Oklahoma Military and Armed Forces
Hear and learn from the oral histories of Oklahoma's men and women who served in the United States armed forces and valiantly served our state and country.
Learn From These Influential Oklahomans
Al Langer
Holocaust SurvivorAl's foster parent risked their lives to hide him from the Nazis, and the Kindertransport changed the course of his life.
Audrey Pullen
Navy Nurse CorpsAn interesting life that includes living at the base of Mt. Rushmore as her father carved the monument.
Bob & Diane Borlase
US Navy, US Coast Guard, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s officeAn everyday American couple who dedicated their lives to serving their country and their community.
Catharine Kingsley
WWII CryptographerA love of languages took her to D.C. in 1944 to do her part in the WWII effort as a code-breaker for the FBI.
Charles Ward
WWII Veteran, ArchitectWhile serving as a soldier in WWII, he found the inspiration to become an award-winning architect.
Clifton Taulbert
Businessman & AuthorOvercoming obstacles of segregation, he went on to achieve success as an entrepreneur.
Denzil Garrison
State LegislatorAfter serving the US in WWII and the Korean War, he served Oklahoma in both state houses.
Dick Willhour
WWII Veteran, Owner of Pennant Petroleum CompanyRichard “Dick” Willhour joined the Army during WWII, serving as a machine gunner with the 100th Infantry Division. At 99, he reflected on his time in the battlefield, the loss of four company commanders, and his post-war life—including his faith, family, and work.
Dr. Clarence G. Oliver
Educator, Journalist, and Army OfficerSuccessful journalist, Army officer, and educator -- including 30 years as an administrator for Broken Arrow Public Schools.
Dr. Herb Lipe
WWII Veteran, Centenarian, OptometristDr. Herb Lipe, a veteran of World War II and accomplished optometrist, shares his wisdom, his experiences, and his reflections on becoming one of Oklahoma's esteemed centenarians.
Drew Edmondson
16th Attorney General of OklahomaOklahoma Attorney General for 16 years, Drew Edmondson led landmark lawsuits, championed open government, and protected our states natural resources.
Eva Unterman
Holocaust SurvivorHer story shows the resourcefulness and determination of a Holocaust survivor.
Frank Riesinger
Owner of Riesinger's Jewelry, WWII Vet, Creator of V-J Day CelebrationA master jeweler and craftsman who loved God, country, and family above all.
George Krumme
World War II Veteran, Partner at Krumme Oil CompanyGeorge Krumme, a World War II veteran, Ph.D of Earth Sciences, and partner of the highly-successful Krumme Oil Company shares the story of his incredible life — living during the depression, J. Paul Getty, the Battle of the Bulge — and other fascinating aspects to his life
Harry Kaiser
World War II Veteran, Bronze Star Medal RecipientWorld War II veteran Harry Kaiser fought in the Battle of the Bulge, including the defense of Bastogne, and waited until 2011 to receive his six medals, one of which was a Bronze Star.
Jim Tygart
World War II Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, Aircraft Instrument MechanicListen to the oral history of Jim Tygart, a World War II veteran, who shares his experiences at the Battle of the Bulge, his injuries sustained in war, his career in aviation mechanics, and much more.
John F. Hausam
John Hausam RealtorsAfter unwittingly avoiding death in war, he eventually established one of the largest real estate companies in Tulsa.
Kenneth Renberg
German Immigrant, WWII VeteranA German-American Jewish immigant who bravely fought in World War II to "get back at Hitler."
Marina Metevelis
Rosie the Riveter / TCC EducatorA true blue "Rosie the Riveter" and promoter and preserver of Tulsa history, including its famous tunnels.
Mary Jo Guthrie
Woody Guthrie’s Sister, Artist & WriterWoody Guthrie's little sister shares stories about one of America's most renowned folks singers.
Paul Andert
WWII VeteranA decorated WWII veteran, Paul Andert exemplifies bravery and patriotism.
Red Stevenson
Businessman and PilotColorful businessman and high-flying storyteller.
Rex Calvert
WWII VeteranHe fought in four WWII battles with the Fourth Marine Division and earned the Purple Heart.
Richard Chapman
Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame MemberA legendary Oklahoma athletics coach, Richard Chapman shares the story of his life, including how he lived in a box car, his days in the Navy, why he was fired from a coaching job, and shares his advice to parents of Oklahoma's future generations.
Robert Norman
US Navy CaptainA desire to "see the world through a porthole" landed him right in the middle of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
Shawnee Stewart
World War II Veteran"They call Staff Sergeant Milton S. Stewart of Sallisaw, Oklahoma the luckiest man in his outfit." - Press Release to Radio Station KOCY, Oklahoma City.
Sherman Ray
Auschwitz SurvivorThe family trade, tailoring, saved Sherman's life in the most infamous Nazi camp, Auschwitz.
Warren G. Morris
WWII Veteran, Real Estate Broker, LawyerWarren G. Morris, a WWII combat pilot who served in the Army Air Force, flew 34 combat missions during his decorated service. Though he contracted polio, he overcame it to walk unassisted, and later became a successful attorney, master appraiser, and pillar of the Tulsa community.
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