The Descriptive Finding Guide for the Vernon K. Neufeld Personal Papers SDASM.SC.10106
Alan Renga
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
12/04/2014
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego 92101
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Vernon K Neufeld Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10106
Physical Description:
0.3 Cubic Feet
One Box
Date (inclusive): 1922-1990
Abstract: Vernon K. Neufeld was born on August 30, 1922 in Reedley County, Fresno California. Vernon was married to Marjorie Catlin
and had two children. He served in the 8th Air Force in World War Two and became a POW.
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Conditions Governing Use
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Preferred Citation
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
Biographical / Historical
Vernon K. Neufeld was born on August 30, 1922 in Reedley County, Fresno California. Vernon was married to Marjorie Catlin
and had two children. He joined the armed forces for World War II on March 19, 1943 as an Aviation Cadet. On December 24,
1943, Vernon transferred into the Air Force to be sent overseas to Europe to assist in fighting Germany. He was deployed May
1, 1944. Once in Europe, Vernon started gaining popularity as he was noticed for being able to shoot down multiple German
airplanes. August 6, 1944 Vernon received his first 2 Oak Leaf Cluster as well receiving the Air Medal the previous month.
The day of August 24, 1944 Vernon became a prisoner of war. He was missing in action until located on September 28, 1944.
During his stay as a Prisoner of War he was tended to his injuries when his plane crashed. He suffered a broken Pelvis and
Frack injuries to his head. Vernon received a Purple Heart medal the following year. Vernon was honorably discharged July
1, 1949 – June 30, 1951 as he was in Air Force Reserve. Vernon died in San Mateo, California at the age of 67.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains personal correspondences during his time in the service. Also includes awards and files from when
he was overseas fighting Germany.
Related Materials
8th Air Force Subject Files.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1939-1945
United States. Army Air Forces.
Prisoner of War
United States. Air Force. Air Force, 8th
Neufeld, Vernon K.
Folder 01- Physical Examinations
Physical Description: 5 Documents based on Vernon K. Neufeld general health
Folder 02- Aviation Cadet 1943
Folder 03- Navigation April 1944-July 1944
Physical Description: 1. 8 Documents while Vernon was overseas in Germany as a navigation guide. (All in order by date)
Folder 04- Prisoner of War Era – Summer 1944
Physical Description: 5 Documents based on when Vernon was a prisoner of war during summer of 1944.
Folder 05- Awards
Physical Description: 1. 9 Documents on awards received while in the service; Including a Purple Heart.
Folder 06- Prisoners of War Bulletin
Physical Description: 1. Bulletin for POW from America 1. Bulletin for POW from America
Folder 07- Shipping Tickets
Folder 08- Post POW & Claims
Physical Description: 9 Documents on the journey after POW camp and claims against it.
Folder 09- Veteran Administration
Folder 10- Wife Correspondences
Folder 11- Personal Affairs Statements
Folder 13- Hamilton Field
Physical Description: . 16 Documents on Hamilton Field while Vernon was in the Air Force Reserve.
Folder 14- Post Reserve
Physical Description: Folder on Vernon after he was in the Air Force Reserve.
Folder 15- Air Force Extension Course 1947- Test Scores
Folder 16- Personal Identification, Medical Data
Folder 17- Statements from Promotion & Retirement
