World War II Oral History Collection
This collection contains interviews with World War II veterans who discuss their wartime experiences, veterans and their lives before and after the service. While there is heavy representation from men and women who served in the Army, interviews with veterans from other service branches including the Navy and the Marines are also available. Interviewees discuss a broad range of topics such as childhoods, motivations to enlist, interactions with other cultures, and experiences as prisoners of war. The oral histories also include vivid recollections on contemporaneous topics such as race relations and the evolution of American culture. Where available, information regarding theatre, branch of interviewee and name of interviewer have been included. Transcripts are available for some interviews.
Dates
- 1984 April 22-2011 November 22, 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
8 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection includes recorded interviews with World War II veterans. In addition to their wartime experiences, veterans are asked about their upbringing, their lives before entering the service, and their attempts to readjust to civilian life after discharge. Information regarding theatre, branch and interviewer have been included when available. Transcripts are available for some interviews.
Biographical/Historical Note
The objective of the Center for the Study of War and Society's Veteran Oral History Project is to capture and preserve the voice of the American veteran through an oral history program, and to contribute materials to associated World War II archival collections. The oral history program's scope is from World War II to present day. In addition to wartime experiences, the Center's interview methodology asks veterans to describe their upbringing, life before service, and attempts to readjust to civilian life after discharge. Some oral histories are accompanied by transcripts.
Founded in 1984 by the late Dr. Charles W. Johnson, the University of Tennessee's Center for the Study of War and Society examines the relationship between war and society. One of the organization's priorities is public service education through research on the human experience of war and peace, international conflict, and diplomatic cooperation. The Center also administers several graduate fellowships and offers an internship program for undergraduates. In addition, the organization sponsors public lectures, outreach events, and conferences.
Arrangement
The materials in this collection are arranged alphabetically by interview subject.
Previous Citation
This collection was previously listed as CSWS.WWII.7.0001
Acquisition Note
The materials in this collection were gathered as part of the University of Tennessee's Center for Study of War and Society Veteran Oral History Project.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository