W. E. (Bill) Warde Memoir
This collection contains W. E. (Bill) Warde's updated version of his memoir, "My Military Service," which covers his time on the front lines in the European Theater during World War II (1944-1946). He recounts his experiences in various battles, gives details about the movements of his unit, and tells about what he describes as the "worst night of [his] life" when his fellow soldiers were captured and killed in Germany. The manuscript includes copies of newspaper clippings, maps, photographs, and a timeline of the "Rainbow" Division. There are also several statements of personal experiences from other members of the "Rainbow" Division listed in the appendices of the manuscript.
Dates
- 1999 July 19
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 (1 folder)
Abstract
This collection contains W. E. (Bill) Warde's updated version of his memoir, "My Military Service," which covers his time on the front lines in the European Theater during World War II (1944-1946). He recounts his experiences in various battles, gives details about the movements of his unit, and tells about what he describes as the "worst night of [his] life" when his fellow soldiers were captured and killed in Germany.
Biographical/Historical Note
William E. (Bill) Warde (1926-2012) joined the Army Reserve program when he turned 18 following his graduation from Memphis Tech High School in January 1944. He was sent into infantry training at Camp Gruber where he was assigned to the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division as they were preparing to go overseas. By December 1944, Warde’s division was at the front in the European Theater.
Warde later graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in engineering. Warde married Carmen Margaret Bursi Warde (1925-2020) in 1947.
Arrangement
This collection consists of a single folder.
Previous Citation
This collection was originally cited as MS.2596. It was then listed as CSWS.WWII.2.0002 until receiving its current number.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository