Disbennett, Marion T. (Second World War correspondence), 1943 July 27 - 1945 May 13

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Summary

Title:
Marion T. Disbennett Second World War correspondence
Dates:
1943 July 27 - 1945 May 13
Creators:
Disbennett, Marion Thomas
Abstract:
This collection contains correspondence, photographs and biographical information from S/Sgt. Marion T. Disbennett, USAAF, during the Second World War.
Containers:
box: WWII 60
folder: 1-7
folder: 1-7
Extent:
.5 Linear feet (7 folders)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Marion T. Disbennett Second World War correspondence (2017.014.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains correspondence between SSgt. Marion Thomas Disbennett, USAAC and his wife Margaret Mills Disbennett during the Second World War and one letter from Mrs. Clifford (Aileen) Bell to Mrs. Marion Disbennett (Jan. 8, 1945). The collection also includes photographs of Marion and Margaret Disbennett and biographical information about them. -- Early letters describe life on base and radio operator training. He trained to be a radio operator on B-17s and B-29s. Later letters tell of overseas assignments in India and China. -- The last assignment of his enlistment was as an instructor at Scott Field, Illinois where he had received his training two years before. -- Disbennett's letters include information about daily life, food, entertainments, instruction and sharing news from his parents and sister in Orange, CA and of Margaret's school teaching in Indianola, Iowa. He shares his regrets of how the war ("this mess") is keeping them apart and how much he loves and misses her. He occassionally shares his thoughts about the war and his role in it -- "I dread to think of going across, but I came in this man's army to get this war finished and a guy can't do any fighting over here. I will sure be glad when this mess is over. It all seems so foolish and wrong."

Biographical / historical:

Staff Sergeant Marion Thomas Disbennett, United States Army Air Corps was born in Bellflower, Illinois, but graduated from high school in Orange, CA in 1937. His family was living in Orange at the time of the letters in this collection. He retired from the U. S. Postal Service after serving in Orange for 23 years. His parents were William T. and Martha Disbennett of 330 East LaVeta St. in Orange. He had a sister, Ruth. Marion Disbennett enlisted in the Army Air Corps in March 1942 and was discharged in September 1945. -- He married Margaret Mills in St. Louis during his service training. After radio operator training in the United States, Disbennett served with the 40th Bombardment Group in India and China. Marion and Margaret had two sons, Donald T. Disbennett (1945 - 1996) and James M. Disbennett (1950 - 2012).

Margaret Disbennett is the niece of Private Arthur E. Sipherd, USA (2018-138-w-r).

Background/History of 40th Bombardment Group - http://www.historyofwar.org/air/units/USAAF/40th_Bombardment_Group.html, https://www.40thbombgroup.org/

Acquisition information:
Gift of William Fanning in memory of Marion and Margaret Disbennett. Copyright transferred by Norma Hooper.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by material type, author and date. Series list: Series 1. Correspondence from Marion Disbennett to Margaret Disbennett 1943-07 - 1945-05 -- Series 2. Biographical material -- Series 3. Photographs

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Sharon Clairemont
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2022-02-04 17:54:56 -0500 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions. For further copyright information, please contact the archivist.

Preferred citation:

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Marion T. Disbennett Second World War correspondence (2017.014.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Contact:
(714) 532-7716
privette@chapman.edu
Website