Clifford E. Keenan Papers
This collection houses correspondence, photographs, and military memorabilia documenting Clifford Edward Keenan's service and death with the 505th Parachute Infantry during World War II.
The bulk of correspondence (including letters, postcards, cards, and V-mail) is written between Keenan and his mother, father, and grandmother between October 1942 and July 1944. Other correspondence includes letters with friends, cards and postcards, military memorabilia, photographs, and photocopies of letters. There is also oversized materials including a framed photograph and some of Keenan's military decorations including a campaign ribbon awarded to soldiers who served in at least one D-Day Invasion event where they were under fire and participated in a naval landing.
Dates
- 1942-1944
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 (3 boxes [1 record, 2 quarter])
Abstract
This collection houses correspondence, photographs, and military memorabilia documenting Clifford Edward Keenan's service and death with the 505th Parachute Infantry during World War II.
Biographical/Historical Note
Clifford Edward Keenan was born to Hugh Avery and Jewell Gertrude (Owens) Keenan in Humboldt, Tennessee on August 8, 1920. He was the oldest of three children; his younger brothers were Hugh Thomas (born January 16, 1936) and Joe Thaddeus (born March 5, 1939). After graduating from high school, Clifford Keenan worked briefly for a shoe factory, a filling station, and the Railway Express Office before being drafted into the Army in 1942. He completed his infantry training at Fort Wolters, Texas, and his paratrooper training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Keenan was assigned to Company D of the 1st Battalion of the 505th Parachute Infantry (part of the 82nd All American Airborne Division) and was deployed to Europe. He was killed in action on June 6, 1944 during the D-Day invasion.
Arrangement
This collection consists of three boxes.
Acquisition Note
Hugh T. Keenan donated these papers to the University of Tennessee Libraries, Knoxville, Special Collections in 2008.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository