Joseph Sasser Transcript Summary (download full transcript above)
[0:00:18.1] Permission to tape the phone conversation.
[0:00:28.9] His memories about the attack on Pearl Harbor.
[0:02:14.0] Being drafted into the military and serving at the coastal artillery.
[0:03:03.3] Joining the 7th Provisional Scout Company.
[0:04:39.1] Recruiting hard workers.
[0:06:01.3] Arduous commando-like training in Fort Ord.
[0:09:47.6] 7th Scout Company going to the Aleutians and Massacre Bay.
[0:11:58.0] Lack of proper equipment for the harsh conditions.
[0:16:26.1] Sleeping in foxholes at night.
[0:17:13.6] Serving with the 50th Combat Engineers on Attu.
[0:19:29.9] Ensuing battle and naming of Engineer Hill on Attu.
[0:27:22.5] Dealing with Japanese prisoners.
[0:28:15.5] Joining the military and then going to war less than six months later.
[0:30:19.0] Difficulties with moving equipment in the tundra.
[0:31:36.1] Learning that they were headed to Alaska.
[0:33:46.8] Brief time in Adak and then going to Kiska.
[0:36:28.8] Writing letters for fellow soldiers who could not write.
[0:39:36.3] Crossing paths with other soldiers from Mississippi during the war.
[0:42:22.9] Role of the Combat Engineers.
[0:45:31.3] Memories of the battle on Engineer Hill and the war.
[0:50:37.3] Time spent at Washington and Lee University.
[0:54:24.3] Discussing his love for music.
[0:58:00.6] Pursuing his interest in music.
[1:01:10.9] Describing his hobbies, including music and trapping.
[1:03:10.9] Blue fox on Attu.
[1:04:00.6] USO shows in the Aleutians.
[1:05:25.7] Landing at Gertrude Cove on Kiska.
[1:06:31.9] The weather at Kiska.
[1:07:36.2] Japanese leaving Kiska.
[1:10:26.6] The Canadian troops on Kiska.
[1:11:09.8] Air attacks on Kiska.
[1:12:54.2] Article in a Mississippi newspaper about a troop ship in Aleutians.
[1:14:28.5] Leaving Kiska aboard a flat bottom ship.
[1:16:31.5] Discussion about Higgins boats, Andrew Jackson Higgins, and his daughter.
[1:22:24.0] Service after leaving Alaska.
[1:26:44.2] Discharge from the military.
[1:29:01.9] Mr. Sasser’s grandmother.
[1:31:02.2] Discussion about Navy Admiral who is a close friend.
[1:35:13.5] Mr. Sasser’s family.
[1:39:06.4] Closing comments.
End of interview at 1:39:44.9