Leonard Doerfler - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series

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World War 2

Click on Veteran's photo to see their service story. These Warriors served during the World War 2.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I donate?

I have created a way to accept donations to grow the project, use the WWII Veterans Portrait Series Go Fund Me.

Where are you located?

I live in the San Diego area but have traveled to many locations to interview and photograph Veterans.


How Long is an Appointment?

Appointments usually last an hour. But please free up time for Mickey to set up lights and cameras, hold the interview, and take some still photographers for in the project.

Do you accept reservations?

Yes is the simple answer to the question. Each appointment is set up as an individual session. Group sessions have been set up when I visited a senior living facility or many of the California Veterans Homes.

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US Army Private World War II Leonard Doerfler was born on September 7th, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, and was drafted into the US Army after graduating from high school in 1940. Leonard joined the over 10 million men who were inducted into the service between 1940 and 1947. Leonard's obligation to the Army was for a period listed as the duration of the war plus six months. Leonard served in the Pacific Theater of Operation. Privet Doerfler was stationed on the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. New Caledonia was a vital base for Allied troops and the United States Navy. The island was a key location for strategic deployment and logistics support during the American forces' re-conquest of Japan. The US moved its South Pacific headquarters to New Caledonia in 1942, and the island became the main base for the US Navy's South Pacific Fleet. Leonard stated he was fortunate not to be involved in direct combat while stationed there. One of his favorite war stories was about Eleanor Roosevelt's visit to the base. He was mustered quickly from his tent in his pajamas (his stripes sewn on the sleeve!) when he saw Eleanor Roosevelt arriving to visit the troops. In August 1943, Eleanor Roosevelt pushed the boundaries of the First Lady role as she traveled thousands of miles for five weeks, visiting troops and dispatching reports back home. Leonard's unit was later transferred to the Philippines and eventually to the mainland of Japan, where they assisted in post-war operations and served as the forces during the early days of the occupation. Even in wartime, he was a jokester, pulling pranks on the Colonel and authoring a witty base newsletter. His ability to make the most of what life presented him was a trait that never left him. After the war, he married Edie Schwarzkopf, his sweetheart from Chicago. He used his GI Bill to attend the University of Southern California USC for his Bachelor’s and then his Master’s Degrees. Leonard worked in the education system for over 33 years with the Montebello Unified School District. He taught English and Social Studies before moving up into administration.
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Leonard Doerfler - Mickey Strand - Veterans Series
US Army Private World War II Leonard Doerfler was born on September 7th, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois, and was drafted into the US Army after graduating from high school in 1940. Leonard joined the over 10 million men who were inducted into the service between 1940 and 1947. Leonard's obligation to the Army was for a period listed as the duration of the war plus six months. Leonard served in the Pacific Theater of Operation. Privet Doerfler was stationed on the South Pacific island of New Caledonia. New Caledonia was a vital base for Allied troops and the United States Navy. The island was a key location for strategic deployment and logistics support during the American forces' re-conquest of Japan. The US moved its South Pacific headquarters to New Caledonia in 1942, and the island became the main base for the US Navy's South Pacific Fleet. Leonard stated he was fortunate not to be involved in direct combat while stationed there. One of his favorite war stories was about Eleanor Roosevelt's visit to the base. He was mustered quickly from his tent in his pajamas (his stripes sewn on the sleeve!) when he saw Eleanor Roosevelt arriving to visit the troops. In August 1943, Eleanor Roosevelt pushed the boundaries of the First Lady role as she traveled thousands of miles for five weeks, visiting troops and dispatching reports back home. Leonard's unit was later transferred to the Philippines and eventually to the mainland of Japan, where they assisted in post-war operations and served as the forces during the early days of the occupation. Even in wartime, he was a jokester, pulling pranks on the Colonel and authoring a witty base newsletter. His ability to make the most of what life presented him was a trait that never left him. After the war, he married Edie Schwarzkopf, his sweetheart from Chicago. He used his GI Bill to attend the University of Southern California USC for his Bachelor’s and then his Master’s Degrees. Leonard worked in the education system for over 33 years with the Montebello Unified School District. He taught English and Social Studies before moving up into administration.