Oral history interview with Don Fellows [sound recording], 1995.

ArchivalResource

Fellows, Don, 1922-2007,. Oral history interview with Don Fellows [sound recording], 1995.

Oral history interview with Don Fellows [sound recording], 1995.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/54768754

Donald A. Fellows, a Madison, Wis. native, discusses his service with the Merchant Marines during World War II and the effects of this service on his life. Fellows joined the Merchant Marines against his parent's wishes, and describes joining the war as a way to distance himself from his parents. He provides a sketch of basic training at San Mateo (California) including strict discipline, abandon ship exercises, and his efforts to evade obstacle course training. He tells of attempts to sabotage shipping in San Francisco harbor and provides second-hand accounts of other attempted sabotage in New York harbor and abroad. Fellows details the mission of the Merchant Marines and shipboard life. Injured abroad, he spent time recovering in Madison, and describes the attitudes he encountered toward a young man perceived as not in the Armed Forces. He recounts VE-Day and VJ-Days, watch duty, and trade with Italians. He comments on experiences with Nazis in Uruguay, Mozambique, South Africa, and Argentina. Fellows mentions on his homecoming and comments on the unique status of Merchant Marines who were not allowed veterans' benefits. He recounts the recent recognition of Merchant Marines as World War II veterans and remarks upon the effects of his service and his injury on his acting career.

Sound recording : 2 sound cassettes (ca. 119 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.Transcript : 20 p.Military Papers : 0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)Master sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 119 min.) : analog, 1 7/8 ips.

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center