Preserving The Oral HistorIES of Combat Veterans
5:45 | After the war was over, Ralph Pannell of the Army Air Corps recalls the long journey home, station by station, including a flight over the Taj Mahal and other activities along the way.
Keywords : Ralph Pannell Army Air Corps India Burma
Ralph Pannell of the Army Air Corps goes over his daily duties while stationed at Gowen Field in Idaho. He also mentions some famous names who were stationed there between August 1943 & November 1944.
Ralph Pannell explains the difficult boat trip to India for him and the other members of the Army Air Corps. They departed November 1944 and even though they made several stops, they were not allowed off the ship during the journey.
After Ralph Pannell and the Army Air Corps docked in Bombay, they had specific instructions when it came to dealing with the locals . He recalls the rustic living quarters within that region and how his records were lost upon arrival.
Ralph Pannell explains the planes that were flown by the Army Air Corps while stationed in Feni, India and one gruesome experience in that region due to the aftermath of a battle.
Ralph Pannell of the Army Air Corps recalls two harrowing experiences during his time in India. One while flying back from Bangalore during a storm and another that was an explosion on land.
Ralph Pannell of the Army Air Corps describes the living conditions while stationed in India. They lived in old Bamboo Shacks and had to adapt to the conditions. They often hired locals for certain small janitorial duties.
