This collection contains a variety of documents and mementos collected primarily during Paul G. Simpson's three years in the Army Air Force during World War II. It includes personal letters, military documents, tourist mementos, newspaper clippings, and publications about both military and civilian life. The scrapbook pages include photographs, realia, and documents, all accompanied by extensive commentary written by his wife, Edna.

Included are letters between Simpson and Edna, between Edna and her parents, and some from family friends. Many of Simpson's military documents were put into the scrapbooks, but others - such as his draft card, a promotion list, his clearance application, and a book of flight reports - are loose in a folder. In addition to various brochures attached to the scrapbook pages, there is a selection of textbooks and pamphlets from his military training.

The scrapbook pages comprise the largest part of the collection and include a significant number of documents about Simpson's service, informative mementos from furlough trips, photographs of Gowen Field and its personnel, and realia such as patches, dog tags, and Idaho tax coins. Throughout the scrapbook, Edna has typed captions and extensive commentary to provide context.