Finding Aid for the Roger B. Highland Second World War correspondence 2017.720.w.r

Sharon Clairemont
Center for American War Letters Archives
1/5/2018
Leatherby Libraries
Chapman University
Orange, CA 92866
speccoll@chapman.edu


Contributing Institution: Center for American War Letters Archives
Title: Roger B. Highland Second World War correspondence
Creator: Highland, Roger (Roger Highland)
source: Highland, Lynn (R. Lynn Highland)
Identifier/Call Number: 2017.720.w.r
Physical Description: .32 Linear feet (22 folders)
Date (bulk): 1943 - 1945
Date (bulk): 1994 - 1995
Date: 1990
Abstract: This collection contains correspondence and photographs from T/5 Roger B. Highland, USA during the Second World War.
Language of Material: English .
Container: WWII 49
Container: 1-21
Container: 1-21

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Roger Highland WWII Letters & Memorabilia, donated by Lynn Highland.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged by material type, author and date.
  • Series 1, Correspondence from Roger to his mother
  • Series 2, Correspondence from Roger to Esther
  • Series 3, Correspondence - Roger to Lynn Highland
  • Series 4, Correspondence between Roger and Tony Schrand
  • Series 5, Correspondence from Esther Highland to Lucy Highland
  • Series 6, Correspondence from Alan Highland Lucy Highland
  • Series 7, Maps
  • Series 8, Memorabilia
  • Series 9, Military citations
  • Series 10, Military documents
  • Series 11, Medals
  • Series 12, Currency and stamps
  • Series 13, Book - A Short History of the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized), 1945
  • Series 14, Book - New Testament of Bible
  • Series 15, Photographs - France, Germany, Czechoslovakia
  • Series 16, Photographs - Buchenwald concentration camp
  • Series 17, Photographs of German swords
  • Series 18, Newspapers

Biographical / Historical

A biography of Technician Fifth Grade Roger B. Highland, United States Army (1916 - 2003) is included in the collection's donor file. A short obituary is at http://www.theindependent.com/obituaries/today-s-obituaries/article_69ebe7ee-5df1-5a6f-a935-2454ade97c20.html. -- An obituary for Esther Highland can be found at http://www.giallfaiths.com/obituaries/Esther-Highland/#!/Obituary

Preferred Citation

- [Item title, Box number, Folder number], Roger Highland Second World War correspondence (2017.720.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Content Description

This collection contains correspondence from T/5 Roger B. Highland, USA to his mother and to his wife during the Second World War. Also, included are many of his photographs from during this time. There is also correspondence from post Second World War, the 1990s, from Tony Schrand, who was an army buddy, to Roger Highland. There is also a correspondence from Roger Highland to his son written in 1990 about his time in the Second World War. Highland served with the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in France, Germany and Czechoslovakia. His job was principally with radio communications. The collection contains photographs taken in Germany, Fance and Czechoslovakia, and images of the concentration camp Buchenwald. The collection also contains military discharge papers, medals, citations, newspapers, and a history of the 38th Calvary.

Conditions Governing Use

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

World War (1939-1945)
World War (1939-1945) -- Germany
Correspondence -- World War, 1939-1945
World War (1939-1945) -- Photography
Jewish Holocaust (1939-1945)
World War (1939-1945) -- Concentration camps -- Germany
Highland, Lynn (R. Lynn Highland)

