Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, February 22, 1945
subject: United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
subject: World War, 1939-1945
subject: Soldiers -- Michigan
subject: Correspondence
description: Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated February 22, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated February 23, 1945. In the letter, Agnes writes how she is eagerly awaiting the gift package Joe sent to her and how sorry she was regarding her previous letters being undelivered during her time away with Helen.
creator: Van Der Weide, Agnes
source: Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 1945-02-22
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: World War II

Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, March 8, 1945
subject: United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
subject: World War, 1939-1945
subject: Soldiers -- Michigan
subject: Correspondence
description: Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated March 8, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated March 9, 1945. In the letter, Agnes expresses her excitement over receiving the care package from Joe including a treasured photograph of him, handmade souvenirs, and valentines. She also writes that she is looking forward to his birthday and dreams of the day when they can furnish their future home together.
creator: Van Der Weide, Agnes
source: Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 1945-03-08
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: World War II

Letter from Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, March 13, 1945
subject: United States. Army. Infantry Division, 26th
subject: World War, 1939-1945
subject: Soldiers -- Michigan
subject: Correspondence
description: Handwritten letter and envelope with transcript by Agnes Van Der Weide to Joe Olexa, dated March 13, 1945. The envelope is sent from 1913 Berkley Ave. S.W., Grand Rapids, Michigan, dated March 14, 1945. In the letter, Agnes expresses her relief over Joe's new assignment away from the front lines and hopes he will receive a furlough to return home once again.
creator: Van Der Weide, Agnes
source: Joseph P. Olexa WWII memoir and correspondence, (RHC-93)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 1945-03-13
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Text
coverage: World War II

