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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

Al Langer

Holocaust Survivor

Al's foster parent risked their lives to hide him from the Nazis, and the Kindertransport changed the course of his life.

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Audrey Pullen

Audrey Pullen

Navy Nurse Corps

An interesting life that includes living at the base of Mt. Rushmore as her father carved the monument.

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Bob & Diane Borlase

Bob & Diane Borlase

US Navy, US Coast Guard, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s office

An everyday American couple who dedicated their lives to serving their country and their community.

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Catharine Kingsley

Catharine Kingsley

WWII Cryptographer

A 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.

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Charles Ward

Charles Ward

WWII Veteran, Architect

While serving as a soldier in WWII, he found the inspiration to become an award-winning architect.

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Clifton Taulbert

Clifton Taulbert

Businessman & Author

Overcoming obstacles of segregation, he went on to achieve success as an entrepreneur.

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Denzil Garrison

Denzil Garrison

State Legislator

After serving the US in WWII and the Korean War, he served Oklahoma in both state houses.

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Dr. Clarence G. Oliver

Dr. Clarence G. Oliver

Educator, Journalist, and Army Officer

Successful journalist, Army officer, and educator -- including 30 years as an administrator for Broken Arrow Public Schools.

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Dr. Herb Lipe

Dr. Herb Lipe

WWII Veteran, Centenarian, Optometrist

Dr. 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.

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Eva Unterman

Eva Unterman

Holocaust Survivor

Her story shows the resourcefulness and determination of a Holocaust survivor.

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Frank Riesinger

Frank Riesinger

Owner of Riesinger's Jewelry, WWII Vet, Creator of V-J Day Celebration

A master jeweler and craftsman who loved God, country, and family above all.

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George Krumme

George Krumme

World War II Veteran, Partner at Krumme Oil Company

George 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

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Harry Kaiser

Harry Kaiser

World War II Veteran, Bronze Star Medal Recipient

World 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.

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Jim Tygart

Jim Tygart

World War II Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, Aircraft Instrument Mechanic

Listen 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.

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John F. Hausam

John F. Hausam

John Hausam Realtors

After unwittingly avoiding death in war, he eventually established one of the largest real estate companies in Tulsa.

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Kenneth Renberg

Kenneth Renberg

German Immigrant, WWII Veteran

A German-American Jewish immigant who bravely fought in World War II to "get back at Hitler."

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Marina Metevelis

Marina Metevelis

Rosie the Riveter / TCC Educator

A true blue "Rosie the Riveter" and promoter and preserver of Tulsa history, including its famous tunnels.

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Mary Jo Guthrie

Mary Jo Guthrie

Woody Guthrie’s Sister, Artist & Writer

Woody Guthrie's little sister shares stories about one of America's most renowned folks singers.

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Paul Andert

Paul Andert

WWII Veteran

A decorated WWII veteran, Paul Andert exemplifies bravery and patriotism.

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Red Stevenson

Red Stevenson

Businessman and Pilot

Colorful businessman and high-flying storyteller.

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Rex Calvert

Rex Calvert

WWII Veteran

He fought in four WWII battles with the Fourth Marine Division and earned the Purple Heart.

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Richard Chapman

Richard Chapman

Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame Member

A 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.

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Robert Norman

Robert Norman

US Navy Captain

A desire to "see the world through a porthole" landed him right in the middle of Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.

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Shawnee Stewart

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.

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Sherman Ray

Sherman Ray

Auschwitz Survivor

The family trade, tailoring, saved Sherman's life in the most infamous Nazi camp, Auschwitz.

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