box WWII 49, folder 1-3

Series 1, Correspondence from Roger to his mother 1943-1945

Physical Description: 0.15 Linear feet(3 folders)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains correspondence from T/5 Roger Highland, USA to his mother Lucy Highland during the Second World War. The correspondence begins with a letter July 4, 1943 from St. Louis, MO on his way from Grand Island, NE to Fort Knox, KY. Of the Army he writes "All the thinking is done for you, even. A guy gets up when he's told to, eats, works and plays when he is told to. Funny part of it is that I am thriving on it....Tell Wayne to stay out of the Army if he can, he sure wouldn't like it."
At Fort Knox for basic training he writes "Yes, this is the place where they have the gold, but we won't ever see it, except on officers, and the place is sure crawling with them. Yesterday I had to salute 15 times in two blocks." He asks about his wife Esther. He describes details of basic field training, infiltration, scouting and patrolling, artillery training, bivouacking. He describes anticipated radio communications school on "the latest models and methods of radio." He describes food, mess hall procedure, K.P. He writes Esther has moved to nearby Louisville and has a job in a department store. He describes learning to drive a tank, gunnery school, inspections. He gives much detail about his radio operations course, learning code, cryptography, transmitters in tanks, taking code at proficient speed, procedure and theory. Dec. 13, 1943 - shares some thoughts about "negroes" and Jews, flu epidemic, Christmas with "no snow, no tree ... -- 1944 - January - He writes Esther is pregnant. No correspondence between Feb. 8 and June 16.
June 16, 1944 - in France "trying to pick up a little French language but having an awful time with it. They don't spell anything like they speak it... The people .. act like they have had the hell scared out of them."
Sept. 15, 1944, in Germany -"I received the big news the other day when the cablegram arrived...Sure was tickled to get the news, but am rather anxious now to hear how Esther and the baby are getting along."
Sept 20 - "For a while we were taking a grand tour of Europe with all expenses paid by Uncle Sam. Of course there was quite a bit of fireworks tossed in ...I had the rather dubious pleasure of being with the first American patrols to enter many a town and village on the way." He writes about a cigarette shortage, the underground shelter he built for himself, and mentions anticipated distribution of sleeping bags.
January 1945 - Comments on prices back in the U.S. and shortages of cigarettes, housing, meat, liquor, labor.
April 1945 - "Am now in a room in a German "Gasthaus...the captured Wehrmacht cognac supply is about gone, as is the beer from a brewery I helped to raid....The war over here is showing signs of ending one of these days. Joined up with the Russkies now and they have Berlin...I have been lucky though - never sick of injured."
May 30, 1945 - in Prestice, Czechoslovakia - "I am 14Km (9 miles) south of Pilsen.. Saw the Skoda plant, also the false Skoda plant to lure our bombers. Both plasces got plastered though... If Esther is looking for me to 'walk in' anytime now, might as well tell her to quit looking. Armies don't move in a day."
June 20 - "As to when I will be home, still don't have any idea." He describes the towns and fields, and (I'm) "All decked out with a ETO ribbon with 3 stars on it and the blue unit citation over the right pocket."
July 18 - "Well I am now engaged in learning a bran-new (sic) occupation, which seems mostly of climbing telephone poles...Working mostly with cable...and it all has to be up in the air now that the war is over." In his July 19 letter he describes places he visited as depicted in photos.
Sept 5 - discusses point system as it affects him "Was hoping to get home for Christmas though. Might make it yet." He writes of getting a furlough and plans to go to the French Riviera and Sept. 17 letter is from Nice, France. Last letter is from Pilsen, Sept. 23, 1945 - more speculation about reassignments and shipping out, eager to get home to see his son, plans to buy a car, travel to Salt Lake City, hopes shortages are over. He describes what he did on furlough in the south of France. He ends with "Hope to be visiting with you before long. In the meantime, just wish me luck on 'getting out of the damn Army.'"
box WWII 49, folder 4

Series 2, Correspondence from Roger to Esther 1945 May 26

Physical Description: 0.05 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains correspondence from T/5 Roger Highland, USA to his wife Esther Highland during the Second World War. There is one original handwritten letter dated May 26, 1945, a typed version of it and a photocopy of the typed version. The letter begins with his telling her he has sent to her separately photographs, a commendation and some foreign currency. He describes some of the photos and describes some of his responsibilities as a radio communications technician, switchboard operator and lineman. -- He then describes the route and places he traveled from Ft. Meade, MD to Pilsen, Czechoslovakia in 1944-1945. He writes of traveling by ship to England, then to Omaha Beach in France, through France into Germany and then to Czechoslovakia. Significant points along his route include Paris liberation in August 1944 and the battle at Monschau in Dec. 1944. This series also includes a handwritten note from Lynn Highland briefly describing the letter.
box WWII 49, folder 5

Series 3, Correspondence from Roger to Lynn Highland 1990 January 22

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains correspondence from Roger Highland to his son Lynn Highland. It contains a single handwritten letter dated Jan. 22, 1990, a photocopy of the letter and a handwritten note by Lynn introducing the letter. -- Roger Highland's letter describes other enclosures he sent with the letter - a Paris guide book, some French currency, a copy of 'Is Paris Burning' and a copy of the Unit Commendation he received regarding his unit's entry into Paris and a copy of the "Presidential Unit Citation of our stand at Monschau, Germany, during the Battle of the Bulge.". -- He describes his time in Paris, some of the people and the places he visited.
box WWII 49, folder 6

