Paul Baresel and Mat Robedee

Recorded May 30, 2023 40:32 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id: ddb002630

Description

Paul Baresel (69) tells his son Mat Robedee (38) about his father's service as a sniper in World War II. Paul and Mat reflect on Paul's father's story of encountering and sheltering a young woman who had been tortured by the SS.

Subject Log / Time Code

Paul Baresel (PB) talks about his upbringing in Hanson, Massachusetts. He talks about his father's process of opening up about his military experiences.
PB talks about his time doing search and rescue as part of the Coast Guard.
PB talks about his father enlisting in infantry and becoming a sniper.
PB talks about his father's work as a sniper in occupied Vichy France.
PB tells the story of the young woman that his father encountered and sheltered during his time in the service.
PB and Mat Robedee (MR) talk about what motivated PB's father to help the young woman.
PB reflects on his father's experience of learning of the woman's survival.
PB reflects on why the story is important.
PB reflects on what his father chose to share -- and chose not to share -- about his time in the service.
PB talks about his father's experience witnessing atrocity and reflects on his father's embitterment to the cruelty of war.
PB talks about why he hasn't tried to learn more about his father's story.
PB talks about how his father's experience impacted his father's character and values after the war.
MR talks about how he first learned the story of his grandfather's service.

Participants

  • Paul Baresel
  • Mat Robedee

Recording Locations

Cape Elizabeth Historical Preservation Society Museum at Fort Williams

Venue / Recording Kit

Partnership Type

Outreach