Finding Aid for the Nick G. Vasos Second World War correspondence 2014.055.w.r
Andrew Harman
Center for American War Letters Archives
6/2/2016
Leatherby Libraries
Chapman University
Orange, CA 92866
speccoll@chapman.edu
Contributing Institution:
Center for American War Letters Archives
Title: Nick G. Vasos Second World War correspondence
source:
Vasos, Judith
Creator:
Vasos, Nick G.
Identifier/Call Number: 2014.055.w.r
Identifier/Call Number: 788
Physical Description:
0.2 Linear Feet
(7 folders)
Date (inclusive): 1935 August 28 - 1942 December 27
Date (bulk): 1940-1942
Abstract: This collection contains original and photocopied correspondence between Sgt. Nick G. Vasos, USA and his family during the
Second World War. The collection also includes supplementary material such as a biographical video disc, photos, and draft
and assignment cards for Sgt. Vasos.
Language of Material:
English
.
Container: WWII 6
Container: 12-18
Container: 1-7
This collection is open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Judith Vasos.
This collection is arranged by Material Type.
Series 1, Correspondence to Nick G. Vasos,
Series 2, Correspondence from Nick G. Vasos,
Series 3, Correspondence of Vasos Family,
Series 4, Photographs,
Series 5, Ephemera,
Series 6, Photocopies,
Series 7, Video
Sergeant Nick G. Vasos, USA (11/23/1917 - 11/8/1942) was born in Carroll, Iowa. He was a sergeant in the transport company
of the 30th Infantry Division. He was on the USS Rutledge bound for French Morocco, being part of the twenty thousand strong
American force trained for the first amphibious invasion known as Operation Torch. Vasos was responsible for getting vehicles
ashore after the landing. On November 8, 1942 French Vichy aircraft were patrolling the beach and fired upon and killed Vasos;
he was the first soldier in his company to die and the first boy from Carroll County to die in the war. He was awarded the
Purple Heart and buried in Carthage, Tunisia where a memorial for 2841 killed in action and 3724 missing in action American
service members exists today.
[Item title / description; Box "n" / Folder "n"], Nick G. Vasos Second World War correspondence (2014.05.w.r), Center for
American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.
For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this
collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.
This collection contains 35 original letters, as well as one spiral-bound book which includes photocopies of 42 letters and
supplementary information by other family members and people towards the end of the book, between Sgt. Nick G. Vasos, USA
and his family during the Second World War. The book includes copies of the originals as well as some not included in the
originals collection. Also included are three draft cards, three photos, and one video CD of the life story of Sgt. Vasos.
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.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Correspondence -- World War, 1939-1945
World War (1939-1945)
World War (1939-1945) -- North Africa
World War (1939-1945) -- Homefront
World War (1939-1945) -- Military operations, Naval -- American
United States. -- Army.
War -- Death notification
World War (1939-1945) -- Casualties
Vasos, Judith
box WWII 6, folder 12, folder 1
Series 1, Correspondence to Nick G. Vasos 1941 June - July
box WWII 6, folder 13, folder 2
box WWII 6, folder 14, folder 3
Series 3, Correspondence of Vasos family 1935-1942
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains five letters between the Vasos family, including Gus Vasos (father) from William "Bill" Vasos (brother),
Zeta to Irene, as well as two condolence letters for Sgt. Vasos' death, from Mary F. Kelly and the American Legion Auxiliary.
box WWII 6, folder 15, folder 4
Series 4, Photographs
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains three photos. One printed photo of Sgt. Nick G. Vasos, USA and a friend leaning on a truck, one photo
of the head stone of Sgt. Vasos, and one photocopy of a photo of the North Africa American Cemetery and Memorial.
box WWII 6, folder 16, folder 5
Series 5, Ephemera 1941 February
Physical Description: .025 Linear Feet(1 paper folder)
Language of Material: English.
This series contains three service cards. One draft card stating that Nick G. Vasos has been accepted for active military
service, one unit assignment card, and one arrival at unit card. All cards are addressed to Gus Vasos (father).
box WWII 6, folder 17, folder 6
Series 6, Photocopies