Series 4, Correspondence between Roger and Tony Schrand 1994-1995

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains correspondence between Roger Highland and an Army buddy, Tony Schrand in 1994-1995. Highland initiates the correspondence after seeing a letter Schrand wrote published in the VFW magazine. They exchange reminiscences about the war, information about other men with whom they served, and news about their families, travels and hobbies.
box WWII 49, folder 7

Series 5, Correspondence from Esther Highland to Lucy Highland 1944 October 28

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains a single letter from Esther Highland to Lucy Highland, her mother-in-law, dated October 28, 1944. Esther writes of anticipated train travel "home," of her new baby, Lynn, and about living arrangements when she returns home.
box WWII 49, folder 8

Series 6, Correspondence from Alan Highland to Lucy Highland 1944 June 19

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains a single letter from Alan Highland to his mother, dated June 19, 1944. Alan writes from Omaha, Nebraska. He asks if she's heard from Roger since the invasion. (Normandy, D-Day) He also asks about Esther and Phyllis. He remarks on the "flood" and people stranded in Grand Island. He writes of sending her money and getting his car "fixed up." In a P.S. he writes "Did you hear about the B-29 Super Fortress - I work on the turrets & guns to make sure they hit what they are aimed at."
box WWII 49, folder 9

Series 7, Maps 1945

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains two maps. One is titled "The Campaign of Western Europe - 'D'-Day Through 'V-E' Day, 6 June 1944 - 8 May 1945, 102nd Calvary Group Mecz., 102nd Cavalry RCN. SQN. MECZ., 38th Calvary RCN. SQN. MECZ. It includes a map of the movement of the 102nd and its attached Calvary from Omaha Beach through the Normandy Campaign, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. On the reverse of the map are listed the names and ranks of all the soldiers in the 102nd Calvary Group, the 102nd and 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadrons and the Troops of each Squadron, including Troops A, B, C, E and F and the Medical Detachments of the 102nd and 38th. -- Another map is titled "Operations of First United States Army in Europe, June 6, 1944 to May 9, 1945." It briefly decribes operations at St. Lo, Northern France Pursuit, Siegfried Line, Normandy Assault, Ardennes Counter Offensive, Crossing of the Rhine and Ruhr Pocket. It displays the insignia of the 32d FA Brigade and 49th AA Brigade, and the insignia and names of the senior Army commanders. Also in the series is a handwritten note by Lynn Highland that includes information about the maps. Additionally, the Sept. 5, 1944 letter from Roger Highland to his mother includes information about the "route of march" map of the 102nd Calvary group (See Series 1).
box WWII 49, folder 10

Series 8, Memorabilia 1944-1994

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains a photocopy of a handwritten note from Lynn Highland expressing his thoughts about his father's role in the "taking of" or liberation of Paris on August 25, 1944. Also included is a copy of the "Commendation for Meritorious Service, Headquarters 102nd Calvary Group, 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron" which was awarded because "the 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron entered the city of PARIS early on the morning of the 25 August 1944, reporting the arrival of its leading elements at Notre Dame Cathedral at 0830 hours, and by so doing became the first American Troops to enter the city of PARIS. By 1400 hours of that day all designated bridgeheads had been successfully and swiftly secured." -- Additionally, the series includes a 1994 letter from Roger Highland to Robert McMorris at the Omaha World Herald explaining his role in the liberation of Paris; a copy of a newspaper column by Robert McMorris quoting Roger Highland on the event; a letter from Tony Schrand (See Series 4) to the editor of VFW: August 1994 regarding the role of the 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron in Paris on 8/25/1944; and a page from the Omaha World Herald newspaper published 8/25/1994 featuring an article about the liberation of Paris.
box WWII 49, folder 11

