The Bernard G. Koether Oral History, dated 2002-2009, contains audio recordings and transcripts of the interview between Koether and Brian Shoemaker conducted on October 20, 2002. There are also notes that were created before, during, and after the interview and are dated 2002-2009.This interview was a part of a series of polar oral histories sponsored by American Polar Society and Ohio State University's Byrd Polar Research Center Archival Program, with funding from the National Science Foundation. Major topics discussed include working on board the Research Vessel (R/V) Vema, navigating the United States Ship (USS) Glacier icebreaker, and attempting to save the Glacier from the scrapyard with plans to restore it as a national monument.