A few suggested questions that might be helpful to volunteer interviewers, or to those embarking upon a self-memoir, are included below. Only you can determine the appropriate questions for a particular interview subject. The questions below are only for starters. Ask other questions that will paint a comprehensive picture for researchers and scholars who will review your interview. Keep in mind that as a government historical organization we do not seek war stories alone, we primarily seek an account of a Marine’s involvement in the larger picture of great events in our Corps’ history, and in our nation’s history. If all of that involves a war story or two, all the better, but simply relating a personal war story is not our primary goal. Put that war story in the context of a mini-social history. Make your interview relevant to the wider historical context in which so many Marines have gallantly participated. Finally, avoid acronyms and fully identify—on the recording as soon as they are uttered—any acronym the interviewee uses. Sad experience proves that today’s commonly understood acronym is tomorrow’s impenetrable puzzle.
Some suggested areas of research and query:
In what unit did the interviewee serve; in what operational events; where, when, and with whom did he/she serve; what were the names of commanding officers; what duties; what ships; combat experience; who was the enemy; what insights were gleaned from the service; how did he/she live and fight; what difficulties were encountered; what gear, weapons, and equipment worked well and what didn’t; what did he/she eat; where did he/she bed down; did weather affect activities; perspectives on leadership, good and bad.
Here is a standard format for starters: