Veterans Oral History Project Interviews

Born in 1925 in Syosset, New York, George Allison enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard at the age of 17. Mr. Allison served from 1943-1946.

Born in 1928 and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, Henry Carattini enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He served from 1945-1946.

A first generation American, Hong Loy was born in 1922 in Bristol, Connecticut. Mr. Loy grew up in New York City and was later recruited to join the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.), the precursor to the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.), during World War II.

A lifelong Smithtown resident, James "Jim" Gouras enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1944 at the age of 17. He served actively from April 1945 through December 1946 in the 221st Military Police.

Michael “Mickey” Tangel was born in Brooklyn in 1947 and raised in Hollis, Queens. Mr. Tangel was starting his teaching career in the Middle Country School District when his number was selected in the Vietnam War draft lottery. Mr. Tangel served from 1971 to 1972.

Nicolo (Nicholas) Muratore was born in Brooklyn in 1931. Mr. Muratore enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 19, shortly after starting college. He served from 1951 to 1955 and was trained to work as a radio mechanic.

Born in 1929 and raised in Brooklyn, Seymour "Sy" Lederman enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of just 15, serving from 1944-1948. During WWII he was assigned to the 14th Tank Battalion.

Born in 1925 and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Stephen Kovach enlisted in the U.S. Navy after he completed high school. He served from 1943-1946.