Voices from the Pacific War

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.

Saipan: Oral Histories of the Pacific War

The battle for Saipan is remembered as one of the bloodiest battles fought in the Pacific during World War II. Visible reminders of the devastation still exist. One can find human remains scattered on the jungle floor or in caves throughout the island.

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Oral Histories

B.L. Pettit: The Thirteen Year Old Sailor

Mr. Pettit was born in Houston, Texas, in 1928. In 1942, he falsified his age to get into the U.S. Navy, something that was not uncommon at that time. Mr. Pettit went from seaman apprentice at the age of thirteen to electrician’s mate first

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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