Paul G. Simpson Papers
This collection contains a variety of documents collected primarily during the three years that Paul G. Simpson served in the Army Air Force. There are several folders of correspondence that include letters between Paul and his wife, Edna, as well as between Edna and her parents, and some from Paul's friends. Many of Paul'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 his service, informative mementos from several trips taken during furloughs, many 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.
The newspapers include both many clippings pertinent to the Simpsons and entire sections having to do with momentous occasions.
Dates
- 1939 August 1-1957 December 15, 1982 August 18
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
1.25 Linear Feet (4 boxes)
Abstract
This collection contains a variety of documents and mementos collected primarily during Paul G. Simpson's three years in the Army Air Force. 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.
Biographical/Historical Note
Paul Guilford Simpson was born in Knox County, Tennessee to Samuel J. and Birdie Simpson on March 10, 1909. He married Sarah Edna Grant on September 11, 1932. He was inducted into the Army Air Forces on December 23, 1942 at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. After training at the Isaac Delgado Trades School (February 10-June 21, 1943) and Wright Aeronautical Corporation (June 25-July 24, 1943), he served as ground crew at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho during the war. He was promoted to staff sergeant on March 14, 1945. His discharge was approved on September 4 and granted on October 19, after which he returned to Knoxville, Tennessee. He died in 1978.
Previous Citation
This collection was originally listed as part of MS.1881. It was then listed as CSWS.WWII.1.0003 until receiving its current label.
Acquisition Note
This collection was donated through the University of Tennessee's Center for the Study of War and Society.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository