SEARCH RESULTS

Bill Richardson

---

There was only light resistance going into Saipan for Bill Richardson and his Marine artillery battery. The island was much different than the tropical paradise he found in the Marshall Islands. There was jungle and there were Japanese batteries firing back at him. (This interview made possible with the support of JOHN R. ASMUS.) (6:04)

---

From the information they had and the mock-up of the island they saw, the Marines figured Iwo Jima would be an easy operation. Bill Richardson went ashore with his artillery battery as soon as they could get on the crowded beach. It was immediately apparent that it was going to be a monumental battle. Part 1 of 3. (This interview made possible with the support of JOHN R. ASMUS.) (6:03)

---

The Japanese were so well dug in on Iwo Jima that the field artillery couldn't get to them. The flag had been raised on Mt. Suribachi but there was a long way to go to secure the island. When he wasn't wondering where the Japanese rounds were going to land, Bill Richardson had to deal with the cold, wet conditions. Part 2 of 3. (This interview made possible with the support of JOHN R. ASMUS.) (5:37)

---

They were beat up. They were tired. They were dirty. The Marine artillery unit had spent weeks in the misery of Iwo Jima and they were now heading for some rest, but there was one problem. Their transport was a Merchant Marine vessel and their treatment was not what they deserved. Part 3 of 3. (This interview made possible with the support of JOHN R. ASMUS.) (4:36)

---

Bill Richardson was training in Hawaii for the final assault, Japan. Then came the great news about the atomic bomb. He could go the other direction across the Pacific. (This interview made possible with the support of JOHN R. ASMUS.) (2:10)

Bill Ryan

---

Bill Ryan spent his early life mostly in other countries such as Germany due to the fact that his father also served in the military. This factor is what ultimately would lead him down a similar pathway, and eventually to Vietnam. (3:04)

---

During his time serving in Vietnam the first time, Bill Ryan had plenty of up close encounters with the Vietnamese enemy and some civilians. At this point, Ryan's ears were used to hearing the sound of gunfire in the distance when not being directly part of it. (4:06)

---

While stationed in Vietnam, Bill Ryan remembers a few incidents that happened with the Montagnards during his first tour. While he did not see them often, he describes them as very primal and resistant. (3:08)

---

His first tour was not the only time Bill Ryan was deployed to Vietnam, he was actually sent there twice. Here he talks about what he did with his time back in the states before being shipped off to war once again, including his time in different schools like flight school. (4:52)

---

After easily passing Ranger school and flight school, Bill Ryan was sent back to Vietnam for his second tour. It was here that he flew gunships to aid in the war efforts. On one occasion he unfortunately suffered some gunshot wounds to his legs, halting the entire mission. (8:21)