Donnell (E. Oren) Correspondence Collection, 1943-1945

Collection context

Summary

Title:
E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection
Dates:
1943-1945
Creators:
Donnell, E. Oren, 1920-2006
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.
Extent:
0.21 linear feet
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

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

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Acquisition information:
Purchase. 09/22/2017.
Processing information:

Special Collections and Archives, 2017

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Ephemera
Documents

About this collection guide

Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2020-06-22 21:56:48 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

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

Location of this collection:
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330, US
Contact:
(818) 677-4594