Oral History Interview with Robert Graef, October 15, 2011

The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an oral interview with Robert Graef. Graef joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and was called to active duty in July 1943. He received basic training in San Diego and was served as an MP attached to various divisions. He landed at Saipan in the third wave, wading ashore under enemy fire, the sharp coral cutting his boots away. He later sustained a concussion during a kamikaze attack, and much of his memory as to the details of his service were clouded as a result. He recalls detaining an Army general who disobeyed orders to advance. At Okinawa, he witnessed the mass suicide of natives. After serving in China with the 3rd Marine Regiment, Graef returned home and was discharged in January 1946. When he visited his best friend's parents to tell them that their son had been killed in action, they were overcome with grief and lashed out in anger. Graef himself was traumatized by the war and experienced lasting PTSD