Van Dis, Melvin (Interview outline and video), 2009
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States. Army
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
description: Melvin Van Dis was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and served in the Army during World War II. Van Dis was drafted into the Army in 1943, and was sent to Europe as a replacement for killed or injured troops. He was attached to the 1st Division, which had lost a number of men during their previous campaigns. He landed in Normandy on D-Day as part of the second wave to hit the beaches. He was injured in Normandy in a friendly fire incident. He recovered and was sent back to his unit, serving with them across France and into Aachen, only to succumb to trench foot in the Hurtgen Forest. He finished his tour of duty working for the American Legion back in the United States.
creator: Van Dis, Melvin
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2009-07-06
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Dreumel, Michael (Interview outline and video), 2012
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States. Army
subject: Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American
description: Michael Van Dreumel was born in 1943 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and lived there until he graduated from high school in 1961. He then went to California to train as a aircraft mechanic, after which he worked at several commercial airlines before receiving his draft notice in 1964. Once he received his draft notice, Van Dreumel went through basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky before joining an aviation section at Fort Benning, Georgia outfitted with six OV-1 Mohawks. When Van Dreumel first joined the section, it belonged to the 11th Air Assault Division but only a couple of weeks after his arrival, the section switched to the 1st Air Cavalry Division, which was then deployed to Vietnam. He spent his tour at An Khe working on Mohawks and other observation aircraft. Once Van Dreumel's tour came to an end, he rotated back to the United States and finished his enlistment as part of the 5th Mechanized Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado.
creator: Van Dreumel, Michael
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2012-04-25
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Dyck, Rodney (Interview outline and video), 2008
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
description: Rodney Van Dyck was born in Muskegon, Michigan on March 23, 1956. He enlisted in the Army on June 29, 1974 and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne. Rodney was stationed at Fort Bragg, Fort Dix, and Fort Benning. He went through jump school and was trained as a voice radio operator. Rodney jumped into Texas, Alaska and South Carolina. When he was in Alaska he had cold weather training. Rodney then fell and broke both of his ankles so he had to be discharged.
creator: Van Dyck, Rodney
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2008-06-30
contributor: Collins Sr., Charles E. (Interviewer)
contributor: Collins, Carol (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Dyke, Orley (Interview transcript and video), 2019
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States—History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: World War, 1939-1945—Personal narratives, American
description: Orley Van Dyke was born on December 30th, 1924 in Holland, Michigan. After graduating high school in 1942, he worked in printing for the newspaper for a few months. Right when he turned 18, he enlisted in the Army. He began basic training and flash and sound training for artillery in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There he passed a test for the Air Force and changed to that military branch. He was sent to Sheppard Field, Texas for three months before beginning college at Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas after which he would be classified as a bombardier. He then attended pre-flight training in Santa Ana, California before being sent to Kirtland Field in Albuquerque, New Mexico for bombardier school. After a short leave, he went to Lincoln, Nebraska to be assigned to a crew. He then went to combat crew training in Alamogordo, New Mexico. After that he went to Kearney, Nebraska to pick up a new airplane and married his girlfriend there before preparing for deployment. He flew first to Sacramento, California, then to Hawaii for about a week, then to Kwajalein, and finally to Guam, where he flew to Japan for his first bombing mission. He flew a total of 24 missions. Right before the end of the war, he was involved in an in-air collision where he lost the tail and two engines from his plane. He was able to fly the plane to Iwo to be repaired. After World War II ended, he was flown home and discharged in January 1946. He returned to work at the newspaper until 1977 when he helped his wife run their furniture store until 1983. He spent the next ten years working for the city in the summer and visiting Florida in the winter. Van Dyke values his time in the military and the discipline it taught him.
creator: Van Dyke, Orley
source: Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University Libraries, Special Collections & University Archives, 1 Campus Drive, Allendale, MI, 49401.
date: 2019-10
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
contributor: WKTV (Wyoming, Mich.)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Ess, Marcia (Interview outline and video), 2014
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American
subject: United States. Army
description: Marcia Van Ess was born in 1949 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from high school she went on to attend the nursing program at Mercy Central School of Nursing in Grand Rapids at St. Mary's Hospital and during that time enlisted in the Army as a nurse. After graduating from nursing school in December 1969 and passing the nursing test in February 1969 she attended basic training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. In April 1969 she was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky and remained there until she received orders for Vietnam in late summer of 1970. She was deployed to Vietnam in October 1970 and was assigned to the 24th Evacuation Hospital at Long Binh. During her time there she was stationed in the pre-operation and recovery ward, had experience with severe burns, amputations, traumatic head injuries and treating the wounds of both U.S. soldiers and Vietnamese prisoners of war. She stayed in Vietnam until November 1971 when she returned home and was discharged from the Army. She is now an active member in a Vietnam War historical group and speaks about her experiences in Vietnam.
creator: Van Ess, Marcia
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2014-03-20
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
contributor: WKTV (Wyoming, Mich.)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Hammen, Robert (Interview transcript and video), 2005
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
subject: United States. Army
subject: Video recordings
description: Robert Van Hammen enlisted in the Michigan National Guard in 1940, and served in the intelligence section of the 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd (Red Arrow) Division until 1945. He trained with his unit in Louisiana, and then was shipped first to the East Coast and then back across the country to go to Australia and on to New Guinea. He saw extensive combat in a series of battles in New Guinea and the Philippines, and his account includes detailed descriptions of the physical aspects of war in a jungle, as well as of several of the battles in which he served. His interview is featured in the documentary Nightmare in new Guinea produced aby Grand Valley State University.
creator: Van Hammen, Robert
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2005-11-11
contributor: Bush, Dan (Interviewer)
contributor: Vredeveld, Chris (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Hout, Craig (Interview outline and video), 2011
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States. Army
subject: Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American
description: Craig Van Hout was born in 1949 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, he went to college for three semesters before dropping out, and received his draft notice soon afterward in January 1969. After finishing his basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Van Hout went through advanced training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Once he finished at Fort Polk, Van Hout deployed to Vietnam and joined B Company, 2nd of the 506th, 101st Airborne Division in January, 1970. While serving with the 101st Airborne, His unit took part in the campaign around Firebase Ripcord from April through July, 1970, and was wounded during the evacuation of the base. He eventually returned to his company, which saw relatively little combat during his final months in the field. He spent the last few months of his enlistment at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served as a clerk.
creator: Van Hout, Craig
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2011-08-10
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Iwaarden, Donna, video interview and transcript
subject: Philanthropy and society
subject: Personal narratives
subject: Charities
subject: Michigan
subject: Grand Rapids (Mich.)
subject: Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
subject: Women
description: Donna Van Iwaarden, former director of the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University discusses her early life, education, family, and work at the University of North Carolina, Grand Valley State University’s School of Public and Nonprofit Administration, and the Johnson Center for Philanthropy. She discusses the development of the Community Research Institute (CRI) and The Grantmaking School. She describes her role as the director of the Johnson Center in creating nonprofit training, university initiatives, and research, and her efforts to increase the visibility of the Johnson Center in the university, in the community, and at national level.
creator: Van Iwaarden, Donna
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2011-08-23
contributor: Smither, James
contributor: Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, Michigan Philanthropy Oral History Project
rights: In Copyright
relation: Johnson Center for Philanthropy Archives
format: video/mp4
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Conscientious Resignation response
subject: Dutch
subject: Conscientious objection
description: Response to Pieter Termaat's conscientious resignation letter from the Director-General of the Federal Labor Placement Office, Th. Van Lier. In Dutch, with English translation.
creator: Van Lier, Th.
source: Adriana B. and Peter N. Termaat collection (RHC-144)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 1942-05-21
rights: In Copyright
format: application/pdf
language: nl
language: eng
type: Text

