Interview with James E. Wilson, September 3rd, 1987

Partial Transcript: Ok, I'm Col. Arthur L. Kelly. It's September the 3rd, 1987.

Synopsis: Col. Arthur Kelly introduces World War II Veteran James E. Wilson, who served as a crew member of PT 349 in the South Pacific.

Keywords: New Britain;New Guinea;Philippines;PT Boats 349;Southwest Pacific

Subjects: Torpedo-boats.

Partial Transcript: Well our first mission, we were in the process of relieving Squadron 21.

Synopsis: James Wilson describes his first mission in New Britain. He also gives his thoughts and feelings while being trapped by the Japanese and on his first mission.

Keywords: New Britain(New Guinea);New Guinea Campaign

Subjects: New Britain Island (Papua New Guinea).

Partial Transcript: There was an incident where you were involved with capturing some prisoners. Could you tell us about that?

Synopsis: James Wilson tells about capturing Japanese prisoners in New Guinea.

Keywords: Cape Sansapor;capturing prisoners;New Guinea;Prisoners of War (POW);surrender

Subjects: Japan.;New Guinea.;Prisoners of war.

Partial Transcript: Can you kind of describe an instance where you sank a ship and there were survivors in the water?

Synopsis: He describes the strategies used to sink enemy ships and attack the men. He also talks about how many boats from their squadron were lost as well.

Keywords: barges;boat attacks;Ships

Subjects: Torpedo-boats.

Partial Transcript: Can you give me the most frightening experience you had?

Synopsis: He tells of his most frightening experience in the war as his squadron was trying to establish another base. He also describes what the Kamikaze attacks were like.

Keywords: Kamikaze attacks;Leyte Gulf;personal reflections;Philippines

Subjects: Kamikaze pilots.;Philippines.

Partial Transcript: As you go up the side of that ship now, and its chaos, right?

Synopsis: James Wilson continues to talks about being attacked by the Japanese in more detail. He describes the chaos and disorder in helping to save fellow soldiers.

Keywords: enemy attacks;Japanese Imperial Army

Subjects: Japan.;Torpedo boats.

Partial Transcript: As you were moving over there can you describe the conditions of what you saw?

Synopsis: He explains moving to the bay after the Japanese attacks, the soldiers that were wounded and their reactions. He also talks about his feeling towards the Japanese after the attack.

Keywords: bomb attacks;Japanese people;war injuries

Subjects: Japan.;War wounds.

Partial Transcript: Quickly summarize, I want to get some family data here.

Synopsis: Mr. Wilson gives his family history, tells who he married and who his children are. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Children;Family History;Family Members--Spouses

Subjects: Family history.