Robert L. Forrester, Jr. Papers
This collection consists of the correspondence, records, memorabilia, and photographs documenting the life and death of Robert L. Forrester Jr., a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Correspondence includes both letters to and from Forrester as well as letters and cards to and from his family in the aftermath of his plane crash. Memorabilia includes two sports letters from high school, homework assignments from college, certificates from training, and various documents from his time in the military. There is also a folder recording the efforts of the people in Watertown to raise money to buy a bomber and have it named in his memory. There are many photographs from his time at home in Tennessee, at training in Texas, and at war in Ecuador. Very few of these photographs have any identifying information.
Dates
- 1935-1964
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
1.5 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of the correspondence and personal effects documenting the life and death of Robert L. Forrester Jr., a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Biographical/Historical Note
Robert L. Forrester Jr. was born on November 7, 1918 in Watertown, Tennessee to Robert L. and Christine (Phillips) Forrester. He spent summers from 1936 to 1939 at military camp, attended Watertown High School, and graduated from Cumberland University on June 9, 1941. Forrester applied for enlistment on April 2, 1941, and he began on June 10, 1941. After training at Hicks, Randolph, and Kelly Fields, he was sent to Ecuador for service. His plane went down during a training run on July 30, 1942, killing all aboard. The remains of all eleven soldiers were buried together at the Chattanooga National Cemetery on May 8, 1948.
Arrangement
This collection consists of the following four series:
- Correspondence
- Memorabilia
- Photographs
- Oversize Materials
Previous Citation
This collection was originally listed as MS.2034 and a part of MS.1608. It was then listed as CSWS.WWII.1.0012 until receiving its current number.
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