Guide to the E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection

Special Collections & Archives
University Library
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8326
URL: https://library.csun.edu/SCA  

Contact: https://library.csun.edu/SCA/Contact  

© Copyright 2020 Special Collections & Archives. All rights reserved.


Contributing Institution: Special Collections & Archives
Title: E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection
Creator: Donnell, E. Oren, 1920-2006
Identifier/Call Number: SC.EOD
Extent: 0.21 linear feet
Date (inclusive): 1943-1945
Abstract: The E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection documents the experiences of Donnell as he worked as an aircraft mechanic at the US Naval Station in Corpus Christi, Texas in the United States Navy during World War II. Letters include descriptions of Donnell's responsibilities and daily activities, news about his sister's engagement and other family updates, information about friends injured or killed while serving overseas, his promotion in 1945 to Chief Petty Officer, and attending a dance where he saw General Omar Bradley. He also writes to his mother to discuss national and international events during the war, including President Roosevelt's death in April 1945, speculation about Truman's new presidency, VE Day, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, and VJ day.
Language of Material: English

Biographical Information:

E. Oren Donnell was born in 1920, and served in the United States Navy during World War II as an Aircraft Mechanics Mate 1st Class at the US Naval Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1945 he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.

Scope and Contents

The E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection documents the experiences of Donnell as he worked as an aircraft mechanic at the US Naval Station in Corpus Christi, Texas in the United States Navy during World War II. Donnell corresponded regularly with his mother, Grace, in Missouri throughout his time in Texas, and also included occasional notes to his siblings Mona and D.K. Letters include descriptions of Donnell's responsibilities and daily activities, news about his sister's engagement and other family updates, information about friends injured or killed while serving overseas, his promotion in 1945 to Chief Petty Officer, a storm that damaged numerous combat aircraft, and attending a dance where he saw General Omar Bradley. He also writes to his mother to discuss national and international events during the war, including President Roosevelt's death in April 1945, speculation about Truman's new presidency, VE Day, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, and VJ day.

Conditions Governing Access:

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchase. 09/22/2017.

General

Other Information:
This collection was purchased with funds generously donated by Gus and Erika Manders.

Preferred Citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materials  guide.

Processing Information:

Special Collections and Archives, 2017

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Ephemera
Documents

Box 1, Folder 1

October-December 1943

Box 1, Folder 2

January-June 1944

Box 1, Folder 3

July-December 1944

Box 1, Folder 4

January-June 1945

Box 1, Folder 5

July-November 1945