Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
8:53 | Roland Glenn talks about an important lesson in leadership he was taught by his company commander on the island of Okinawa. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn recalls how a childhood hunting lesson helped prepare him for combat during World War II. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn gives an example of how hard-pressed the Japanese troops were for supplies on the island of Saipan. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
While unknowingly headed towards the invasion of Okinawa, Roland Glenn remembers how he and a fellow officer attempted to raise troop morale after the death of President Roosevelt. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn describes being part of the largest flotilla ever assembled and the subsequent invasion of the island of Okinawa. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
After landing on the island of Okinawa, Roland Glenn remembers a morbid lesson he was given on what it means to be a "replacement" before taking over command of his first unit. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn talks about an important lesson in leadership he was taught by his company commander on the island of Okinawa. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn describes a Japanese surprise attack as his tank and infantry convoy attempted to make their way across a valley in Okinawa. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
While in between frontline combat on the island of Okinawa, Roland Glenn remembers taking on a small companion. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn talks about leading his men into a dangerous mission to clear out an escarpment of Japanese-filled caves, a mission for which he earned a Silver Star. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn describes taking part in one of the last major battles on Okinawa, and the subsequent final push to clear Japanese fighters off the island. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
While solemnly preparing for the invasion of the Japanese mainland, Roland Glenn recalls hearing the news of the atomic bombs and the subsequent Japanese surrender. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
After the surrender of Japan, Roland Glenn remembers his unit being converted to "storybook soldiers" in order to occupy Korea after World War II, only to experience a few very non-storybook events while stationed there. Conducted by David Watts, Jr.
While on occupation duty on the Korean peninsula, Roland Glenn recalls being asked to describe American life to a group of local leaders, and learning much about their culture in the process. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
Roland Glenn tells the story behind being awarded the Purple Heart medal for combat he faced on Okinawa. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
After coming back from World War II and settling down, Roland Glenn describes the post-traumatic stress he began experiencing and the long road he faced to overcoming it. Interview conducted by David Watts, Jr.
