Oral History Project with WWII Veteran Paul Wilbur of Bangor, Maine

​Paul Wilbur was a World War II veteran from Bangor, Maine who died at the age of 92 April 21, 2017. Mr. Wilbur served from February 12, 1942 to February 11, 1946 with the 3​rd Marine Division. During his service he earned the American Campaign Medal, as well as Asiatic­-Pacific Campaign medals.
This 56 minute interview is his story including his entrance into the military, serving in the south pacific islands as a heavy equipment operator, some near death experiences as well as his life after the military.
After his time in the military, Mr. Wilbur went back to Bangor and volunteered at the Cole Land Transportation Museum as a presenter to grade school children where he shared his story and the lessons he had learned throughout his career.
This interview was conducted by journalism students David Furtado and Keyon Butler at the New England School of Communications at Husson University and was recorded by photographer Larry Ayotte in April, 2016. It was submitted to the Veterans Oral History Project at the Library of Congress where it is permanently archived.
The interview was part of the journalism class Producing and Hosting Radio Public Affairs taught by journalism instructor Jeffrey Hope at the New England School of Communications. Mr. Hope is grateful for the time Mr. Wilbur spent with students and believes this interview honors Mr. Wilbur's generosity.
Below is a log of the interview if you would like to listen to a specific section.
00:00 ­ Purpose of Interview
1:30 ­ Overview of Story
8:29 ­ Volunteer at Cole Land Transportation Museum: Bangor, Maine
9:10 ­ Love of Country and Flag
9:33 ­ Dog Tags
10:32 ­ Atmosphere at Home (Bangor, Maine) During Attacks on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii 12:37 ­ Conversation with Parents about Joining the Military: Bangor, Maine
13:45 ­ Basic Training: Parris Island, South Carolina
16:24 ­ Wilbur’s First Battle: Bougainville Island, Solomon Islands
21:00 ­ Meeting The Island Natives
27:00 ­ Near Miss: Lightning Strikes a Tree Stump
27:46 ­ Carrying A Church Bible Throughout the War
28:34 ­ Explains His Medals and Awards
30:10 ­ Paul’s Two Close Calls, A Shell Hit His Truck and a Sniper Shoots His Boot 36:20 ­ C bag and Souvenirs
37:38 ­ Hitchhiking Home to Bangor, Maine
38:00 ­ Finding His Parent’s Home: Bangor, Maine
39:33 ­ Speaking with Dad
41:13 ­ Life After the War
43:18 ­ Biggest Takeaway From Service
43:50 ­ Quiet Courage
46:50 ­ Thoughts on Military Today
47:55 ­ Hand Grenade
50:13 ­ What Mr.Wilbur Would Say to His Younger Self
54:20 ­ Wrap up/Thanks
54:34 ­ Reads an Excerpt