Interview with Xavier Carl Kamer, February 2, 2009

Interview Summary

Xavier Karl Kamer talks about his experience in the army during World War II. He talks about being drafted and says that boot camp was tough because it was physically demanding. He says that after basic training he went overseas, and describes what life was like on the ship to Europe. He explains that he was involved in trench warfare on the frontlines. He says that there were a lot of explosives and gunfire, as well as people dying all around him. He talks about close calls where he almost died, as well as his experience with trench foot and shellshock. He talks about his career and family after leaving the military. He talks about the medals and awards he received from his service.

Interview Keyword

Military drafts World War II Trench foot Foxholes Shell shock Rations Families. Military leaves and furloughs Physical fitness. Explosives. War casualties. War wounds.

Interview LC Subject

United States. Army. Basic training (Military education) United States. Army. Infantry World War, 1939-1945 Military training camps Veterans. Infantry United States. Army. Infantry. Soldiers. War stories. Military life. Artillery Draft

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.