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Charles Krenek Interviewer: Andrea Krenek Name: Charles John Krenek Birthplace and Date: Linden, May 8, 1917 Age when you entered the service: Age 26 What part of the service: Navy Date entered: March 31, 1943 Company/Rank: Amphibious forces (Company) Motor Machinist (Rate) 1st class (Rank) Were you in the infantry/tanks/navy ships/airplanes? Navy Ship Did you meet your wife/girlfriend before or after the war? Before How did you meet? Charlie met his wife at a relative’s party, where Charlie went to ask a relative about the navy. Why did you enter the service? Charlie was drafted under army regulations after being deferred for 4 or 5 times. Charlie got deferred because he worked for public transportation on buses, as a mechanic, during the stages of the war. This was more important, at the time, to transport people who worked for the war effort. When Charlie went for his army physical, he was asked if he wanted to join the navy or marines instead. Charlie chose the navy because he loved the sea. Feelings of patriotism/pride? Charlie felt feelings of both. Charlie felt that he had to and wanted to join the war. How did family members feel when you joined/were drafted? Charlie’s family didn’t want him to leave. However, Charlie did get support from his mother and family. How much did you know about the war before you entered? Charlie did not know a lot about the war before he entered. Where did you receive your training? Newport, Rhode Island; Colombia, Missouri; Detroit, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; Seneca, Illinois. How long? Charlie trained over a year. What theatre (European/Africa/Pacific) did you serve in? The European Theatre (ETO) For how long? 2 years Most vivid memories? Right before Charlie got injured at D-Day; Lt. Kerr was putting him up for Chief Petty Officer. When Charlie was injured he stayed in hospitals for 1year and 15 days. Throughout Charlie’s stay in the hospital he kept on looking for his name to appear on this bulletin board that read the names of the soldiers who were going to be sent back home. The list was called ZI, which stands for the Zone of Interior Battles? Charlie fought in D-Day (was in the 1st wave). During the battle of D-Day Charlie’s brigade brought troops, equipment, and supplies to Normandy, France. On the return trip he brought wounded soldiers and German, Polish, and Russian POWs to the South Hampton port in London. However, Charlie was injured during the D-Day invasion on a bomb that struck his ship. Men you served with? Captain Booth and Lieutenant Kerr Places you saw or visited? Charlie visited all over the Eastern Seaboard, England, and Ireland. How much communication with back home did you have? Charlie wrote letters everyday to his wife. Communication with wife/girlfriend? Charlie and his girlfriend, which later becomes his wife, sent letters back and forth everyday to each other. His girlfriend sent cookies, candy, and a knitted sweater to him. Charlie sent back Irish linen, and a bracelet that he made. Charlie also received letters from his family and friends. What did other family members do for the war effort? Charlie’s girlfriend worked in an office and also folded bandages at their Parish. Do you have any letters/photos/postcards/uniform/other memorabilia? No Nazi souvenirs? No What was it like to return home? Charlie felt like he was the happiest person in the world to come home, to the US from Europe, and see the Statue of Liberty. |