Materials are arranged in the order created during the interview process with the first file containing administrative materials created before, during, and after the interview.
Accession No. PA.2002.0007: Richard L. Schulz, 2002 May
[identification of item], Richard L. Schulz Oral History, SPEC.PA.56.0113, Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center Archival Program, Ohio State University
Contains audiocassettes.
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Processed by: Audrey Wimbiscus, 2023 November; Finding aid written by: Tricia McEldowney, 2023 November
Richard Louis Schulz (1935-2008) left high school in 1952 at age 17 to enlist in the United States Navy and join the U.S. Naval Construction Battalions (more commonly known as the Seabees). In 1957, the U.S. Navy was seeking men to participate in Operation Deep Freeze III (1957-1958). In response, Schulz volunteerd and was assigned as a Second Class Construction Mechanic (CM-2) at the Wilkes Station in Antarctica. While there, Schulz was responsible for the maintenance of Weasel over-snow vehicles, Caterpillar Low Ground Pressure tractors, Dodge Power Wagons, a Mulligan fork lift, as well as generators and heaters. He also cared for the 32 sled dogs housed at Wilkes Station. Without any prior experience, Schulz learned to drive the sled dog teams which were kept at the base in case of emergencies. Toward the end of the expedition, Schulz witnessed the planned transition of Wilkes Station from American control to Australian control.
Schulz never returned to Antarctica after Operation Deep Freeze III. He retired from the Navy in 1972 and, after attending college, pursued a career in law enforcement.
The Richard L. Schulz Oral History, dated 2002, contains administrative notes, audio recordings, and transcripts of the interview between Schulz and Brian Shoemaker conducted on May 4, 2002. 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 Schulz’s work as a Construction Mechanic as well as caring for and driving the sled dog teams at Wilkes Station on Operation Deep Freeze III. Also discussed is the transition of Wilkes Station as an American-controlled research station to an Australian-controlled research station.