Williams, J. Wallace (First World War correspondence), 1917 November 24 - 1919 March 24

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Summary

Title:
J. Wallace Williams First World War correspondence
Dates:
1917 November 24 - 1919 March 24
Creators:
Reavis, Elmira and Williams, Wallace
Abstract:
This collection contains the correspondence from Lt. J. Wallace Williams, AEF, to his parents during the First World War. The collection also contains three newspaper clippings and three photographs.
Containers:
box: WWI 5
folder: 14-16
Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet (3 folders)
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Wallace Williams First World War correspondence (2015.095.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 URL's, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the correspondence from Lt. J. Wallace Williams, AEF, to his parents in Ottawa, Kansas, during the First World War. The collection also contains three newspaper clippings and three photographs.

Lt. Williams was a pilot during his service, but being an officer it seems he saw little action. He served in France but describes spending most of his time in chateaus with the local people. In a few of his letters he mentions serving with African American soldiers, whom he refers to as "coloreds" or "negros," although he doesn't have anything negative to say.

Letter dated July 28, 1918: "The war may be over in a short while. Pershing says, 'Hell, Heaven, or Broadway by Thanksgiving."

Letters dated in November 1918 indicate the war is coming to an end and their excitement over that news. Williams eventually returned home in March 1919.

Biographical / historical:

Colonel John Wallace Williams, American Expeditionary Forces (2/27/1897 - ) was born in Franklin County, Kansas and flew with the AEF during the First World War, arriving in France July 1918 and returning home March 1919. As a scout, he flew a 300 mile mission in two hours forty minutes over France and Germany, but spent most of his time joy riding a small plane called a Newport and enjoying the chateaus at which he stayed with a French officer's family. After the war, he married Leona B. Curry on September 8, 1928 and had two children, Dimma and John, Jr. He later became a flight instructor for the military as a Colonel and even swore in his own son to begin flight training.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Elmira Reavis. Legacy collection from Andrew Carroll. This collection does not have a donation form.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Lauren Menges
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2022-01-25 15:28:42 -0500 .

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], Wallace Williams First World War correspondence (2015.095.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 URL's, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

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