- Collection:
- Veterans History Project: Oral History Interviews
- Title:
- Oral history interview of Gordon Lee "Pat" Patterson
- Creator:
- Luton, Frank
Patterson, Pat (Gordon Lee), 1925-2020 - Publisher:
- Atlanta, Ga. : Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center
- Date of Original:
- 2018-12-06
- Subject:
- World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Japan--Okinawa Island
World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Philippines--Luzon
Wickes (Destroyer : DD-578)
United States. Navy - People:
- Allen, William Young, 1908-1973
- Location:
- United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.38798
United States, Illinois, 40.00032, -89.25037
United States, Louisiana, Orleans Parish, New Orleans, 29.95465, -90.07507 - Medium:
- oral histories (literary works)
- Type:
- Moving Image
- Format:
- video/mp4
- Description:
- In this interview, Pat Patterson recalls his service in the United States Navy during World War II. His brothers were in the service, so he decided to enlist at 17 years old. He describes gunner school in Louisiana, and recalls one of his shots severing the tow cable on the target. He recalls several incidents at sea, including colliding with a whale. He describes Japanese kamikaze attacks on his ship, the USS Wickes, and a nearby hospital ship (the USS Relief AH-1). He displays sketches drawn by a fellow crewmember, C. W. Smith, and describes the process of loading the ship's guns and the Navy's "Crossing the Line" tradition. He plays the harmonica, something he used to do onboard ship, and displays a piece of metal recovered from a Japanese plane.
depth charges; Gunner's Mate 2nd Class; kamikaze; "Crossing the Line"; C. W. Smith (artist); 5 inch guns; Franklin, Dick; USS Relief (AH-1)
Pat Patterson was in the United States Navy during World War II. - Metadata URL:
- http://album.atlantahistorycenter.com/cdm/ref/collection/VHPohr/id/855
- Additional Rights Information:
- This material is protected by copyright law. (Title 17, U.S. Code) Permission for use must be cleared through the Kenan Research Center at the Atlanta History Center. Licensing agreement may be required.
- Extent:
- 1:00:41
- Original Collection:
- Veterans History Project oral history recordings
Veterans History Project collection, MSS 1010, Kenan Research Center, Atlanta History Center - Holding Institution:
- Atlanta History Center
- Rights:
-
