Ron L. Gill Memoir
This 49-page illustrated memoir was narrated by Ron L. Gill and written by Craig Galloway. It begins in 1940, one year before Gill was drafted into the U. S. Army. The bulk of the narrative is devoted to describing Gill's experiences during the Second World War.
Gill begins his account with his basic training in Texas and his experiences in the Army's School of Mines and Metallurgy. When Gill deployed to Europe in 1944, his descriptions turn to his experiences in European tank battles. These descriptions include friends lost in battle (including one who was killed by friendly fire), German soldiers who surrendered to his unit, and the rudimentary instruction that his unit received in the German language. Interestingly, Gill also gives his opinions of German solders and civilians, mentioning the impartiality of German doctors (who tended to American POWs as well as they did to German soldiers) and the honor that German civilians accorded German soldiers.
Dates
- undated
Conditions Governing Access
Collections are stored offsite and must be requested in advance. See www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Conditions Governing Use
The UT Libraries claims only physical ownership of most material in the collections. Persons wishing to broadcast or publish this material must assume all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants on www.special.lib.utk.edu for detailed information. Collections must be requested through a registered Special Collections research account.
Extent
0.4 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of one 49-page illustrated manuscript, one 3.5 inch floppy disk, and three cassette tapes documenting Ron L. Gill's experiences in World War II.
Biographical/Historical Note
Ron L. Gill was born in approximately 1923. His father was a hog farmer in the Land Between Lakes Region on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, and Gill worked on the family farm until his high school graduation in 1941. After graduating, Gill went to work for the TVA building Kentucky Dam. He was drafted into the armed forces on October 22, 1942. Although he had planned to join the Navy, Gill was inducted into the Army. After completing basic training, Gill was sent to the School of Mines and Metallurgy to learn engineering. Just before D-Day, the school was disbanded in order to free more soldiers for combat in Europe. In September of 1944, Gill was transferred to England, attached to the 12th Armored Division of the 3rd Army, and deployed to Europe. He was discharged in December of 1945.
Arrangement
Collection consists of four folders divided into two series: Printed Memoirs and Cassette Tapes.
Acquisition Note
Craig C. Galloway donated this collection to the Special Collections Library in May of 2002.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository