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
Voices from the Pacific War: Blue Jackets Remember
Petty's valuable oral history contains 23 accounts from enlistee veterans of the U.S. Navy in World War II. Many had joined the navy before Pearl Harbor because of the Depression, and a fair number stayed in the navy after the war. One and all were proud to have served.
Read all books »Oral Histories
Ray Tirey: USS LCS-54
Mr. Tirey was born in 1926, in Tulia, Texas. In 1943, about six months after he graduated from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Having never seen the ocean while growing up in Texas, the navy was a natural choice for him.
Read more »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 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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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.
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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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