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Vahan Ouzoonian U. S. Army Signal Corps negatives
1995.0007
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Title: Vahan Ouzoonian U. S. Army Signal Corps negatives
Dates: 1943-1945
Collection Number: 1995.0007
Creator/Collector:
Ouzoonian, Vahan, 1913-2001
United States. Army. Signal Corps.
Extent: Approximately 1200 negatives
Repository:
UC Riverside. California Museum of Photography
Riverside, California 92501
Abstract: The images in this collection were taken in Central and Western Europe during World War II. They follow the U.S. Army’s invasion
of the countryside in Belgium, France, and Germany, as well as military life in American-occupied London and Paris.
Language of Material: English
The collection is open for research use.
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder (if applicable)
Vahan Ouzoonian U. S. Army Signal Corps negatives. UC Riverside. California Museum of Photography
Vahan Ouzoonian donated the negatives to UCR/CMP in 1995.
Biography/Administrative History
The U.S. Army’s Signal Corps managed communications for the military’s ground and air forces throughout World War II. As
part of this effort, hundreds of photographers were assigned to capture motion picture and still photographs from all aspects
of the war. The film was used for training, historical documentation, and publication. Private Vahan Ouzoonian, of the 3908
Signal Corps Battalion, served in the Army from 1943-45. He operated and repaired motion picture projectors, cameras, and
sound equipment in London throughout the war. When the conflict ended in 1946, Ouzoonian returned to his native California
and opened a camera repair shop. He died in 2001.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection contains approximately 1000 negatives created by Vahan Ouzoonian over the course of his three-year assignment
in Europe. They document various landmarks and streets in London and Paris, as well as the lives of soldiers who were stationed
there. The negatives also capture the soldiers’ journey home by steamer and arrival in New York City. In addition, the collection
holds around 200 transparencies. Taken by Signal Corps photographers during the 1944 American advance on German-occupied
territory, the main subjects are soldiers in action and casualties of the war. Significant events recorded include the D-Day
invasion on the beaches Normandy and Germany’s official surrender in 1945.
World War, 1939-1945
Film negatives