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Knowles, Russell, Jr. (Cold War correspondence)
2015.069.w.r
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Center for American War Letters Archives
Title: Russell Knowles, Jr. Cold War correspondence
Creator:
Knowles, Russell, Jr.
source:
Bullard née Knowles, Joan K.
Identifier/Call Number: 2015.069.w.r
Identifier/Call Number: 1260
Physical Description:
0.15 Linear Feet
(1 folder)
Date (inclusive): 1961 August 20 - 1962 December 17
Abstract: This collection contains 38 correspondence written by Lt. Russell Knowles, Jr. to his family during the Vietnam War.
Language of Material:
English
.
Container: Cold War 3
Container: 3-4
Container: 1-2
This collection is open for research.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Joan K. Bullard and Russell Knowles III.
Captain Russell Knowles, Jr., United States Navy Reserve (1934 - 1998) was born in New Bedford, Connecticut and served in
the Nuclear Submarine Corps, chosen by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. He later served as chief of staff to the commander of submarine
forces in the Atlantic and retired in 1987. He passed away in Norwich, CT in 1998 at the age of 63.
Obituary:
https://www.newspapers.com/clip/47916457/obituary-for-russell-knowles-aged-63/
This collection was originally donated to the Legacy Project by Joan K. Bullard. After a search for information on his father,
Russell Knowles III found this collection online and submitted a donation form as kin approving transfer and use by the archives.
[Item title / description; Box "n" / Folder "n"], Russell Knowles, Jr. Vietnam War correspondence (2015.069.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 38 correspondence written by Lieutenant Russell Knowles, Jr., United States Navy Reserve to his family
during the Cold War.
Knowles' letters describe his time in training on the USS Energy in Long Beach and San Diego, CA. The USS Energy went on a
tour to Newport, Oregon and to Seattle for the World Fair. His letters mostly concern his family and what they are doing back
home. At first he is writing about buying a ring and getting engaged to a woman named Jennie, but he eventually breaks the
engagement off. Later he is engaged to be married to a woman named Louisa, or Weeza. He moved to Monterey to go to school
to study meteorology and oceanography.
Letter dated May 27, 1962: Knowles describes watching a press conference with the "second astronauts." He says, "We are really
amazing animals. Think about having people in space. That is a really great technical achievement."
Letter postmarked November 1962: Knowles describes what it was like during the Cuban missile crisis (he said it was no different
than any other day) and gives his opinions about Castro. He also says he is planning to vote straight Republican and encourages
his family to do so to defeat Ted Kennedy.
He refers to California as "Democratic California."
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
Vietnam War (1961-1975) -- Correspondence
Bullard née Knowles, Joan K.