Van Luyn, William (Interview outline and video, 1 of 2), 2011
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States. Army
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
description: William Van Luyn was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1925, and was drafted into the Army in 1943. He wanted to go, and was disappointed when he was rejected due to an eye problem, but later talked his way past the recruiter and sent to Camp Ellis, Illinois, to train as an engineer. He joined the 1303rd Engineer General Service Regiment and was assigned to B Company, which specialized in bridge construction. He shipped out to England with his unit in the spring of 1944, and deployed to Normandy shortly after D-Day. After the Normandy breakout, his regiment followed Patton's 3rd Army across France, building and rebuilding bridges all along the way, sometimes under fire from enemy artillery or aircraft. His unit got caught up in the Battle of the Bulge, and then participated in the invasion of Germany, building their longest bridge across the Rhine near Remagen. Shortly after the Germans surrendered, the unit was deployed to the Philippines in preparation for the invasion of Japan.
creator: Van Luyn, William
source: Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan
date: 2011-08-25
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Text
type: Moving Image

Van Luyn, William (Interview outline and video, 2 of 2), 2011
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States. Army
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
description: William Van Luyn was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1925, and was drafted into the Army in 1943. He wanted to go, and was disappointed when he was rejected due to an eye problem, but later talked his way past the recruiter and sent to Camp Ellis, Illinois, to train as an engineer. He joined the 1303rd Engineer General Service Regiment and was assigned to B Company, which specialized in bridge construction. He shipped out to England with his unit in the spring of 1944, and deployed to Normandy shortly after D-Day. After the Normandy breakout, his regiment followed Patton's 3rd Army across France, building and rebuilding bridges all along the way, sometimes under fire from enemy artillery or aircraft. His unit got caught up in the Battle of the Bulge, and then participated in the invasion of Germany, building their longest bridge across the Rhine near Remagen. Shortly after the Germans surrendered, the unit was deployed to the Philippines in preparation for the invasion of Japan.
creator: Van Luyn, William
source: Veterans History Project collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University Libraries. Allendale, Michigan
date: 2011-08-25
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Candace Van Oss (Audio interview and transcript, Part 1 of 2), 2018
subject: Michigan
subject: Saugatuck (Mich.)
subject: Allegan County (Mich.)
subject: Fire departments
subject: Oral history
subject: Audio recordings
description: Candace Van Oss grew up in Douglas, Michigan. She shares many memories of her father's career as Chief of Police.
creator: Van Oss, Candace
source: Stories of Summer project, Kutsche Office of Local History. Grand Valley State University
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2018-07-21
contributor: Neitering, Nathan (Interviewer)
contributor: Van Orsdol, Mollie (Transcriber)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Stories of Summer (Common Heritage project)
format: audio/mp3
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Sound
type: Text

Candace Van Oss (Audio interview and transcript, Part 2 of 2), 2018
subject: Michigan
subject: Saugatuck (Mich.)
subject: Douglas (Mich.)
subject: Allegan County (Mich.)
subject: Parks
subject: Outdoor recreation
subject: Music festivals
subject: Oral history
subject: Audio recordings
description: Candace Van Oss grew up in Douglas. She shares many memories of her father's career as Chief of Police. In the second part of the interivew, Candace continues with stories of her father's career as Fire Chief and later Saugatuck Township Supervisor. Her interview also includes a detailed descrition of the 1968 Rock Festival held in Douglas, Michigan.
creator: Van Oss, Candace
source: Stories of Summer project, Kutsche Office of Local History. Grand Valley State University
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2018-07-21
contributor: Neitering, Nathan (Interviewer)
contributor: Van Orsdol, Mollie (Transcriber)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Stories of Summer (Common Heritage project)
format: audio/mp3
format: application/pdf
language: eng
type: Sound
type: Text

