Oral history interview with Otto C. Junkermann, [sound recording], 1997.

ArchivalResource

Junkermann, Otto C., 1929-. Oral history interview with Otto C. Junkermann, [sound recording], 1997.

Oral history interview with Otto C. Junkermann, [sound recording], 1997.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/772449937

Otto C. Junkermann, a Milwaukee native, discusses his service as a corpsman in the Navy after World War II and in the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Junkermann talks about the immigration of his parents from Germany, leaving high school to join the Navy in 1946, and boot camp at in San Diego. He tells of being separated from his class after contracting pneumonia and assignment to the Hospital Corps School in San Diego. Junkermann discusses his assignment to Corona Naval Hospital (California) and, later, to the San Diego Naval Training Center, including duty as an attendant nurse escorting veterans across the country. While escorting tuberculosis patients to Chicago by train, he tells of bringing them to the dining car after their food was repeatedly late and then successfully defending his actions at a resulting court martial. After being discharged, he explains his use of the GI Bill to study industrial design at the Layton School of Art (Milwaukee). Junkermann cites his reasons for reentering the Navy in 1951: the Navy's need of corpsmen and his own feelings of guilt at using veterans' benefits without having served in a war. Sent to Portsmouth (Virginia), he recalls frustration at the lack of meaningful activity, writing complaints to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and reassignment to Marine combat training in preparation of going to Korea with the 1st Marine Division. Assigned to Item Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, Junkermann touches on duty as a corpsman for the machine gun platoon. He describes caring for wounded during combat, the trauma of losing patients, and the change in how he experienced fear and anxiety. Reassigned to Howe Company, he tells of the high number of casualties he dealt with after the company was surrounded for three days. Junkermann comments on medical evacuations, the vulnerability of battalion aid stations to enemy attack, and the effectiveness of helicopters at saving the lives of the seriously wounded. After a year and a half on the line, he mentions moving to a rear area MASH unit. He reflects on being sent into combat armed and unmarked due to the enemy's targeting of corpsmen. Junkermann speaks of stopping in Japan on the way back to the States and being able to communicate with civilians using German. He addresses the relationship between Marines and their Navy corpsmen and tells of enlisting in the Marine Corps with the intent of making it a career. After being twice passed over for commission, Junkermann explains the lack of promotional opportunities changed his mind about pursuing a military career. Assigned to the 7th Engineer Company, a Marine Corps Reserve unit in Green Bay (Wisconsin), he discusses his relationship with his commanding officer and writing most of the officer's reports. Junkermann speaks of leaving the Marines and beginning his career in media by working for WFRV-TV (Channel 5) in Green Bay. He touches on using the GI Bill for a home loan and his involvement with the local VFW post.

Sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 45 min.); analog, 1 7/8 ips.Master sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 45 min.); analog, 1 7/8 ips.Transcript : 27 p.Military papers : 0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center