Box MS 015-01

Scope and Contents Rex, a 94 year old World War II veteran, was a photographer for the United States Navy. Rexford signed up for the Navy at the age of 17 to prevent the draft. During his time in the service, we was able to move up different ranks and left the Navy as a PHOM-3C. Rexfords main job was to document the war through photographs and to create aerial maps for bombing runs. After the war, he left with a Philippine Liberation, Victory Medal, and two stars from the Asiatic-Pacific. Rexford currently...

Scope and Contents

Howard was born in Philadelphia Pennsylvania on December 12, 1925. He enlisted into the United States Navy Reserve on Decmeber 6, 1943. After attending basic training, he went on the USS LSM 38 and became a 2nd Class Petty Officer. He traveled to the Western Pacific and the Philippine Islands. After his service, he received the No Stander Participation Service Award for the dedication that he had during his time.

[Courtesy Veterans History Project]

Scope and Contents

Being in the 69th Infantry Division in the United States Army, gave Arris the opportunity to be able to go to Alfred University in New York. While he was there he studied to become an engineer. He was a Private 1st Class from 1942 to 1946 and was at the Battle of the Bulge and met the Russians on the Elbe River. He also was chosen by the Red Cross Field Director for the 271st Regiment as his clerk.

[Courtesy Veterans History Project]

Scope and Contents

Wilbert was born and raised in Ellis, Kansas. He took part in the Army from May 25, 1945 to January 17, 1947. This kind hearted man earned the Victory Medal and served in Belgium and Germany. Wilbert excelled during his time of service and helped process the men going into the battle field and sending them home to their loved ones.

[Courtesy Veterans History Project]

Scope and Contents Thomas, best known as Tom, served during Vietnam as a part of the United States Air Force. Tom served the United States for 22 years and had the opportunity to travel to many different places during his time in the war. His base was located at Oxnord Air Force Base in California. In his 22 years of service Tom received numerous medals and service awards for his time, dedication and hard work. He earned the Air Force Commendation twice, Meritorious Service twice, Air Force Outstanding Unit...

Scope and Contents Edmund, 97, was born in Manhattan, Kansas. Edmund was a part of the 15th Air Force during WWII. At age of 17, Edmund talked his mother into signing his papers to avoid being drafted into the war. When he entered the service, he was stationed in Detroit, New Orleans and his personal favorite, Florida. He spent a lot of his time waking up early in the morning to prepare all the planes for take off. His job was to make sure that the fuel tanks were full, the engines were running correctly and...

Scope and Contents

Dale was born in the small town of Iuka, Kansas on April 11, 1922. He enlisted into the navy and achieved the status as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy during the World War II. Mott served on the USS Berian (APA 62) in the Pacific. He was a Wave Officer that unloaded troops. His time earned him two bronze stars and while traveling during training he was able to attend college.

[Courtesy Veterans History Project]

Scope and Contents Living his whole life in LaCrosse, Kansas, Orlando was a man who made up his mind and stuck to it. At the young age of 18, when he was drafted, Orlando was a part of the Army and rose to Acting Sergeant. He was associated with the Battle of the Bulge and traveled to Texas, Kentucky, and California. He loved his job as a Rifleman Instructor. Orlando enjoyed his job that he was so talented at. He obtained the Expert Infantryman Badge, Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and Good Coduct...

Scope and Contents

Bud was a 2nd Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy during World War II. Born in a small town of 75 people, Timkin, Kansas, he served for nearly three years. He was a part of the Battle of Peleliu, Battle of Luzon, and Battle of Okinawa earning him the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, and the Pacific Theater Ribbon. Bud swept mines in Tokyo Bay before Battleship Missouri arrived to sign the Peace Treaty.

[Courtesy Veterans History Project]

Scope and Contents Mike was born on April 25, 1922 in Pennsylvania. He enlisted into the Army on July 1, 1940 and finished basic training soon after. Out of 600 men in the Air Force, he was one of two who achieved his high school diplomas. From then on he was a Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force until October 31, 1962. He was on the 72nd Bomb Squadron, 5th Bomb Group and the 13th Air Force. His role was the Radio Operator-Side Gunner and he was apart of the Army and Air Force Recruiting Duty. Mike...