This collection features various documents and special orders, letters, and newspaper articles describing Richard Eckert's service as an Engineer in Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II. As a part of the Secret City project, Eckert was involved in the production of the atomic bomb. The collection is arranged into five topical series.

Series I: Special Orders includes several copies of special orders given to Eckert's unit.

Series II: Training Documents includes a copy of Eckert's transcript and a copy of the specialized training program he participated in.

Series III: Army Documents includes various records of his time and qualifications in the Army, as well as his separation record.

Series IV: Correspondence includes multiple letters sent to his mother and father dating from 1943 to 1945. The earliest letters document his training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Iowa City, Iowa. The latter half of the correspondence documents his time working at Oak Ridge.

Series V: Newspapers and Photographs includes several articles related to Eckert's service and five portraits of him (these materials are photocopies). Also included is a pamphlet of facts about Oak Ridge.