William G. Keen World War II Papers
These papers document the military training and career of William George Keen, an Army Air Force lieutenant who served in Europe during and after World War II. It includes several years of correspondence, primarily from Keen to his parents, but also from his brother, cousin, and others. Keen's training documents include manuals, textbooks, notes, and a yearbook from the AAF Technical Training Command in Miami Beach, Florida. Keen saved several large, professional photos of friends, planes, and a General Motors exhibit in Dayton, Ohio. The collection also includes an issue of many different magazines and newspapers from his various posts. Memorabilia includes brochures, church bulletins, postcards, ticket stubs, and many receipts.
Dates
- 1938-1948
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
These papers document the military training and career of William G. Keen, an Army Air Force lieutenant who served in Europe during and after World War II. The collection includes several years of correspondence, training documents, professional photos, issues of many different magazines and newspapers from his various posts, as well as an assortment of memorabilia saved from service and travel.
Biographical/Historical Note
William George Keen was born on October 2, 1912 in Huntsville, Tennessee to Willard and Esther (Walton) Keen. He was the third of five children, with a younger brother named Charles, who also served during WWII. He graduated from the University of Chattanooga, and then enlisted on February 21, 1942. Keen graduated from Officer Candidate School in October (with the actor, Clark Gable) and the Army Air Force Intelligence School in December, 1942. During the War, Keen served as a First Lieutenant in the 8th and 9th Army Air Force, and after the war he stayed in Germany with the U.S. High Commissioner to serve as a Foreign Service Officer in the role of governor in Bavaria. He married Lilly Wolfrum in 1951 and began his diplomatic career with the U.S. Consulate, living in Italy, Switzerland, the Azores, and Trinidad before retiring to live in Silver Springs, Florida. Keen died on July 13, 2007 in Cookeville, Tennessee.
Arrangement
This collection has been divided into four series:
- Correspondence
- Military Documents
- Memorabilia
- Publications
Previous Citation
This collection was originally listed as part of MS.1764, MS.1881, and MS.2112. It was then listed as CSWS.WWII.1.0011 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