Voices from the Pacific War 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.

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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.

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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

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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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