Interview with John Hall

Partial Transcript: I guess we're going to just first start off the recording by saying your name, where you were born...

Segment Synopsis: Where were you born and what was your early life like? John Hall born 1/3/1924.

Subjects: Madison, Wisconsin

Partial Transcript: So I'll just skip-- Went to school here, Franklin...

Segment Synopsis: Went to school in Franklin. Joined the army in December 1942. In 94th infantry division in Salinas, Kansas. In September 1943, volunteered to go to Europe. He sailed to Casablanca then to Algeria and then to Naples.

Subjects: Algeria; Casablanca; Empress of Scotland; Fort Meade; Hampton Roads, Virginia; Infantry; Italy; Kansas; Morocco; Naples; Tennessee; US Army; US Army Rangers; WWII; World War II; World War Two; cruise liner; cruise ship

Partial Transcript: In hindsight, it was a plus that I didn't know anybody.

Segment Synopsis: Hall continues to talk about his experience in World War Two. He fought during the Battle of Anzio. After Battle of Cassino he broke his ankle and developed Trench Foot. Then after recovering, he joined the 36th division. He helped liberate Rome on June 5th 1944.

Keywords: Battle of Anzio; Battle of Monte Cassino; Infantry; Invasion of Normandy; Italy; Naples; Rapido River; Rome; US Army; US Army Rangers; WWII; World War II; World War Two; trench foot

Partial Transcript: After that, the-- Now I'm a staff sergeant-- loss of people, and so forth...

Segment Synopsis: After Rome, he became a staff sergeant and prepared for the landings in Southern France.

Keywords: Invasion of Southern France; Salerno, Italy; US Army; WWII; World War II; World War Two; amphibious

Partial Transcript: So, I know you were involved in the invasion of Southern France, obviously...

Segment Synopsis: Were you aware of the Landings in Normandy? We were able to read the Stars and Stripes and learn a little about the invasion. He invaded southern France. He was pinned down in Alex, France by German machine gun nest after the invasion. He captured 18,000 Germans and was awarded a distinguished service cross.

Keywords: Distinguished Service Cross; Germany army; Invasion of Normandy; Invasion of Southern France; Stars and Stripes; US Army; WWII; World War II; World War Two; infantry

Partial Transcript: Under war and combat conditions, you don't who's going to show up, and you don't know if you're going to show up.

Segment Synopsis: Hall continues to talk about his combat experience. Hall became wounded in September 1944. Then he was finished with the infantry.

Subjects: Air Transport Command; Infantry; Invasion of Southern France; US Army; WWII; World War II; World War Two

Partial Transcript: So, I kind of wanted to ask you, like-- You know how the southern invasion of France is less known than Normandy?

Segment Synopsis: Why do you think the southern invasion of France is less known? There were fewer Germans there and the number of wounded and killed were less. Also resistance was light.

Keywords: Free French Army; German army; Invasion of Normandy; Invasion of Southern France; Rhone River; US Army; WWII; World War II; World War Two; delaying action

Partial Transcript: A big topic of my paper is how the American public remembers war. So, do you think, in your opinion---

Keywords: Dane County, Wisconsin; Korean War; Red Cross; Truax National Guard Base; VE Day; VJ Day; Vietnam War; WWII; World War II; World War Two; homefront; veterans; war effort; war rations

Subjects: Do you think Americans remember only violent battles and not the successful ones like the Invasion of Southern France? Americans are well-informed but they were very busy working to win the war. In reality, many World War II veterans were not acknowledged for their service.

Partial Transcript: So, have you been to the World War II memorial in DC?

Segment Synopsis: What is your opinion on why Americans think WW2 was the good war? Because the war was necessary for our freedom.

Subjects: Eisenhower; Korean War; Vietnam War; Vietnam veteran; WWII; World War II; World War Two; veterans; war memorial

Partial Transcript: Did you ever feel like you were in the wrong place when you were fighting in World War II?

Segment Synopsis: Did you ever think you were fighting in an unnecessary war? War is not easy and it depends on how fit one is. Wars are fought by the disadvantaged in society.

Keywords: Franklin School; Great Depression; Korean War; Madison, Wisconsin; Mexican-Americans; US Army; US National Guard; WWII; World War II; World War Two; combat; inequity; minorities in war; physical fitness

Partial Transcript: Did you experience any combat exhaustion or anything?

Segment Synopsis: The war and army was good for Hall. Taught him discipline and doing things when you do not want to do them.

Keywords: Bible; Free French army; US Army; WWII; World War II; World War Two; casualties; combat; combat exhaustion; discipline; responsibility; sick call

Partial Transcript: Have you been back to France?

Keywords: Alex, France; Battle of Anzio; Battle of Cassino; Invasion of Southern France; WWII; WWII veteran; World War II; World War Two

Subjects: He returned to Alex, France twice.