Karsten, Marvin

Title: Karsten, Marvin
Performer: Marvin Karsten
Interviewer: Roland Schaedig
Description: Marvin was drafted before he finished high school. After completing basic training in Illinois and Wyoming, he was sent to England on a converted liner. Some 8,000 GIs were on this ship, staked five high in bunks. Marvin was in the middle bunk. He stated that being with so many sick soldiers and in the middle bunk was quite the experience. In England, he was assigned to waterproofing supplies that were headed for Omaha Beach. Marvin remained in England until VE Day. While there, he was involved in guarding Polish prisoners of war, most of whom had been forced into service in the German Army. Eventually, Marvin was part of the Occupation Army in Germany. He was fortunate to get a pass to the Palace of Justice and witnessed Herman Gering's trial. After leaving the service, Marvin returned to Rogers City, where he began his career as a seaman on the Great Lakes, eventually working himself up to the rank of Master Captain. He retired after 32 years of sailing.
Date Span: 1943-1946; Dates of Service
Subject: Drafted; United States Army; 540th Quartermaster; World War, 1939-1945; Second World War - European Theater; Staff Sergeant
Publisher: Center for Oral History Research at Eastern Michigan University
Collection Location: 2/34; https://memory.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/loc.natlib.afc2001001.62275
Spatial Coverage: Second World War - European Theater