By Duston Mazzella, multimedia archivist

November is National Veterans and Military Families Month—a time to recognize the courage, sacrifice and service of those who have defended our nation. It’s also an opportunity to preserve their stories for future generations. The “Saving the Legacy Oral Histories Collection” (A0864) at the University of Utah’s American West Center does exactly that, and these oral histories are available through Special Collections at the Marriott Library.

A Collection Rooted in History

The Saving the Legacy oral history project began as an effort to record the voices of World War II veterans living in Utah and the greater Intermountain Region. Conducted by the American West Center at the University of Utah, the interviews captured not only wartime experiences but also the veterans’ early lives, postwar reflections, and the lasting impact of service.

Over time, the project expanded to include veterans from all branches of the military and all conflicts, preserving an ever-growing legacy of personal courage and national service. Together, these recordings offer an unparalleled glimpse into the human side of history—stories told in the veterans’ own voices.

Voices from the Collection

This month, we highlight several powerful stories from the Saving the Legacy recordings:

Robert D. Teran – recorded May 23, 2000

Born in 1922, Robert Teran recalls a difficult childhood in New Mexico during the Depression, his enlistment in the Army Air Corps, and his service with the 8th Air Force, 379th Bomb Group, 527th Squadron, based at Kimbolton Field near London. After flying twenty missions over Europe, his B-17 was shot down, and he was captured by German soldiers.

In his recording, Teran describes the harrowing forced march from Stalag Luft 3 as the Russians advanced—an ordeal that ended with his liberation and eventual return home. His voice captures both the fear and the resilience of a generation tested by war.

Warren S. Wimmer – recorded May 26, 2000

Warren Wimmer, born in 1920, grew up in rural Utah and enlisted in the Navy in July 1941. Only months later, he found himself in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

In his vivid account, Wimmer recounts the chaos of the bombing, the loss of friends and crewmates, and the grim task of recovering bodies in the aftermath. His story offers a firsthand window into one of the most defining moments of the 20th century.

Joseph “Joe” Tobari – recorded May 30, 2001

Joe Tobari, a Japanese American from Salt Lake City, speaks candidly about the discrimination he and his family faced after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite the prejudice, Tobari enlisted in 1943 and served with the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit composed almost entirely of Japanese American soldiers who became one of the most decorated in U.S. military history.

His reflection on being both a patriot and a target of suspicion is a moving reminder of the complexities of loyalty, identity, and courage.

Joan Gould – recorded July 30, 2001

As a Navy nurse trained at the Seton School of Nursing in Colorado Springs, Joan Gould served aboard a hospital ship stationed offshore during the landings on Iwo Jima, Peleliu, and Okinawa.

Her recollections from Iwo Jima—tending to the wounded under constant threat—offer a rare and deeply human perspective on the cost of battle, especially from a woman’s point of view in a warfront role.

Stanley J. Brady – recorded October 26, 2001

A member of the 327th Glider Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Stanley Brady landed on Utah Beach during the D-Day invasion. In his interview, Brady describes the fear, confusion, and determination of those first moments on the sand—an indelible memory of one of history’s most pivotal days.

Preserving the Voices of Service

The Saving the Legacy collection continues to grow, now encompassing the experiences of veterans from Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and more recent conflicts. Each story enriches our understanding of how military service shapes lives and communities.

Accessing the Oral Histories

“The Saving the Legacy Oral History Collection includes 769 audiocassette recordings, with copies on CD and DVD. To explore the full list of interviews and details about each recording, visit the finding aid. Requests for digital reproductions can be made through the Special Collections request form.

By listening to these oral histories, we not only honor individual veterans but also gain a deeper appreciation for the shared sacrifice that defines our national story. This November—and every month—take a moment to listen, learn and remember. These voices are our history.

Go to the Special Collections reading room on level 4 for a special exhibition on WWII veterans in the collections.