Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans

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Phil Ovelman

Vietnam | Combined Action Program, Group 2, 1st Unit, 5th Platoon

Ovelman extended his tour of duty to ensure an early release and circumvent the pettiness of non-combat service. When he returned stateside following a bittersweet departure, he received unwelcome news from a stubborn officer. (4:11)
Ovelman returned home to find there were very few jobs available to combat veterans. Even after landing a career with the Department of Corrections, he marvels at the audacious questioning veterans must endure during the interview process. (2:16)
Ovelman expresses the gratitude he feels for being part of the Marine Corps, whom he truly sees as Brothers For Life. (1:55)
Phil Pollock

WWII | G Company, 347th Infantry Regiment, 87th Infantry Division

Phil Pollock's pacifist father would not allow him to enlist, but the draft took him in 1943. His first unit was eventually sent to the Burma theater but he wound up in a rifle company chasing the Nazis across France. He was amused when the Germans set up a loudspeaker system and "welcomed" the Americans. (6:01)
It was their first day in combat. Phil Pollock's rifle company was beginning to move across France when a young platoon leader was shot and left for dead by the others. As the snow covered bodies were being removed, there was something different about that one. (2:21)
The rumors of a German counter attack in the Ardennes forest proved true and after it was fully underway, Phil Pollock's unit was moved in and joined the Battle of the Bulge. He saw the widespread destruction in Bastogne, and his unit swapped positions with the Germans in a deadly dance before they were finally forced to retreat back to their homeland. (7:20)
As he crossed first the Moselle River and then the Rhine, Phil Pollock encountered white sheets hanging in the windows of every village. The war was going to come to an end. Before that happened, he got news of a special leave granted to every rifleman by General George Patton. Soon he was on a brand new troop ship eating real eggs. (5:07)
He was at home on leave when the war in Europe ended so Phil Pollock did not have to rejoin his outfit. Instead, he was sent to a special heavy mortar outfit training in Texas. Then came some more happy news. (2:51)
Phil Sligar

WWII | 497th Bomber Group

Phil Sligar and company invade Mexico during the height of WWII. (2:09)
Phil Sligar and other men aboard an Army bomber endure flak and fatigue in the skies over Japan. (4:33)