About
The focus of this web site is World War II in the Pacific; World War II because I lived on the island of Saipan in the Marianas, where for five years I researched and wrote my first book, "Saipan: Oral Histories of the Pacific War" followed by three others also on the subject of the Pacific War. All four books are the product of both archival research and oral history interviews.
Since January 2004, we have lived in New Plymouth, New Zealand, where I continue to write.
Read more »Books
At War in the Pacific: Personal Accounts of WWII Navy and Marine Corps Officers
More than 16 million Americans served in the military during World War II, and nearly 3 million of them spent time in the Pacific theater. Before the attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States looked to graduates of the naval academy to fill its need for qualified officers.
Read all books »Oral Histories
Dominick C. Maurone: USS LCI(G) 440
Mr. Maurone was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in November 1924. He graduated from high school in June 1942, but was declared 4F by his draft board because of flat feet. His draft status was changed to 1A in 1943, at his request. He served aboard
Read more »Pacific War - Over Sexed, Over Paid & Over Here Low
by Bruce M. Petty aboard Sun Princess, May 2017
Luganville Pacific War Remembered LBurrafato
Espiritu Santo--supply & support base in WWII. Narrated by Bruce M. Petty. Filmed by Leanardo Burrafato.
Pacific War Missing in Action
by Bruce M. Petty aboard Dawn Princess, May 2012
Latest articles
My article is featured in Warfare History Network - "Last of the Gilbert Islands Coastwatchers" where New Zealander John M. Jones recalls the perilous duty he performed during World War II and his capture by the Japanese.
Click here to read the article
My article is featured in WWII History - "BOMBER COMMAND PATHFINDER: Oral History interview with Alan George, RNZAF"
Click here to read the article (PDF)
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