Abstract

In this report, Winfield E. Thompson provides a condensed history of the 360th AAA Searchlight Battalion, which served in the US Army from 1942 June 9 to 1944 December 15. The unit trained at Camp Stewart, Georgia and went on to participate in the North African and Italian campaigns, where they were charged with the illumination of enemy aircraft for the anti-aircraft (AA) defense of … cities. In 1944 December, the unit was dismantled and absorbed into other formations.

Abstract

This collection consists of a number of World War II-era aerial photographs of Bologna, Italy and surrounding areas, taken in March and April 1945 by the U. S. Army's 423rd Field Artillery Group. They show potential targets and the results of artillery shelling by American forces, including destroyed buildings and fields covered with craters.

Abstract

These two VHS tapes contain a recording of an oral history by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Erwin B. Bigger. In it, Bigger discusses his early life and his service with the U. S. Army as a paratrooper during World War II and the Korean War.

Abstract

This collection features one copy of The Story of the Lewis and Marjorie Fox Family of Big Springs written by their eldest daughter, Judy Elizabeth Fox Knoblock. Featuring the personal narratives of Lewis and Majorie, Judy provides a recollection of their family's history, particularly during the Great Depression and World War II.

Abstract

This collection gives a glimpse into the life of the Freytag family, a miltary family from Wartburg, TN. The collection includes correspondence, press clippings, photographs, and certificates regarding the Freytag children, Albert Jr., Fred, and Maxwell. Albert Jr. was enlisted in the U.S. Marines, Fred was enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and Maxwell was enlisted in the U.S. Army. All materials are photocopies, donated by the family matriarch, Ethel H. Freytag.

Overview

This collection is the typed World War II diary of Gene Conlee. The diary, entitled “Across the Cotton Patch …Then Beyond,” begins in September 1943 and follows regular entries through July 1945. In it, Conlee documents his movements and experiences during training and service in Italy during the war.

Abstract

This spiral-bound manuscript contains a wealth of text and photographs documenting the service of the 86th Fighter Squadron (then assigned to the 79th Fighter Group) in Africa and Italy during World War II.

Abstract

This memoir (richly illustrated with copies of original photographs) documents Henry Kent's service as a pilot in North Africa and Italy during World War II. Kent discusses such subjects as the planes in use during World War II, the day-to-day operations of his unit, and the activities of his various friends while capturing the hardship, fear, and humor of the situation.

Abstract

This collection houses a copy (on CD) of Henry W. Kent's memoirs documenting his experience with the 86th Fighter Squadron (then assigned to the 79th Fighter Group) in North Africa during World War II. It contains detailed descriptions and photographs (many in color) of their service.

Abstract

This collection houses photocopies of official documents and newspaper clippings showing the numerous awards and honors that Lieutenant Hilston Kilcollins earned for his bravery under fire during World War II.

Overview

Documents related to Joseph A. Boles' World War II service with the U. S. Army in North Africa and Italy. The collection includes a typed record of service and a typed narrative account as well as photocopies of photographs, correspondence, certificates, and a newspaper clipping.

Overview

This collection contains the handwritten memoir of Meek Corder about his experiences in World War II. Approximately 58 pages in length, the manuscript details his “personal account of the N[orth] African to Anzio War.”

Overview This collection contains two memoirs written by Merle Perkins regarding his experiences serving in World War II. The first is entitled “Ordeal of Arms: Air Combat, Europe and the Balkans” (1993) and is over 200 pages of a typed narrative with copies of illustrations and newspaper articles. Also included is a chronological list of missions Perkins flew in the preface of the manuscript. The second writing is entitled “Recollections of Air Combat” (1996) and is over 100 typed pages of poems...

Abstract

This collection includes photographs, U.S. Naval Forces and Eleventh Amphibious Force documents, newspaper excerpts about Robert G. Osborne and his fellow men, and a brief personal narrative from Osborne about his experience in World War II.

Overview

A typescript copy of Robert S. Crouse’s memoir, “There I Was…The Wartime Memoir of a Junior Birdman.” This story details Crouse’s time with the U. S. Army Air Corps from his basic training to his service as a bomber pilot in the Mediterranean Theater during World War II.

Overview

This collection documents the World War II military service, and subsequent death, of Samuel H. Waggoner. Included is correspondence from Waggoner, particularly to his wife Anna, during his service as well as correspondence to Anna in the wake of Waggoner's death. The correspondence includes letters, greeting cards, postcard, and v-mail. Also included is memorabilia from Waggoner's service such as photographs, souvenir cards, booklets, and ephemeral items like patches, flags, and a hat.

Abstract

This collection consists of a handwritten Tennessee soldier's memoir recounting his experience in the Navy during World War II. He tells of travels to Africa, Iran, Italy and Spain.

Overview

This collection contains the diary of Virgil R. Embry which details his experiences abroad in the European Theater of World War II. The diary is an eighteen-page typescript that covers his time of military service between April 1943 and October 1945. Embry also lists his stations including those stateside and in North Africa and Italy.