Bernarr Cresap Papers
This collection consists of a photocopied manuscript for Mementos of World War II, photographs, and press clippings from Bernarr Cresap's service in the United States Air Force during WWII. The manuscript includes copies of his military documents, correspondence, and photographs of the aircrafts. The photographs included pictures of his bomber group, bomber aircrafts, and accidents. Most of the press clippings pertain to WWII, his crews, and other soldiers he knew personally.
Dates
- circa 1944-1945, 1983-1989
Language
The material in this collection is in 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
0.1 Linear Feet
Abstract
This collection consists of a photocopied manuscript for Mementos of World War II, photographs, and press clippings from Bernarr Cresap's service in the United States Air Force during WWII.
Biographical/Historical Note
Bernarr Cresap was born on November 29, 1913, in Scotia, Nebraska. He was the son of Rev. Joseph Ord and Nora (Manning) Cresap. He attended and graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1942. In October of that year, Cresap entered the 8th Air Force and was deployed to the European Theater. He served as Staff Sergeant in the 709th Bomb Squadron 447th bomb group. In November of 1945, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force.
After WWII, Cresap attended Vanderbilt University for his M.A. and Ph.D. Cresap became a history professor at the University of North Alabama. He served as the president of the Alabama Historical Society and the Tennessee Historical Society. After retiring to Gallatin, Tennessee, Cresap became the president of the Sumner County Historical Society and was an active volunteer at the Sumner County Archives.
Cresap married Dorothy Hix and the couple had one son.
He died on February 20, 1997.
Previous Citation
This collection was originally listed as part of MS.1314 (World War II Collection) and MS.1764 (World War II Collection). It was then listed as CSWS.WWII.1.0022 until receiving its current number.
Acquisition Note
Special Collections acquired this collection via the 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