Anthony E. Dolgiela Second World War correspondence, 1945 February 10

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Summary

Creators:

Jablonski, Edward J. and Dolgiela, Anthony E.

Abstract:

This collection contains 1 correspondence written by Lt. Anthony Dolgiela, USAAF to his friend Joe J. Leniant during the Second World War. This was Dolgiela's last letter, dated February 10, 1945 just 6 days before he was killed during a bombing raid on Regensburg, Germany on February 16, 1945.

Extent:

0.025 Linear Feet (1 envelope)

Language:

English .

Preferred citation:

[Item title / description; Box "n" / Folder "n"], Anthony E. Dolgiela Second World War correspondence (2014.103.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.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains one letter from Lieutenant Anthony E. Dolgiela, United States Air Force to Joe J. Leniant during the Second World War. The letter was dated February 10, 1945 and highlights more lighthearted aspects of war, discussing Dolgiela's squadron basketball team, and his hopes that his service would be done within two months. The letter was also the last letter written and sent by Lt. Dolgiela before he died during a bombing raid over Regensburg, Germany on February 16.

Also included is one folder of supplementary information, including notes from the donor regarding Dogliela's life, a newspaper article on the "Forgotten 500," a copy of the missing air crew report filed by Dolgiela's squadron, and copies of an online Air Force forum discussion on participation in Operation Halyard.

Biographical / historical:

From donor letter:

"Lt. Dolgiela was was one of the 'Forgotten 500' chronicled in a book by Gregory A. Freeman. He tells the story of a secret rescue mission of World War II, 'Operation Halyard, a daring rescue in the summer of 1944 of more than 500 allied airmen from Nazi occupied Yugoslavia' (New York Times)."

"Lt. Dolgiela eluded capture when his aircraft was downed on August 7, 1944. He wrote his parents that his ability to speak Polish helped him being rescued by the Yugoslavian guerillas under the leadership of General Mihailovic. Lt. Dolgiela returned to duty and on a bombing raid to Regenshburg, Germany was killed on February 16, 1945 and buried in Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy."

Acquisition information:

Gift of Edward J. Jablonski

Arrangement:

The collection is divided into two folders. Folder 1 contains a letter dated February 10, 1954. Folder 2 contains supplementary biographical information.

Rules or conventions:

Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:: World War (1939-1945)
Correspondence -- World War, 1939-1945
Names:: Leniant, Joe J.
Jablonski, Edward J.

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.