Henry R. Meza Second World War correspondence, 1941 December 4 - 1944 February 26

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Summary

Creators:
Meza, Henry R., Zappia, Bertha Meza, and Ghelfi, Jan
Abstract:
This collection contains letters and written correspondence to and from Pvt. Henry R. Meza, USA during the Second World War.
Extent:
.08 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Language:
The majority of the letters are written in English. and One letter written in Spanish.
Preferred citation:

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Henry R. Meza Second World War correspondence (2017.523.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains letters and newspaper clippings from and concerning Pvt. Henry Meza, USA during the Second World War. Some of the letters were written to his sister Bertha, and some of the letters were ones she wrote to him but were returned after his death. The collection was donated by Meza's niece.

Biographical / historical:

Private Henry R. Meza, United States Army (1922 - 1/6/1944) was born to Mr. and Mrs. Della C. Meza in Pima County, Arizona. He had one brother, Albert, and five sisters, Mrs. John. F. Dobson (given name unknown), Stella, Marguerite, Dorothy, and Bertha. He was educated in Tuscon and worked at the Hood Oil Company and the Martin Drug Company before enlisting.

Meza volunteered with the Arizona National Guard and, after Pearl Harbor, joined the 158th "Bushmasters" Infantry. He received training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Camp Barkeley, Texas. He had also served in Panama, Australia, and New Guinea.

Meza was killed in action on January 6, 1944, in Arawe, New British Islands. A war bond service was held in his and other Arizona servicemen's memories on February 27, 1944.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Jan Ghelfi.
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged by material type, author, and date. Some materials have been rearranged out of their original order, including envelopes separated from their corresponding undated letters.

Physical description:
The majority of the letters and envelopes are severely damaged with tears, holes, and missing pieces.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

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], Henry R. Meza Second World War correspondence (2017.523.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

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