When I first started to seriously consider starting this podcast, I knew immediately who I wanted as my first official interviewee, World War 2 Veteran Bobby E. Osborne.  I came to know Bobby over the last ten years or so.  During this time, I picked at Bobby’s memories each time we spoke.    At 94 years old, his mind is still incredibly sharp.  Bobby’s story demands to be told.

Bobby is holding a Japanese rifle taken off the Island of Saipan.

Bobby arrived at my house on the day of the interview driving a custom made three wheel motorcycle that he made himself.  Bobby took the rear end of a Volkswagon Beetle and welded it to the front end of a Honda Gold Wing.  Yep, that is a correct sentence.  He said a few years ago, he took a pretty good spill on a motorcycle and his daughter made him get a tricycle instead.  So he made one himself.  An original just like Bobby.

I made a short video before he got off the trike.

On his vest that day, Bobby wore a button that read,

“I’ve Survived Damn Near Everything!”

I believe him.  That’s why I decided to name this episode, I Survived Damn Near Everything!  On his trike, Bobby brought a Japanese rifle taken off of the Island of Saipan, as well as a tub full of treasures and keepsakes that Bobby has kept safe for over seventy (70) years.  When Bobby turned 18, he was drafted into the military for World War 2.  The year was 1943.  Bobby was a senior in high school.  They took Bobby into an auditorium and told him to choose a desk.  Each desk was a separate branch of the military.  Bobby chose the Navy.  They sent him directly to boot camp and within a couple of months or so, he was assigned to the USS Chester CA-27 Heavy Cruiser.  This was his home for the next three years from 1943 through 1946.  Bobby didn’t even graduate high school.

During his three years on the Chester, Bobby participated in many of the Navy Battles for Islands in the Pacific, including Iwo Jima, Saipan, and many others.   Bobby manned the 8″ guns in the front of the Chester.  His job was to load a primer shell (similar to a 45-70 round without the lead) into the barrel chamber after the shell and bag of powder were loaded.  The Chester was tasked with softening up the islands for the Marines.   Getting the opportunity to interview this extraordinary gentleman was a pleasure.

Not only did we talk about his three years on the USS Chester, we also talked about all of the mementos and keepsakes he brought back from the war.  Bobby brought a treasure chest of memories to my house.  I videotaped Bobby unpacking his stuff before the podcast.

These are tags from some of the gunpowder bags used in the 8″ guns. Bobby tore some off and kept records of some of the battles.

Notice the wooden clothespins.

When the Japanese surrendered, this brochure was passed out to everyone on the Chester.

Bobby also kept his Bible assigned to him upon entry into the Navy, as well as his Dad’s and Grandfather’s.  It is amazing the history that Bobby has scrupulously maintained.

Here’s a news story  Channel 8 in DFW did on Bob in 2017.

https://www.wfaa.com/article/features/meet-the-92-year-old-wwii-vet-keeping-busy-at-a-motorcycle-shop/382668460

Here’s a news story Channel 5 in DFW did on Bob in 2016.

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/WWII-Veterans-Still-Getting-Riders-on-the-Road-after-92-Years-398093791.html

Here are some photos and other information relating to Bob.

http://www.vintagemilitarytrucks.com/Bob%20Osborne.htm

An article in the local paper about Bob.

http://www.waxahachietx.com/article/20140225/News/302259975

Another article in the local paper about Bob.

http://www.waxahachietx.com/news/20170104/osborne-im-still-around-says-92-year-old-world-war-ii-veteran

USS Chester.

http://www.vintagemilitarytrucks.com/USS_Chester.htm

USS Chester – Wikipedia.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Chester_(CA-27)

USS Chester – Mare Island Navy Yard 16 May 1945

USS Chester – Mare Island Navy Yard 16 May 1945

USS Chester

http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_USS_Chester_CA27.html

USS Chester

https://www.navsource.org/archives/04/027/04027.htm

Youtube footage of the USS Chester

Youtube video of the USS Chester.

Youtube video of USS Chester

http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675069341_OS2U-Kingfisher_USS-Chester_recovery-sled_hoisted-aboard_pilot-in-a-cockpit

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed interviewing Mr. Osborne.  We talked for over three hours.  I chose not to attempt to edit or change anything.  I am posting it just as it happened.  What an experience.  Bobby Osborne is definitely Extrausual!  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

And yes I videotaped Bob driving off on his trike.  I couldn’t resist.

Vance Hinds