Spotlight on History
Honoring Louisiana’s Veterans
In honor of Veteran’s Day on November 11, the LDMA is highlighting stories from Louisiana’s military history. Explore the stories of Louisiana veterans who have proudly served their country.
World War II Oral Histories
In 2007, LPB conducted oral history interviews with 48 World War II veterans from Louisiana. These veterans represent the entire war – they served in all branches of the military and every theater of the war. Here are a few examples:
- Paul Arst, Army, Europe
- Pearl A. Domma, Army Nurse, Europe
- Frank J. Kern, Marine, Pacific
- Billy M. Mathews, Navy, Pacific
- Oscar G. Richard, III, Army Air Corps, POW in Germany
- Norman L. Sisson, B-17 pilot in Army Air Corps, Europe
- Philip Serio, Navy, Pearl Harbor survivor
Louisiana’s Experience: World War II
This series features the stories of Louisiana World War II veterans, as well as stories from the home front, including the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1940-1941 and the building of the Higgins Boats in New Orleans.
National World War II Museum
New Orleans is the proud home of the National World War II Museum, which was previously known as the National D-Day Museum.
- Louisiana Honors Its Veterans, Part 1 and Part 2 – Features the stories of Louisiana veterans and a preview of the opening of the D-Day Museum with historian Stephen Ambrose
- National D-Day Museum Grand Opening
- Louisiana Honors Its Veterans: The Pacific Theater – Features a preview of the Pacific Wing of the D-Day Museum
- Opening of the Freedom Pavilion in 2013
Louisiana Legends
See interviews with Louisianans who have reached the highest levels of the United States military.
- General Robert H. Barrow, Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1979-1983
- Lieutenant Commander John Dalton, Secretary of the Navy from 1993-1998
- Lieutenant General Edgar Anderson, Surgeon General of the Air Force, 1994-1997
- Lieutenant Colonel John Bourgeois, conductor of the U.S. Marine Corps Band, 1979-1996
- Lieutenant General Russel Honore, Commander of Joint Task Force Katrina
To view these stories and more, you can view the entire Military topic.