Interview with James Gilbert Edwards, December 1, 1987

Interview Summary

served in the Navy as a Gunner's Mate 2nd Class on the USS New Orleans-- saw action at Pearl Harbor and thirteen major battles in the Pacific; describes Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor - enemy airplanes approaching Hickam Field-- preparing guns for firing-- straffing attacks by the Japanese-- firing at enemy dive bombers-- destruction on battleship row - watching the USS Oklahoma roll over; describes several naval engagements in the Pacific - fighting in the Slot (Solomon Islands) - firing on a Japanese ship-- torpedo attack by Japanese-- aftermath of battle (destruction aboard ship-- diving for human remains); talks about Saipan - firing support rounds for the Marines-- witnessing mass sucides of civilians; talks about the Battle of Coral Sea - rescuing survivors off the aircraft carrier USS Lexington; mentions action in the Gilbert Islands-- and Battle of Philippine Sea; talks about V-J Day celebration at Pearl Harbor

Interview Keyword

military service experience War Veterans World War II World War II veterans

Interview LC Subject

Edwards, James G. Edwards, James G.--Interviews World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Asia World War, 1939-1945--East Asia World War, 1939-1945.

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Interview Usage

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