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Albert F. Tramposch World War II Papers

 Collection
Identifier: CSWS-0015

  • Staff Only

This collection is that of Albert F. Tramposch, Staff Sergeant of the 529th Fighter Squadron stationed in China during World War Two. The years spanning this collection are from 1942 to 1946 and contain diaries, photographs, memorabilia, pamphlets and booklets, publications, maps and personal military files.

Outlining his tour of active duty, Tramposch's diary describes each day from moving by train in the United States towards the west coast, traveling across the Pacific to India and then finally over "the hump" into China, where he served until the end of the war. His diary describes life in transit for the army personnel through each stage of their relocation and makes notes of both the war and civilian population of the China-Burma-India Theatre.

The plethora of photographs included also document each stage of his military life from the time of leaving training and embarking for the war. Mostly these photos display scenes of China and India, both those of military actions and the general native populous in those regions. Photos range from those smaller than slides to large, 3x5 exposures.

Also included are mementos and souvenirs from the China-Burma-India Theatre, including pamphlets given to military personnel in how to behave in the forgein countries, military paperwork like ration cards, maps and business cards of local businessmen. Also included are four medals awarded to Tramposch for his service to the United States.

Dates

  • 1942-1946

Language

The language of the material is English.

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

1.1 Linear Feet

Abstract

This collection is that of Albert F. Tramposch, Staff Sergeant of the 529th Fighter Squadron stationed in China during World War Two. The years spanning this collection are from 1942 to 1946 and contain diaries, photographs, memorabilia, pamphlets and booklets, publications, maps and personal military files.

Biographical/Historical Note

Albert Frank Tramposch was born to Albert and Frances (Stalzer) Tramposch in New York on May 17, 1924. He was inducted into the military at the age of 19 in New York City and assigned to the 529th Squadron of the 311th Fighter-Bomber Group. From July of 1943 to August of 1944, he served in the China-Burma-India Theater flying missions over Northern Burma, escorting fighter planes, protecting the route over the Himalayas (called the Hump), and supporting ground troops. The 311th has the distinction of being one of only three units to use the A-36 dive bomber. After his discharge, Tramposch earned his Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and his Master's Degree in Engineering Management at C. W. Post in Westbury, New York. He went on to work at Sperry Gyroscope in Great Neck, New York. Tramposch married Ruth Kraker and the couple had four children, Ann G. (Tramposch) Young, Susan M., Albert G., and Jane M. (Tramposch) Runciman. After his retirement from Sperry, Albert and Ruth Tramposch moved to East Berlin, Pennsylvania. Albert Tramposch died in New Oxford, Pennsylvania, on December 14, 2003 and is buried in the Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

Previous Citation

This collection was originally listed as MS.2096 (Albert F. Tramposch) and a part of MS.1881 (World War II Collection). It was then listed as CSWS.WWII.1.0015 until receiveing its current number.

Repository Details

Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository

Contact:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Knoxville TN 37996 USA
865-974-4480