This collection contains unedited videos with supplementary materials of the Veterans History Project done by Thinking and Doing Program of Wicomico County School Systems. Led by teachers Kelly Hamilton, Amanda Markos, Jen Watson and Kristen Briggs, the project, entitled "Historical Documentaries: Preserving the Past for Future Generations", was conducted by fourth graders. It was honored with the Calcott Award. Veterans interviewed were Emory Homer Adkins, James R. Allen, Frank Augustus Baker, Jr., Richard Stuart Barr, Albert Bowman, Robert W. Cook, Austin Howeth Cox, John William Cragg, Jean K. Hall Dennis, Harvey Lee Dolby, Richard Dowd, Vernon J. Downes, Dab Ganley, George Washington Gering, Jr., Claude Tyler Giles, Frank Benjamin Havens, Lawrence Andrew Hilte, Albert Herman Kessler, Hubert Orland Langrall, Victor H. Laws, Jr., Robert Lynch, Lloyd Goldsborough McAllister, Robert McKenney, Robert G. Miller, Genevieve Miracle, Charles Edward Mowbray, William "Ace" Parker, Mildred Kipp Powers, William Edwin Purnell, Lee Pepper Riggin, Charles J. Ripple Sr., Herman T. Ruth, Jr., John J. Saur, Donald Eugene Schramm, Donald Sewell, Charles Brandford Silvia, William Lee Simpson, Richard Smith, David Stavely, Robert Tawes, Alfred T. Truitt, Jr., and William R. Wainwright.

The Thinking and Doing ( T.A.D.) program is a differentiated instructional program for academically gifted students in the third through fifth grades. Identified students meet for one class period per six-day cycle in study groups of five to ten students with an itinerant T.A.D. teacher. The units of study provide opportunities for the students to develop proficiency in concepts and skills of the regular curriculum while also providing content, instructional strategies, and settings for learning that may be unique for gifted students. Students experience depth of content and experiences beyond that which is normally introduced at this level.

[Unless otherwise noted, included video logs apply to 2013 interviews]

1. Adkins, Homer:
   • Homer Adkins (interviewed by Kristen Briggs) was a Technician 4th Grade (Sgt.) Battery Clerk in the 502nd AAA Gun Battalion (SEM) during World War II. In the interview, he describes his being draften into the military and his training at Camp Edwards for artillery training and his deployment to Leyte with his unit. He also shares a story of how a Japanese bomber destroyed an ammunition site that exploded for hours, injuring and killing several personnel. He discusses the remainder of his service during the war and his transition back to civillian life. 
2. Allen, James:
   • James Allen (Interviewed by Jennifer Watson) was a Technician 5th Class in the 717th Tank Battalion during World War II. In the interview, he describes his being drafted into the US Army and his experience of extensive training to be a tank commander. He shares his memories of life around camp and his involvement in Franklin D. Roosevelt's Parade Ceremony, as  well as his experiences during the last years of the war.
3. Baker, Frank A. Jr.:
   • Frank Baker Jr. (Interviewed by Kristen Briggs) was a Private-rank Machine Gunner in the 4th Infantry Division during WOrld War II. In the interview, he shares some of his mementos and their purposes and uses, and describes his training in the infantry. He describes his deployment to Iwo Jima and participating in the first wave of infantry to attack the beach, as well as his memories of being wounded. He shares his final memories of the time, discussing various facts about the landing and the Iwo Jima campaign, using more momentos to aid in his stories. 
4. Barr, Richard:
   • Richard Barr (interviewed by Kelly Hamilton) was a Technical Sergeant in the 3187th Signal Service Battalion during World War II.  In the interview, he describes his enlistment into the Army Reserve and his training in the Army Signal Corps in Fort Monmouth. He then describes his deployment to france to repair communication lines that had been damaged by retreating German forces. He then shares how he transitioned back to civillian life and pursued his education. 
5. Bowman, Albert: 
   • Albert Bowman (Interviewed by Stphen and Jenni (mom)) was a Technician 4th Class Sgt. in the 135th Gun Battalion during World War II. In the interview, he discusses his volunteering for the US Army and becoming a cook for his unit. He deployed to Germany to participate in the Battle of the Bulge and describes the hardships that his unit endured in the harsh winter environment. He finishes with his transition to civillian life.
6. Cook, Robert:
   • Robert Cook was a career military man who serven ain numerous infantry divisions during World War II and the Korean War. [TWO INTERVIEWS: 2013, 2016] In both interviews, Robert Cook describes various details of the Military Uniform and the meanings behind the decorations, followed by his memories of World War II and his enlistment. He arrived in Europe as the war was winding down and stayed in Germany after the war ended in 1945.
7. Cox, Austin:
   • Austin Cox (interviewed by Amanda Markos and Fruitland Int. School students (FIS)) was a Master Sgt. in Company-L- 115 Inf. RET. 29th Infantry Division during World War II. In this interview, he describes his enlistment in the army and training overseas in England. He shares numerous stories including his double-time hike to Stonehenge every day, the RMS Queen Mary incident in 1942, and the unitnended battle of Lyme Bay in exercise "Tiger". He also describes the experience of being the 2nd wave to hit the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day invasions, detailing the battle. He finishes with the conclusion of hte war and his mission to tell the stories of his fallen comrades and their sacrifice. 
8. Cragg, John: [LOG ONLY. NO INTERVIEW FOOTAGE/AUDIO AVAILABLE]
   • [LOG] John Cragg (interviewed by Kelly Hamilton) was a Lieutenant j.g serving aboard the USS Lloyd APD 63 during World War II. In this interview, he describes his enlistment from ROTC into the US Navy and his deployment into the Pacific. He describes the various duties aboard the ship, including life aboard the ship, and the actions they took part in including the siege of Tobruk. He also describes how they would transport materials and personnel around the Pacific and, later, when the war ended, would keep an eye out for rogue Japanese submarines. 
9. Dennis, Jean:
   • Jean Dennis (interviewed by Jennifer Watson) was the wife of the late Oland Grafton Mills, a soldier who died during the Norandy Invasions on D-Day. In the interview, she describes life on the homefront during World War II including house life, work, and other day-to-day things. She also describes recieving the telegram about her husband's death and her struggle to move on in her life. She finishes the interview talking about her remarriage and life after the war and her life to the present. 
10. Dolby, Harvey: 
    • Harvey Dolby (Interviewed by Kelly Hamilton) was a PFC in the USMCR aboard the USS Hornet (CV-12) during World War II. In the interview, he describes his being drafted into the military and his training as a marine aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific. He shares his memories of his duties aboard the aircraft carrier, including manning the 20mm anti-aircraft guns and his harrowing experience with kamikaze pilots. He ends with his return home.
11. Dowd, Richard:
    • Richard Dowd (interviewed by Mallory McIntyre and Amanda Markos and students) was a US Navy 3rd Class Petty Officer aboard LST 32 during World War II. In the interview, he describes his reasons for enlisting and his subsequent training. He describes his job as the Quartermaster and a petty officer, some of his memories such as his time in Greece, and other aspects of life on the ship. He ends with the end of the war and life after the war, as well as other micellaneous questions about his experience. 
12. Downes, Vernon: [Multiple Interviews]
    • Vernon Downes (Interviewed by Amanda Markos and FIS) was a US Navy Seaman 1st Class aboard Landing Ship Medium Rocket 195 during World War II. In the interview, he describes his enlistment and training in the US Navy in Great Lakes, Illinois before being deployed to Okinawa. He talks about the duties he had aboard his vessel as a radar operator and life aboard the ship. He also shares the story of how his ship was attacked and sunk on May 3, 1945, by kamikaze aircraft, leaving men stranded inthe water waiting for rescue. He discusses his rescue and recovery and the end of the war ending with his overall feelings of the war and lessons to remember. 
13. Ganley, Dab: [DISC ONLY. NO LOG]
14. Gering, George:
    • George Gering (interviewed by Amanda Markos and Pemberton Elementary) was an Air Force officer (achieved rank of Colonel) in the 67th Bmbardment Squadron of the 44th Bombardment Group during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He begins by describing the bomber he served in, a B-24 Liberator Heavy Bomber, and the process of getting ready for a bombing mission. He then details how he became involved in the war and the various actions he took part in during the conflict. He describes flying the B-24 later in the war and some of the more frightening experiences involved with flying the aircraft such as engine unreliability. He ends with his experiences after the war and its legacy in his life. 
15. Giles, Claude:
    • Claude Giles (Interviewed by Amanda Markos and FIS)) was a Captain in the 13th Armored Division during World War II. In the interview, he descibes how he became an officer in the US Military and became a drill Sergeant. He describes the various tasks he and his men had to undertake in Shanghai and life in the military away from the fighting.
16. Havens, Frank: 
    • Frank Havens (interviewed by Kelly Hamilton) was a USAC Corporal B-24 Waistgunner during World War II. In this interview, he discusses his life before the war and right as the war broke out while he was in high school. He was drafted and assigned to the Air Corps. Eventually, he signed up for gunnery school and describes the resposnsibilities and taks he had to undertake as a gunner aboard a B-24, describing the bomber and the differences between it and the B-17. He later talks about his involvement in the Olympic games in 1948 and carrying the torch through Arlington Cemetary for the Atlanta Games. 
