Richard Eckert Collection
This collection features various documents and special orders, letters, and newspaper articles describing Richard Eckert's service as an Engineer in Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II. As a part of the Secret City project, Eckert was involved in the production of the atomic bomb. The collection is arranged into five topical series.
Series I: Special Orders includes several copies of special orders given to Eckert's unit.
Series II: Training Documents includes a copy of Eckert's transcript and a copy of the specialized training program he participated in.
Series III: Army Documents includes various records of his time and qualifications in the Army, as well as his separation record.
Series IV: Correspondence includes multiple letters sent to his mother and father dating from 1943 to 1945. The earliest letters document his training at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Iowa City, Iowa. The latter half of the correspondence documents his time working at Oak Ridge.
Series V: Newspapers and Photographs includes several articles related to Eckert's service and five portraits of him (these materials are photocopies). Also included is a pamphlet of facts about Oak Ridge.
Dates
- 1943-1946, undated
Language
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
0.25 Linear Feet (5 folders)
Abstract
This collection features various documents and special orders, letters, and newspaper articles describing Richard Eckert's service as an Engineer in Oak Ridge, Tennessee during World War II.
Biographical/Historical Note
Richard (Dick) Hollinger Eckert was born March 17, 1920 in Gettysburg, PA. He entered the United States Army on July 15, 1943 and served until March 30, 1946. During his service, he worked as an Engineering Aide (Architectural Engineer) with the Tennessee Eastman Company in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Eckert distinguished himself within his corps, and was appointed as a leader of a contingent of special men on July 1, 1943. As an Engineering Aide, he helped to design structural material for the Oak Ridge compound and was recognized on August 6, 1945 for his services in the completion of the atomic bomb. Following the war, Eckert worked as an architect in the Knoxville, Tenn. area. He married Mary Anne Barton Eckert and together they had three children. He died June 27, 2017 and is buried in Knox County.
Previous Citation
This collection was previously listed as part of MS.1314.
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