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
New Zealand in the Pacific War
This book, my fourth on the subject of World War II in the Pacific, is as much about the U.S. as it is about New Zealand, due to the fact that the Pacific Theater of war was American led. This volume is broken into four parts.
Read all books »Oral Histories
Raymond Bowden: USS OKLAHOMA SURVIVOR
Mr. Raymond Bowden was born at home in Bradley, California, in 1921. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1938. Upon completion of boot camp he was assigned to USS Oklahoma, BB-37.
Read more »Proud to be Maori - Bert Wipiti
Bert Wipiti, the first Maori airman to leave Aotearoa for active duty after he joined the RNZAF in 1941. A war hero who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his efforts. Watch on Maori Television
Australia and New Zealand in the Pacific War
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 Naval History - "Jump-Starting Japanese Naval Aviation"
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My article is featured in October 2019 WWII History - "Kiwi, Moa, and the Sinking of I-1" where a pair of minesweepers teamed up to sink a Japanese submarine off Guadalcanal
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My article is featured in WWII History - "NROTC Success" where Naval ROTC graduate William C. Myers served in World War II and went on to remain a career naval officer
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