17. Hilte, Lawrence:
    • Lawrence Hilte was a USAF Cpl. S/Sgt. of the 15th Air Force 55th Wing 460th Bomb Group 762 H Squadron during World War II. In the interview, Lawrence describes his reaction to being drafted, introduction and life in the service, various facts about World War II, and his duties as a ball-turret gunner in a B-24 bumber
18. Kessler, Albert:
    • Albert Kessler was a Marine Sergeant in the 1st Marine Division between World War II and the Korean War. He describes his experience as a marine right after the end of World War II and being stationed in China to disarm the Japanese and rebuild China. He discusses the Civil War that had begun during his service and various memorable moments that occured while he served in China. He later describes his continued involvement with the Marine Corps League and other veterans programs.
19. Langrall, Hubert:
    • Hubert Langrall (Interviewed by Jennifer Watson) was a U.S. Army L.T. Col. in the 63rd Infantry Division 1067th Engineer Con. Group during World War II. In this interview, he describes his being drafted and his beginnings in training including officer training school and Ranger school. He talks of his deployment in the Philippine liberation and involvement in the Italian campaign, including the awards and honors he recieved from those. He ends with his life after the war and the legacy of his military experience. 
20. Laws, Victor Jr.:
    • Victor Laws Jr. (Interviewed by Amanda Markos and Pemberton Elementary students) was a US Army Tech Sgt. (5 Stripes) in the 3104 Signal Service Battalion during World War II. He discusses how he was drafted and what the training was like, noting that Signal Corps training was "excruciatingly boring". He then describes his deployment overseas and his participation in the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He finishes with the end of the war and his feelings about the US involvement in wars.
21. Lynch, Robert: [DISC ONLY. NO LOG]
22. McAllister, Lloyd:
    • Lloyd McAllister (Interviewed by Kelly Hamilton) was a USAAC Flight Officer of the 42th Bomb Squadrom 308th Bomb Group 14th Air Force during World War II. In this interview, he describes his service as a navigator aboard a B-24 Liberator Heavy Bomber while conducting missions against the japanese. He describes his training, his bomber, and the tools that allowed him to perform his duties. He was deployed in India and describes the actions his group participated in to prevent the Japanese from invading further into Central Asia. 
23. McKenney, Robert: [DISC ONLY. NO LOG]
24. Miller, Robert G.:
    • Robert Miller was a US Navy Patty Officer 3/C in the 42nd Naval Construction Battalion, colloquially known as the "Sea Bees",  during World War II. (All three interviews are very similar).
      1. [DISC 1] In this interview, Robert describes his being drafted and the training to become a "Sea Bee" and explains the decorations of his uniform and various other related images. He then describes his military service and some of the memories he has of the Pacific Theater and other smaller stories of his time in the Pacific. He then covers his life after the war and life on a farm. 
      2. [DISC 2] In this interview, Robert describes being drafted and his trainging to become a "Sea Bee", as well as describing some of the jobs he undertook as an engineer like building air strips in the Pacific. He describes the daily life, his "Dear John" letter, and describes several pictures that depict life overseas. 
      3. [DISC 3] In this interview, Robert recalls being drafted and his family's reaction, followed by his understanding of the responsibilities he had acquired as a Petty Officer "Sea Bee". He shares lots of memorabilia and stories of the living conditions overseas. 
25. Miracle, Genevieve: [DISC ONLY. NO LOG]
26. Mowbray, Charles:
    • Charles Mowbray was a US Navy Fireman 1st Class aboard the U.S.S Wilkes-Barre CL109 during World War II. During the war, Charles would take part in bumerous battles including the battle of Leyte Gulf, the invasion of Luzon, the Invasion of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Tokyo Bay Treaty signing. In the interview, he describes his enlistment and motications, his training, describes his ship and its weaponry, some of his most meorable experiences and what he learned from the war. He also shares some pictures and memorabilia. 
27. Parker, William "Ace": [DISC ONLY. NO LOG]
28. Powers, Mildred: 
    • Mildred Powers (Interviewed by Kristen Briggs) was a US Army Captain in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II. During the war, her service was conducted in both theaters from France to the Phillipenes. In the interview, she describes her motivation for joinging, the training she recieved to become an Army Nurse, and her various deployments and actions including many stories of living conditions and helping wounded. 
29. Purnell, William:
    • William Purnell was a USAF Technician 5th class during World War II. In the interview, he describes being draftes and his deployment overseas as a radar chief in the Pacific theater. He also describes life overseas, his experiences with is commanding officers, and a story of being in a bomber during a bombing raid. He finishes the interview with his experience of coming home to his old job and adjusting to civilian life. 