Van Oss, Julius (Interview outline and video), 2011
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States. Army
subject: United States. Army Air Corps
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
description: Julius Van Oss was drafted into the US Army in 1943 and initially assigned to the Army Air Corps. In training, he qualified for the ASTP program, which sent men to college to prepare them to become engineers, but the program was cancelled after he had been in it for seven months, and he was returned to the Air Corps. After failing to qualify as a radio operator, he was assigned to the infantry and was slated to go to Europe. The Germans surrendered before he could leave, however, and he wound up being sent to the Philippines as a replacement for the 6th Division. He fought briefly prior to the Japanese surrender, after which he was assigned to work with communications for his regiment, first in the Philippines and then in Korea before he returned home in 1946.
creator: Van Oss, Julius
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2011-10-17
contributor: Montagna, Douglas (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Singel, Harris (Interview outline and video), 2008
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: United States. Air Force
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
subject: Video recordings
description: Harris Van Singel was born in Byron Center, and has lived there his entire life. He went to school, and graduated from Byron Center School in 1940. He avoided the draft for four years because his two brothers had both enlisted, and because he was doing farm work. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1944, and was trained as a remote control gunner on the B-29. He initially wanted to be a pilot, but they had too many applicants. He served in the Pacific theatre, and flew on 14 combat missions over Japan from a base on Saipan.
creator: Van Singel, Harris
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2008-01-29
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
contributor: Byron Area Historic Museum (Byron Center, Mich.)
contributor: BCTV
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Singel, Larry (Interview outline and video), 2008
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: United States. Army
subject: Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American
subject: Video recordings
description: Larry Van Singel grew up in Byron Center, MI, and volunteered for the Army in early 1967 since he expected to be drafted and wanted to have some choice in his training and assignment. He initially served as a clerk at the 9th Division headquarters outside of Saigon, and traveled into Saigon several times during the Tet Offensive. Next he served as a radioman at a small base in the Mekong Delta. He was brought home early because of a death in the family and served the rest of his tour in the United States. He discusses his own feelings about the war and the difficulties of adjusting to civilian life, as well as a visit to the Vietnam memorial in Washington.
creator: Van Singel, Larry
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2008-01-15
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
contributor: Byron Area Historic Museum (Byron Center, Mich.)
contributor: BCTV
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Singel, Willard (Interview outline and video), 2007
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: Video recordings
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: United States. Army
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives
description: Willard Van Singel was drafted into the Army in 1941 and trained in Texas. He spent 3 years in Texas working as a battalion supply sergeant and also helped with administration and clerical work. Willard then served in the 83rd Infantry Division, landing in France in late 1944. He switched from being a supply sergeant to being a platoon sergeant in a rifle company and saw action in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and at the end of the war met the Soviets east of the Elbe River.
creator: Van Singel, Willard
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2007-11-01
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Solkema, Garret (Interview outline and video), 2007
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
subject: United States. Army
description: Garret Van Solkema was born in Byron Center, Michigan in 1919. He was drafted in 1941 and went into the 2nd Armored Division commanded by General Patton. He landed in North Africa and fought in Sicily, Normandy, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Garret attended the Potsdam Conference as an Honor Guard.
creator: Van Solkema, Garret
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2007-11-29
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
contributor: Byron Area Historic Museum (Byron Center, Mich.)
contributor: BCTV
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Solkema, Howard (Interview transcript and video), 2008
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Personal narratives, American
subject: United States. Marine Corps
description: Howard Van Solkema was born in Byron Center, Michigan, in 1950. He was drafted shortly after graduating from high school and served in the Marine Corps between 1969 and 1971. He trained as a machine gunner and joined the First Marine Division at Da Nang in 1969. When his original regiment was sent home, he was transferred to a different unit in the northern part of the country, and finally to a base camp toward the end of his tour. He saw a good deal of small unit action, but no large battles, and worked with Australian and Korean troops.
creator: Van Solkema, Howard
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2008-10-21
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Strien, Robert (Interview outline and video), 2008
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: World War, 1939-1945--Personal narratives, American
subject: United States. Navy
description: Robert Van Strien was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan and graduated from Byron Center High School in 1945. After high school he and three of his friends joined the Navy. After basic training he was assigned to be a typist for a Commander aboard the USS Columbus. He served after the war during the Occupation of Japan and typed part of the ships newsletter. After his discharge in 1946 he used his GI bill money to learn how to fly and has owned three planes.
creator: Van Strien, Robert
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2008-08-15
contributor: Moore, Debra (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text

Van Vleet, Leroy (Interview outline and video), 2010
subject: Oral history
subject: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
subject: United States--History, Military
subject: Michigan--History, Military
subject: Veterans
subject: Video recordings
subject: Korean War, 1950-1953--Personal narratives, American
subject: United States. Air Force
description: LeRoy Van Vleet was born in Michigan in 1931. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1931, and received training as a specialist in fuels and lubricants. He was assigned to a refueling base in the Aleutian Islands for thirteen months, and then spent the rest of his time in the service at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.
creator: Van Vleet, Leroy
source: Veterans History Project Collection, (RHC-27)
publisher: Grand Valley State University. University Libraries. Lemmen Library and Archives
date: 2010-12-15
contributor: Smither, James (Interviewer)
rights: In Copyright
relation: Veterans History Project (U.S.)
format: application/pdf
format: video/mp4
language: eng
type: Moving Image
type: Text