Oral History Interview with Alvin L. Martin

Partial Transcript: "O.K., It is Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2007..."

Segment Synopsis: This is the continuation of the interview with Mr. Alvin L. Martin. Mr. Martin served in World War II as a Technical Sergeant of the 485th Bomb Group. He resumes telling of his experiences flying in the European Theater.

Keywords: 485th Bomb Group; Army Air forces; European Theater; France; Germany; Technical Sergeant; WWII

Subjects: U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II; World War II.

Partial Transcript: "Mr. Martin you were telling me that in August of 1944 you were in Italy and then you were assigned to a General in France..."

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Martin discusses new assignment in France flying VIPs. One of his first flights under new assignment was returning POWs to Heathrow. From a distance Mr. Martin was able to see the Queen of England.

Keywords: England; France; Heathrow; Heidelberg; Queen of England:

Subjects: U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II; World War, 1939-1945--America.; World War, 1939-1945--Europe--Aerial operations, Allied.

Partial Transcript: "I don't remember if it was before that or after but we went up to Manchester England to get our plane worked on."

Segment Synopsis: After flying to Manchester, England for plane repairs, Mr. Martin was able to tour much of London. While there he experienced an air raid from a German V-2. He speaks of the destruction he witnessed in England and Germany. Mr. Martin's crew flew an important French General Berlin for the signing of the German surrender.

Keywords: Air Raid; Berlin; Destruction in London; Franz von Papen; German Surrender; German V-2; London; Munich; The Bailey's Hotel; V-E Day; Vatel

Subjects: U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II; World War II--Germany.; World War II--Great Britain.

Partial Transcript: "And they drove us through Berlin, the Russians did."

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Martin traveled through Berlin with the Russians. The Russian and American soldiers celebrated the German surrender. After the signing Martin traveled back to France.

Keywords: East Berlin; France; Russian Commanders; Vatel; Wilheim Keitel; World War II Generals

Subjects: U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II; World War II.

Partial Transcript: "And then we moved, shortly after that, we moved from Vatel, France into Heidelberg, Germany".

Segment Synopsis: Martin moved to Heidelberg where he flew supply missions for Officers on a C-53 Cargo Plan. Beginning of August 1945, Martin received word that he would be going home. The trip home involved stops in Iceland, Greenland. While preparing to return home the Japanese surrendered to the Allies.

Keywords: 6th Army Group; American 7th Army; C-53 Cargo Plane; French First Army; General Barr; Greenland; Heidelberg; Iceland; Paris; Reikovic; V-J Day; Wales

Subjects: U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II; World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American.; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Europe.; World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American.

Partial Transcript: "Then from Greuse Bay we flew into Bradley Field, Connecticut."

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Martin to the United States in August 1945. Arriving in Glasgow, KY and enjoying 45 days of furlough with this family was a joyous time. His military career ended when he was discharged in Houston, TX. Martin recalls his last days in Germany.

Keywords: Bradley Field; Ellington Field; Glasgow, KY; World War II

Subjects: World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns & battles--Allied--Europe; World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns & battles--American--Europe.; World War, 1939-1945--Europe--End.; World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American.; World War, 1939-1945--Veterans--Kentucky--Interviews.

Partial Transcript: "Oh, when did you reunite or find out what had happened to your original group in Italy?"

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Martin did not look for any of his former crew members until 1974 when he and his wife took a trip to Arizona. Eight of the original ten men were able to attend the first reunion and share some of their experiences as German prisoners. Prior to 1974 Mr. Martin only new that his crew had parachuted out of their plane but he did not know what had happened to them once on the ground.

Keywords: 485th Bomb Crew; Glasgow, KY; Ky Veterans; Louisville, KY; POWs; U.S Army Air Force; World War II Germany; World War II Reunion

Subjects: World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American.; World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American.; World War, 1939-1945--Veterans--Kentucky--Interviews.; World War, 1939-1945.

Partial Transcript: "When you think back on your service, what kind of life lessons do you take from that...that you used after the service."

Segment Synopsis: Mr. Martin recalls how much he enjoyed meeting and learning from different people. One of his greatest joys was working with young people after the war. Martin discusses his relationships with his six grandchildren.

Keywords: 485th Bomb Group; Army Air Force; Fern Leaf, KY; Glasgow, Ky; Louisville,KY; World War II

Subjects: World War, 1939-1945--Aerial operations, American.; World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American.; World War, 1939-1945--Veterans--Kentucky--Interviews.