Take me back to the Oral History landing page.
Robert Hamm - World War II
Robert Hamm served as an engineer on the U.S.S. Franklin, an Essex class aircraft carrier, during World War II. He was involved in the battles of Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and Iwo Jima. Later, during the battle of the Philippine Sea, his hangar deck was hit by a kamikaze plane. After his ship was repaired, he continued to fight the Japanese.
Interview Links
Abstract
Interview (Audio)
Video
Videos
Photos
Caption
Robert Hamm in a group photo at the US Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Illinois on March 16, 1943.
Where:
Great Lakes, Illinois
When:
March 16, 1943
Ownership:
Narrator's photo
Caption
Robert Hamm at the ship’s dance at the Roosevelt Hotel on May 1, 1945.
Where:
When:
May 1, 1945
Ownership:
Narrator's photo
Caption
Franklin, right and USS Belleau Wood afire after being hit by kamikazes off the Philippines on October 30, 1944.
Where:
Philippine Islands
When:
October 30, 1944
Ownership:
Narrator's photo
Caption
Franklin burning after kamikaze hit off the Philippines on October 30, 1944.
Where:
Philippine Islands
When:
October 30, 1944
Ownership:
Narrator's photo
Caption
The damaged USS Franklin smoking after the battle of March 19, 1945. The ship was hit by 2,500 pound bombs dropped by a Japanese plane.
Where:
Unknown
When:
March 19, 1945
Ownership:
Narrator's photo
Caption
A crewmember walks through the remains of the hanger deck of the USS Franklin, damaged by the attack on March 19, 1945.
Where:
Unknown
When:
March 19, 1945
Ownership:
Narrator's photo