Interview with Joseph Applegate World War II in Europe By Kelly Hoge May 17, 1995 World War II As many World War II Veterans celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II a couple weeks ago, I'm glad I got the chance to take part in the celebration in my own special way. I've always been interested in World War II for a couple of reasons: 1. because my grandparents were involved in it 2. and because I am interested in Europe, mostly Germany. I speak German and know a lot about the German culture. This research gave me the opportunity to talk to my grandfather about his involvement in World War II (which I never got the nerve up to do, mainly because I'm a shy person). Anyway, I was very excited to begin the interview. Before I begin the interview with my grandfather I will give you a brief background about him and the time and location in which my grandfather was involved in the war. My grandfather's name is Joseph Applegate and he was drafted in 1943. He lived in Bordentown, New Jersey and was 19 years old and married. During the time he got drafted a devastating war was going on in Europe. The American troops were already fighting in Europe but needed some relief. They were fighting in places such as Germany, France, Belgium, Norway, and Luxembourg. They were fighting a man named Adolph Hitler, who was trying to lead the German armies in conquering other European countries. Adolph Hitler was a man who took control of Germany and wanted power, at the cost of anything. The time period in which my grandfather was involved in the war was 1943 until the war was over in May of 1945. Q: What service in the military were you involved in and explain what your purpose for entering was? A: I was in the United States Army in the Eighty Third Infantry Division. We were called the Thunderbolt Division. Our purpose was to relieve the American troops fighting in Europe already. Q: What was the process (after you were drafted) in preparing for the war and actually leaving for Europe? A: Well, I left from Fort Dix, ...