What types of interview questions should be asked of people who were alive during World War 2?

Answer 1

I would suggest keeping the interviews fairly informal. Obviously, you will want to ask them what they did, how they coped with rationing, and also about changes during the war itself. In fairness to the people you interview, please do plenty of research beforehand.

Answer 2

Where were you when Pearl Harbor was attacked? Where did you serve? Where were you when the war ended? What did you think of the equipment, food and conditions you lived under as a member of the military? These are a few examples of good questions to ask. Really you can ask whatever you want, just bearing in mind, as with all interviews, to try to avoid potentially offensive questions or ackward positions on the veterans part. What unit were you in? such as Division, company, etc. This will help you research where he was in the war. What were you trained to do? Some were truck drivers, infantrymen, medical, etc. His specialty is sometimes recorded on his discharge form. When and How did you go overseas? usually they will remember leaving the US and will describe conditions on the ship, etc. When did you return? This will establish the time he was in service and allow him to tell about being wounded if he was. What are some of the places you have been to? This answer could relate to places he visited but it opens the door to answers about places he was in combat. Soldiers were allowed to go on leave and visit some big cities like London, Rome, etc. If he was in Armor or Air Force or Artillery, ask about the type of tank, plane or cannon that he used. They usually have to brag or complain about the equipment. This will bring out more stories that could be funny or related to combat. Have you kept in touch with any of your military buddies?

Answer 3

There are THREE catagories to begin an interview with war veterans: 1. POLITICS (Was the war right or wrong; Moral or ethical, good or bad, how do you feel about it...the draft...right or wrong, government did the right thing; the military was "allowed to do the right thing...", etc.). 2. STRATEGY/TACTICS (Bombing campaigns over North Vietnam were strategic/bombing for (CAS-Close Air Strikes) for the men on the ground were tactical air strikes). 3. DUTIES (Jobs performed-MOS/Military Occupational Specialties): Tank crewmen; ACAV crewmen (Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicles); Jet fighter pilots; B-52 Stratrofortess Strategic Bomber crewmen; Helicopter crewmen; Riverine Boat crewmen (Swift Boats, Alpha Boats, PBR's, Monitors); on the Gun Line with the US Navy Cruisers, Destroyers, Aircraft Carriers, Battleship USS New Jersey; Artillerymen, Green Berets (US Army Special Forces); SEALS (US Navy); or the common "Grunts" (common foot soldiers, the US Infantrymen).

Answer 4

I would ask something like how did it have an impact on the world around them. Sort of like how America changed after the 9/11 attacks.