30. Riggin, Lee: [LOG ONLY, NO INTERVIEW FOOTAGE/AUDIO AVAILABLE]
    • [LOG] Lee Riggin was a US Army Sergeant in the 7th Regiment-3rd Infantry Division during World War II. In the interview, he describes the experience of being drafted and his training to become a Grenadier. He describes the part he took in the Battle of the Bulge and his duties in Europe after the war had concluded. 
31. Ripple, Charles:
    • Charles Ripple was a USAF Corporal in the 652nd Bomb Squadron. In the interview, he describes his duties in weather reconnaissance and his work as an aircraft mechanic, sharing stories of the planes he worked on and the various tasks he undertook as part of his weather reconnaissance durites. He later describes the end of the war and his experiences of seeing the destruction in Europe, noting the lessons to be learned from the destruction of Germany. 
32. Ruth, Herman Jr.:
    • Herman Ruth was a USNR Seaman 1st Class aboard the U.S.S. Arkansas during World War II. In the interview, he describes his Navy training and the experience of being aboard one of the oldest battleships in the US Navy at the time. He shares stories of life aboard the sip and his various combat experiences including the bombardment of Normandy, convoy protection, bombardment of the battleship Marseilles, bombardment of Okinawa and Iwo Jima, and watching the flag raise on Mount Surbaci. 
33.  Saur, John J.: [DISK ONLY. NO LOG]
34. Schramm, Donald:
    • Donald Scramm was a US Navy Seaman 2nd Class aboard the USS O'Hare DD889 during World War II. In the interview, he describes his enlistment into the navy at the ending months of the war, sharing some of his memories aboard the ship including his training, ship life, "Plank Owners", and his responsibilities. He also shares some memories including an incident with the "Roosevelt Carrier and the loss of the ship's anchor. 
35. Sewell, Donald: [DISK ONLY. NO LOG]
36. Silva, Charles:
    • Charles Silva was a US Navy Sonarmann 2nd Class during World War II and the Korean War. In the interview, he describes his enlisment and training in sonar school before his deployment aboard a minesweeper in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. He then describes the actions they took in the Pacific to prepare for the invasion of Japan, but that invasion never came. Later in the interview, he speaks about his service in the Korean war and his transitions back to civillian life. 
37. Simpson, William:
    • William Simpson was a US Navy Electrician's Mate aboard the USS Sedarstrom in the Pacific fleet during World War II. In the interview, he describes his enlistement and deployment to the Pacific and life aboard the rather small ship. He shares his experience of the war including the training, their experience in typhoons, crossing the equator and date line, the Invasion of Guam, and gives an explaination of the various islands involved in the Pacific campaign. 
38. Smith, Richard: [DISK ONLY. NO LOG]
39. Stavely, David:
    • David Stavely was a US Navy Machinist Mate 3rd Class aboard the USS Arcturus AKA1 during World War II. IN the interview, he describes his enlistment and training in the US Navy aboard a Cargo Attack vessel. He describes the various actions he took part in including the Invasion of North Africa and Italy and the Battle of Okinawa, noting some of the close calls he had during those actions. He shares some photographs of his unit and ends with his feelings about the war.
40. Tawes, Robert: [DISK ONLY. NO LOG]
41. Truitt, Alfred:
    • Alfred Truitt was an Army Signal Corps Sergeant in the 3264th Signal Photo Service Company during World War II. In the interview, he describes his being drafted into the military near the very end of the war, explaining the training he endured and his selection to be a photographer. He shares his memories of being a photagrapher during the Nuremburg Trials, explaining the unique legality of these trials and the legacy of those trials. He finishes the interview with his views on modern conflicts and his life after the war. 
42. Wainwright, William:
    •  William Wainwright was a US Army Technician 4th Grade in the 1891st Engineer Battalion during World War II. In the interview, he describes his enlistment into the Army and his deployment to India and China as part of the Pacific campaign. He describes the living conditions and his experiences as a heavy equipment operator on the Burma Road crossing, noting the "nerve wracking" experiences that went along with that. He shares memorabilia from the war including a Japanese pistol and some shrapnel that tore through his cot. He ends the interview with hhis tranisition to civilian life. 
43. Pusey Family Memories Revised 8/20/2007
44. "My Family" (Revision 2), 2 sets of 2. "The Grandparents" and "The Decendents"
45. Mt. Vernon Homecoming (October, 2006)
46. The Cliff and Ruth Jones Family Video
47. Memories for the Horner Bloodsworth Reunion of 9/24/2005
48. George and Marcelle Cole Family Photo and Video Album

Materials are arranged by the surname of the Interviewee. Additional materials appear after the interviews.