A Bay area World War II veteran is taking part in a historic project, one that will add memories of his service to the National Archives in Washington D.C.
- Robert May,100, served as tail gunner in WWII
- Veterans History Project recording interviews for archives
- Total of 8 veterans shared stories
“In the 10-men crew I was the oldest and the smallest, and the one still left, though,” says veteran Robert May.
With a sense of humor, May, 100, remembers his time during the war in Italy, where he served as a tail gunner.
“Our job was to knock out Germany’s probabilities to make war,” May said.
“Life was worth about a nickel," May said. "You either come back that morning when you go out, or you don’t.”
This Tuesday, his recollections are being recorded to be part of the Veterans History Project.
“Many of these stories, they don’t get put into history books," said Melissa More, volunteer coordinator for Suncoast Hospice. "It’s really that oral history that we pass from generation to generation and it’s so important.”
Once the interviews are done, the tapes will be sent to the Library of Congress, where they will become part of the National Archives.
“It’s something that can be used not only to be archive, but it can also be used by historians that might be writing books or writing a movie script,” explains More.
It's history that May recalls like it was yesterday.
“I never saw a female for probably 18 months, except Red Cross girls once in a while,” said May.
While proud of his duty, May told us his time fighting changed him for the rest of his life.
“The combat battle gives you a different mindset," he explained. "I don’t think anyone could go through that and see things the same.”
A total of 8 veterans told their stories at the Veterans Art Center Tuesday. All of them will get digital copies for their families to keep.