Roger Kopperud

AZ, TX, CO, NV / World War II
  • Military specialty: Mechanic, Gunner
  • Awards: Good Conduct pin

Roger Kopperud was a veteran in WWII.  He wrote about his experience which is reproduced in his own words and edited here. The original is stored at the CCHS Research Library.

In 1942, I registered for the draft in Westbrook, MN.  On 26 Aug 1942, I left for Fort Snelling to get a physical and to be sworn in. Came home and on 8 Sep reported back to Fort Snelling. There we were issued clothes. On 10 Sep we left for the Williams  Field Air Force Base in Chandler, AZ. We were about thirty men from the Midwest. Took some basic training.  Also drove truck for the Quartermaster Corps. In Dec 1942, we were transferred to the 1034th Guard Squadron.  Had two furloughs while there. In Sep 1944, sent to Amarillo, TX to airplane mechanics school.  In spring of 1945, sent to Las Vegas, NV to gunnery school.  We were training to be gunners in B-29 Bombers. I got air sick so asked to be released. In Sep 1945, I went to Lowery Field in Denver, CO. Had a furlough while there. On 2 Feb 1946, was discharged from the Air Force.  Received a Good Conduct pin and rank of Private 1st Class. Never went overseas.

  • Obituary: None on file