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"We had rifles and carbines but we had no ammunition, maybe best so, because I think if maybe we had become frightened we would have shot each other."" (Audio Interview, 19:32) 19:32)

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   John Raymond Getzel
Image of John Raymond Getzel
John Getzel in training at QM school, Camp Lee, VA [August 1944]
War: World War, 1939-1945
Branch: Army
Unit: Headquarters, 61st General Depot
Service Location: Camp Lee, Virginia; Saipan (Northern Mariana Islands); Pacific Theater
Rank: Technician Four
Place of Birth: MD
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John Getzel shipped out relatively late during World War II's battle for control of the Pacific Theater, landing on Saipan in June 1944. His job with the quartermaster corps kept him removed from the action; he had access to weapons but not ammunition. His account is a less dramatic and tense counterpoint to those involved with directly taking the fight to the enemy; only on the first night, when he heard gunfire, does he recall feeling any peril.

Interview (Audio)
»Interview Highlights  (1 clip)
»Complete Interview  (33 min.)
»Transcript
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»Photo Album (2 photos)
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  The Library of Congress  >> American Folklife Center
  October 26, 2011
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