Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

Thomas Stiller (Tom) was inspired by President John F. Kennedy. The late President commanded a Patrol Torpedo boat (PT boat) in the Pacific during WWII. The pictures and stories of that piece of history stuck with this young man from Indiana. When the age and opportunity came along, he joined the Navy.

Boot camp was at the Great Lakes Naval Traini...