Buck Donaldson Oral History
This collection consists of a transcript of an interview with Buck Donaldson by Kurt Piehler and Tiffany Davis conducted on October 21, 2002 in Knoxville, Tennessee as part of the Veteran's Oral History Project. In the interview, Donaldson speaks about his childhood in the Depression, his experiences in the Navy during World War II, and his postwar life as a missionary in Africa.
Interested researchers may also wish to consult MS.1978: Buck Donaldson Memoir, undated for more information about Donaldson's life.
Dates
- 2002 October 21
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
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of a transcript of an interview with Buck Donaldson by Kurt Piehler and Tiffany Davis conducted on October 21, 2002 in Knoxville, Tennessee as part of the Veteran's Oral History Project. In the interview, Donaldson speaks about his childhood in the Depression, his experiences in the Navy during World War II, and his postwar life as a missionary in Africa.
Biographical/Historical Note
Buck Donaldson Jr. was born to Buck and Freddie Mae (Moore) Donaldson on August 23, 1925 in New Verda, Louisiana. He was educated in Louisiana's public schools and briefly attended Louisiana State University before joining the Navy to study radar. He was trained as a radioman and as a signalman before being sent to Treasure Island for deployment. He sailed on three different ships during World War II: the Casper S. Yost, the Cape Canso, and the Cyrus Alder. All three served in the Pacific Theater, although the Casper S. Yost transported supplies all around the world. After the war ended, Donaldson served on the Suison before being honorably discharged in 1946.
After his discharge, Donaldson began studying medicine at Louisiana State University but left school to attend a Baptist seminary. He was ordained a minister and served as a missionary in Tanzania and Nigeria during the 1960s and 1970s. He and his wife eventually settled in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Arrangement
Collection consists of a single folder.
Acquisition Note
Collection is property of the University of Tennessee Libraries, Knoxville, Special Collections.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository