and how he kept up with men he served with.
-
Interview with Elijah Cobb
Elijah Cobb
On March 15, 2005, Elijah Cobb’s granddaughter, Avella Michelle Knowlin, interviews him about his past experiences in World War II. He also adds information about where he worked and what he was involved in within the companies he worked for. He mainly worked for an Engineer Headquarters Company in the Army, and after getting home from being in the war he worked for smaller companies within his town of Georgetown, South Carolina.
-
Interview with Samuel William Searles
Samuel William Searles
In his November 1, 2005 interview with Ebony Williams, Samuel William Searles recalls being drafted for the army during WWII. Searles explains his job during war and how he and fellow soldiers celebrated the end of the war. Searles also shares his memories of more of the harrowing experiences of war: segregation, death, and the mental effects of war. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Charles Frederick Brooks
Charles Frederick Brooks
In his February 26, 2004 interview with Jessie Lewis, Charles Frederick Brooks reminisces of his time in service during WWII and his life after the war in Rock Hill, SC. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Herbert Chisholm
Herbert Chisholm
In his March 6, 2004 interview with Erin Robinson, Herbert Chisholm recollects stories of his time in the Army in Africa and Europe during WWII. Chisholm recalls life as a black soldier and living conditions for all soldiers. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Paul Van Buren Hatten
Paul Van Buren Hatten
In his January 19, 2004 interview with Lee Q. Miller, Paul Van Buren Hatten explains how he entered the service during WWII and became a ball gunner for the Air Force. Hatten recalls basic training, his first mission, and the times he was “concerned” for his safety. Hatten provides detail about his crew members and how their confidence and expertise made him feel safe. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with William Franklin Mitchell
William Franklin Mitchell
In his February 24, 2004 interview with Georgia Williamson, William Franklin Mitchell describes life as a volunteer chaplain for the army during WWII. Specifically, Mitchell shares the reason why he joined the service and what his duties were in war. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Ethel Hughes Muhvich
Ethel Hughes Muhvich
In her November 11, 2004 interview with Lauren Weldishofer, Ethel Hughes Muhvich recalls her time in service during WWII. Muhvich describes why she enlisted, what her assignment was, and why her generation was the greatest. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Jacky Bayne
Jacky Crawford Bayne
In his October 27, 2003 interview with Kelly Mitchell, Jacky Bayne describes his experience overseas in the Vietnam War. He shares the stories of when he was wounded in Vietnam, his near death experiences associated with that, and his journey back to the United States. Bayne also explains how he met his wife and his recovery from his wounds. He concludes with what he did after the war and some of his special memories from his service. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Victor C. Hemphill
Victor C. Hemphill
In his October 20, 2003 interview with Shamona McClary, Victor Hemphill shares his experiences in the South Pacific during WWII and his life after service. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Raymond Roeske
Raymond Roeske
In his November 25, 2003 interview with Ray Nielson, Raymond Roeske details his training in the Army Air Corps and his missions overseas during WWII. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with Larry Timbs Sr.
Lawrence C. Timbs
In his November 27, 2003 interview with Larry Timbs Jr., Larry Timbs Sr. recollects his career in the army during WWII and the Korean War. Timbs explains why he entered the service, his relationship with civilians while overseas, and comments on the Iraq War. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with William D. Wolfe
William D. Wolfe
In his October 20, 2003 interview with Alan Garmendia, William D. Wolfe recollects about his time in the Navy during WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam. Wolfe shares the details of his work in the Navy on an experimental destroyer testing new sonar. The interview concludes with reminiscences of the South Pacific and pastimes of soldiers. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
-
Interview with William Ledford
William Ledford
In his November 30, 1980 interview with his daughter Anne Ledford, William Ledford remembers his service in the Army during WWII. In particular, Ledford details his basic training and journey through Iceland, England, and France. Ledford shares his recollection of the Battle of the Bulge and the aftermath of WWII. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
