Interviewer: Shannon White

Date: December 6

Allen could you please tell me your full name and about when you first came to Southern Indiana?

Well I was born right around here in 1925. And I have lived here basically most of my life. I have been lived in Connersville, Indianapolis, and El Paso, Texas. But most of the time is here.

When did you start working at JPG?

January 9, 1951

How long were you there?

Till November of 1957. Then I moved to Texas in March of 58. Moved back here in January of 62.

And where did you work?

When I left here at the Proxann Missle Range

Did you also live on the Post?

No, I lived in El Paso

Did you have more than one job at JPG?

Basically I was civilian gunner and civilian gunner leader. Then we done different things to be done.

Which job during which years?

I was a gunner from 51 to 57. And then I came back here, and I made gun crew leader. And was gun crew leader for I don’t know how many years.

For each of the jobs what kind of training did you receive?

I received most of my training in the Army.

What kind of equipment did you use?

Any kind of weapons. From small arms to large quality weapons and tanks.

Do you remember JPG’s first computer?

The only one that I can remember is the great big one that set on their desk. Calculators, the computers, no I don’t. I didn’t use any of them.

Would you mind telling me how much you made in your first job?

When I first started out there I made a $1.27 an hour.

What was the atmosphere and work environment like at the time you started?

Good group of men. They was all World War II veterans, and they was a fine group of people.

Was there a fear of war like dedication or victory?

No, they were just doing their jobs, and they enjoyed doing it.

Did the atmosphere change significantly over time?

It changed as the years went by, it changed some. The Korean Veterans it changed a little bit. And the Vietnam veterans it changed a little bit. It just changed as the years.

Would you view that change for the better?

I think the World War II veterans was more for each other. As the years went by, I don’t think it was as close knit as it was then.

What role did the women play in accomplishing the munitions testing mission at JPG?

It was the same crew of technicians but there was no ladies in the gunner section, except secretaries.

Did that role change over time?

No, I don’t think we ever had any women in the gunner crews, except for secretaries.

What is your best memory of being at JPG.

I liked the work. I enjoyed it.

What was the worst?

The cold weather. Being out in the cold.

Did any of the Commanders make an impression on your life?

I think some was there to retire and some was there for the good of the people. They was all different.

Did you or any of your co-workers experience any serious accidents?

One man was killed out there and another one was hurt. And two or three hurt. But there was only one person killed while I was there.

That was from a mistake happening?

No, I think it was just an accident.

What were your thoughts when JPG closed in 1995?

I thought it was all politics basically. I think JPG, the employees there, was too efficient for the higher ups.

Are there any other memories or stories that you’d like to share?

No, I just enjoyed working there and I think most of them did. You always find a few that wanted to get out but most of them enjoyed working there.