Local veterans interviewed for Library of Congress project
The Lake County legal community held its second annual Library of Congress Veterans’ History Project Nov. 11 at the Lake County Courthouse.
Twenty-five war veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War met at the Lake County Courthouse for a breakfast reception and ceremony.
The veterans were then individually interviewed and had their oral histories recorded by official court reporters. The typed transcripts will then be archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for use by researchers and to serve as an inspiration for generations to come, making accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from the veterans.
Among the veterans interviewed that morning was a U.S. Army Air Corps tail-gunner who served on a B-17 bomber during World War II. He flew on 35 missions and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and a Purple Heart.
Also, interviewed was a World War II Navy veteran who was on a warship when it was sunk by Japanese Kamikaze planes. In addition, a World War II navigator on a B-17 bomber who conducted 15 bombing missions over France and Germany was interviewed. He was eventually shot down and was a POW at the German prisoner of war camp StalagLuft 1 for 1½ years.
Another veteran was a Navy corpsman assigned to the Marines in the Korean War during the battles at Incheon and the Chosin Reservoir. He was wounded in action and received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.
One of the volunteers observed how heartwarming it was to see the veterans interact with one another, exchange stories, and enjoy the day. After the interviews, one of the veterans commented that he felt honored to have participated and was touched to see that the World War II veterans and veterans of the ensuing conflicts had not been forgotten.
He mentioned that his family was all looking forward to reading the official transcript of his interview that will be sent to him and that will be forever preserved in the Library of Congress.
The Lake County legal community anticipates making this an annual event on or around Veterans Day each year.