Veteran's History Project Interviews

I spoke with Rachel Telford from the Veteran's History Project about interviewing veterans, especially our WWII vets here in Atlanta. In the event I am unable to find a local person to conduct the interview, I am looking for videographers who will volunteer their time to interview our WWII veterans, and any veteran wishing to have their story told.

The following is a copy of the email she sent in regards to setting up interviews.

Good Morning Mr. Swartz,

Thank you for your interest in the Veterans History Project. The Veterans History Project (VHP) collects and preserves the remembrances of American veterans. These collections of first-hand accounts are archived in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress for use by researchers and to serve as an inspiration for generations to come. VHP relies on volunteers throughout the nation to collect veterans’ stories on behalf of the Library of Congress. These stories are made available to researchers and the general public, both at the Library in Washington, D.C., and via the VHP website: www.loc.gov/vets/.

There are several ways to participate in the Project, including recording oral histories via video or audio media, as well as compilations of original materials such as photographs, letters, memoirs and diaries. This short (15 min.) video explains the process: www.loc.gov/vets/rams/vhp-fieldkit.ram. With over 85,000 veterans personal recollections this important archive is reliant upon people like you to ensure better representation of the 17 million living American veterans.

Please note that all interviews must be at least 30 minutes in length, should be accompanied by a Biographical Data Form, a Veteran's Release Form, an Interviewer's Release Form, and an Audio and Video Recording Log. All necessary forms are available at the following web address: www.loc.gov/vets/kitmenu.html.

Additionally, please note that our U.S. Postal Service mail is subject to security screening procedures which may damage your submission. We recommend that you send recorded interviews and collection materials to us through commercial services such as Fed Ex, UPS, or DHL, or deliver them in person if you live nearby. Standard delivery is all that is necessary, so there is no need for donors to pay extra for overnight or expedited delivery.

Thanks again for your interest in the Veterans History Project. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,
Rachel Telford
Processing Specialist
Veterans History Project
Library of Congress
rtelford@loc.gov

Mr. and Mrs Malcolm James Magid - B-17 Bomber Pilot / War Bride

Malcolm James Magid was a decorated B-17 bomber pilot, serving with the Army Air Corps flying 35 missions over Germany during World War II. In January 2012, he was awarded The Legion of Honor Medal by the French government for his service in the liberation of their country. Malcolm was active in the 303rd Bomb Group, Georgia Chapter of the 8th Air Force, American Legion Post 134, and Silver Wings.

This video is dedicated to the memory of Malcolm James Magid with whom I had the privilege and honor of knowing.

 

Mrs. Iris Magid was born and raised in London, England and during the war met Malcolm at a dance... ironically, she swore when she first laid eyes on him she would say no if he was to ask her to dance... you will have to watch this story to know just what happened by no one else better qualified. 

Iris' story, which is a warm and interesting account of her life before, during and after the war, was captured and made available by StoryCorps at the Atlanta History Center, an excellent resource for all veterans, not just WWII veterans and in this case, war brides. 

The Memphis Bell

It's May 1943 at a US Army Air Force base in England and four officers and six enlisted men of the Memphis Belle, the B-17 bomber nicknamed for the girlfriend of its captain, Dennis Dearborn, return from their twenty-fifth mission.

The war has taken its toll with fewer and fewer planes coming back from their missions. This video was developed for the purpose of uplifting the spirits of everyone with the story of the first squad to complete their 25 missions. Although the first airplane to officially finish their 25th mission was not the Memphis Belle, the department of defense used the Memphis Belle as the first official US Army Air Force squad to complete their tour of duty.

This film depicts the action of the entire crew, support, aircrew, briefings, and the actual flight. The entire video is taken from actual videos recording events that took place during WWII.

The Georgia Chapter of the Mighty 8th Air Force Historical Society

The greatest tribute I can think of for the men and women with whom I have come to know and revere is a blog in their honor. These men and women not only came to the aid of the world during the darkest years of World War II, but many who remain with us today continue to help us remember in hopes to keep us from having to endure their hardships by repeating the past. This site will contain stories from as many of our heroes who either served, or were associated, with the Mighty Eighth Army Air Force. All family members are welcome to submit their stories so we may forever remember members of the “Greatest Generation” that ever lived.

To begin this blog, it is appropriate we begin at the beginning, and an excellent account of the Mighty 8th Arm Air Force's beginnings can be found at the Eighty Air Force Historical Society's page “History of the Mighty Eighth and the Eighth Air Force Historical Society”.