Interview conducted in 1996 for the World War II Pacific Theater (Naval Engagements) Oral History Project, World War II Atlantic Theater (Naval Engagements) Oral History Project, and World War II Mediterranean Theater (Naval Engagements) Oral History Project. Interviewer: William J. Alexander
Summary: Interview with Lanson B. Ditto, a clothier and Navy veteran (USS Langley, USS O'Bannon, USS O'Toole), concerning his experiences in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean Theaters during World War II. Education; enlistment in the Navy V-7 Program, 1940; midshipman training, 1940-41; assignment to the USS Langley, 1941; pre-war duty in the Philippines; coming of war and combat around the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies, 1941-42; sinking of the Langley, February 27, 1942, and his transfer to the USS Pecos; sinking of the Pecos, March 1, 1942, and his rescue by the USS Whipple; his return to the States and assignment to the USS O'Bannon, March, 1942; various naval battles around the Solomon Islands, 1942-43; Naval Battle of Guadalcanal, November 13, 1942; antisubmarine patrols off the Solomons, 1942-43; his return to the States and transfer to the USS O'Toole, January 22, 1944; escort duty in the North Atlantic, 1944-45; escort duty in the Mediterranean, 1945; his promotion to captain of the O'Toole, October, 1945. Throughout the oral history there are various portraits and photocopies (twelve leaves). Appendix consists of photocopies of "Notice of Separation from the U.S. Naval Service" (one leaf) and "How my life was changed" (one leaf).