HECHLER, Ray (b. 1919) | Oral History

HECHLER, Ray (b. 1919)

Military Service: U.S. Marine Corps WWII Veteran

Oral Histories

His experiences as a member of the Marine detachment on the light cruiser USS Helena during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941; also his experiences in the Solomon Islands Campaign and the amphibious assault on Peleliu Island. Enlistment in the Marine Corps, 1939; assignment to the Helena, December, 1939; his activities during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor; his activities in the days immediately after the attack; transfer to the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, and reassignment to the Solomon Islands, November, 1942; combat around Cape Gloucester, New Britain; his personal encounter with Colonel Eugene (“Chesty”) Puller; the Peleliu Campaign, September, 1944; his battle wound and evacuation; recuperation and return Stateside duty.
Date of Interview: December 6, 2001

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