Joseph Barry Oral History
Object NameRecording, Video
Transcript
Narrator
Joseph A. Barry
Association
USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)
DateAugust 17, 2013
PeriodWorld War II
MediumMTS, PDF
ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts
Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of Joseph Barry. OHP.013
Object numberOHP.013
DescriptionJoseph Barry served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) as a radioman during World War II. The Museum recorded his oral history interview on August 17, 2013.See transcript for complete interview. Below is a summary:
Barry began his interview by recalling the early years of his life. He then explained how he learned about the attack on Pearl Harbor and discussed his decision to join the Navy.
As the interview continued, Barry recalled his selection as a radioman and his first time seeing Intrepid. He then discussed working in the radio shack, describing that compartment. He stated the number of men who worked in that compartment and explained the job they performed. Barry also noted that the radio gang would occasionally work on the bridge, and he provided an entertaining story relating to one of these experiences, which involved Captain Thomas Sprague.
Barry then continued by discussing life on board Intrepid. He recalled his berthing compartment, chow, how the crew spent their limited downtime, and the crossing the line ceremony.
The interview soon transitioned to a discussion of the moments when Intrepid came under attack. Barry recounted the torpedo attack at Truk, as well as kamikaze attacks, particularly the November 25 kamikaze attack.
Barry then covered a variety of topics, beginning with a statement where he stressed the importance of everyone working together for a common purpose. He also discussed the friends he had made, as well as stories from his time on liberty in San Francisco when Intrepid returned home for repairs. Barry then recalled the moment when he received the message declaring that the war was over. He explained that he held on to this message and later donated the message to the Museum.
As the interview came to end, Barry spoke about his life after the Navy, stating that he returned home and eventually purchased his uncle’s appliance repair business. Barry then ended his interview by stating how proud he is of his family and that he hopes people will learn about the war when they visit the Museum because the events of World War II should be remembered.
Extent: 4 video files, 16 page transcript
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