SL-460, SL-461 - Joseph A. Cha, 28 June 2002

Item — cassette: 460-461

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Mr. Cha (b. 1921) was born in Kenilworth, Utah. He discusses life growing up in coal mining camps of Utah. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on November 6, 1942. Received basic training at Fort Ord. Attended aircraft mechanics school in Lahunta, Colorado. He was transferred to Kearns, Utah, for advanced training. Eventually he left from New York to leMarse. He was assigned to the 3rd Photo Recon group, 12th Photo Squadron in September 1943. Served as crew chief and mechanic for P-38s. He moved with his unit north into Italy where he stayed until the war ended in Europe. His group boarded ships to cross the Atlantic. VJ Day was announced as they approached the Panama Canal. Passed through the canal, turned around, passed through the opposite way and traveled to New Jersey. He was discharged from Fort Douglas in October 1945 at the rank of sergeant. Mr. Cha's career was spent working in the coal mining industry in Utah. Interviewed by Winston Erickson.

Dates

28 June 2002

Language of Materials

From the Collection: Collection material in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Materials must be used on-site; no use of original material, access copies will be made available for viewing. All items have been digitized and are available. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law, condition of the material, or by donor.