Northern Kentucky University
Through the Voice of One: War through the Eyes of Oral History
Institution
Northern Kentucky University
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Rebecca Bailey
Abstract
This project investigated and documented, through audio and video recording, one man’s experiences throughout his life while focusing on his service during the Second World War. The purpose of this research was to preserve the interview with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project and to create a short celebratory video of the veteran’s life. As part of the preparation for the interview background research was conducted using secondary and primary resources. The video from his interview was also used to create an accompanying presentation to explain the processes involved in creating, researching, and conducting an oral history project. The interview was conducted by a Northern Kentucky University Senior History Student and was a part of his senior honors research project. The project was also to demonstrate the value of an individual’s story in the broad context of historical research. The veteran who gave the interview served aboard an American troop transport during World War II and took part in the invasions of Peleliu and the Philippines. During his interview the story of World War II unfolds through his unique perspective and experiences, explaining his training, combat experiences, trips home, and the monotony of everyday routine on ship during the War.
Through the Voice of One: War through the Eyes of Oral History
This project investigated and documented, through audio and video recording, one man’s experiences throughout his life while focusing on his service during the Second World War. The purpose of this research was to preserve the interview with the Library of Congress’ Veterans History Project and to create a short celebratory video of the veteran’s life. As part of the preparation for the interview background research was conducted using secondary and primary resources. The video from his interview was also used to create an accompanying presentation to explain the processes involved in creating, researching, and conducting an oral history project. The interview was conducted by a Northern Kentucky University Senior History Student and was a part of his senior honors research project. The project was also to demonstrate the value of an individual’s story in the broad context of historical research. The veteran who gave the interview served aboard an American troop transport during World War II and took part in the invasions of Peleliu and the Philippines. During his interview the story of World War II unfolds through his unique perspective and experiences, explaining his training, combat experiences, trips home, and the monotony of everyday routine on ship during the War.