Series 9, Military citations 1944-1945

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series includes citations and commendations awarded to Roger Highland's 38th Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron. They include 1) a Unit Citation for "strength, courage and determination" that "in denying the Germans access to the vital road net contributed largely to the ultimate defeat of the German offensive in the Ardennes." This citation commends efforts at Monchau. 2) a copy, in the form of a letter from Major General Heubner, of the above Unit Citation for the Ardennes/Monchau effort. 3) a Commendation for Meritorious Service for the liberation of Paris, by command of Major General Barton, dated Aug. 28, 1944. 4) a commendation dated 6 March 1945, from the Commanding General of V Corps, for "the crossing of the Roer River's lakes section and the subsequent advance over the most difficult terrain." 5) a 9 May 1945 Commendation of Major General Clarence Huebner and his troops from the Commanding General of the U. S. Army, Courtney H. Hodges ... "It was V Corps that sped ahead to liberate Paris..." The series also includes two handwritten pages of note by Lynn Highland explaining the awards and photocopied pages of a book, annotated by Lynn Highland. The book pages "The Ardennes: Battle of the Bulge" include information about the battle at Monchau for which the 38th was commended.
box WWII 49, folder 12

Series 10, Military documents 1938-1945

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains discharge papers and vehicle operation licences. It includes a photocopy of Roger Highland's discharge certificate from the U.S. Naval Reserve, June 9, 1938. A note attached to the copy states "Dad was in the Navy Reserve; he tried to enlist (for active duty) but was rejected for flat feet. He decided to wait to be drafted by the Army - and was." -- The series also includes a Kentucky Motor Vehicle Operator's Licence, a permit for operation of a half-track vehicle, and a permit for operation of a tank. -- The series also includes two copies of his "Honorable Discharge" certificate dated 30 November 1945, filed with Hall County, NE, County Clerk on Dec. 3, 1945. There is also a certified copy of Highland's "Enlisted Record - Honorable Discharge" document that includes information about enlistment date, battles and campaigns, decorations and citations, service schools attended, occupational specialty and qualifications, immunizations, pay data and insurance. Also included is an empty tri-fold document holder imprinted "Honorable Discharge ** Service Record."
box WWII 49, folder 13

Series 11, Medals 1944-1946

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains military medals including a European Theater of Operation ribbon badge with a single star, a Good Conduct medal, a marksman rifle medal and a "U.S." pin. The series also includes a news article that mentions Roger Highland be awarded a Distinguished Unit Badge and a handwritten not from Lynn Highland that identifies the article as being from the Grand Island (NE) Daily Independent. The marksman medal is mentioned in an October 2, 1943 letter from Highland to his mother, Lucy Highland. (See Series 1)
box WWII 49, folder 14

Series 12, Currency and stamps

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains 15 Deutsches Reich stamps imprinted with an image of Adolph Hitler and the number 12, and paper currency that includes a Deutschland eine mark alliierte militarbehorde serie 1944; 50 and 100 Reichsmark Reichsbanknotes; five notes of various denominations marked "Protektorat Bohmen und Mahren" and "Protektorat Cechy a Morava;" a Five Franc note from France; two Banque de France notes, one marked "Cent Francs" and the other "Cinquante Francs;" a 10 peso note from the Philippines identified as from "The Japanese Government;" and a Cinq Cents Francs from "Departement de la Guyane, Departement de la Martinique and Departement de la Guadeloupe." The series also contains a handwritten note from Lynn Highland explaining the origin of some of the currency.
box WWII 49, folder 15

Series 13, Book: A Short History of the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) 1945

Physical Description: 0.05 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains a spiral bound copy of "A Short History of the 38th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized)" 1945, Prestice, Czechoslovakia. U. S. Army Military Institute, Property of the U.S. Army. This copy is photographed from another copy. Also contains a USB drive of digital files.
box WWII 49, folder 16

Series 14, Book - New Testament Bible

Physical Description: 0.05 Linear feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains a pocket-size edition of the New Testament of the Bible published by the American Bible Society. The edition also includes the Ten Commandment, some Psalms, prayers, hymns and anthems. A message from then President and Commander-in-Chief Franklin Roosevelt indicates this edition was especially provided for those serving in the armed forces. In the front of the book is written Roger Highland's name, serial number and name and address of next of kin. This series also includes a handwritten note by Lynn Highland giving some description of the book.
box WWII 49, folder 17-18

Series 15, Photographs - France, Germany, Czechoslovakia 1944-1945

Physical Description: 0.05 Linear Feet(2 folders)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains photographs taken by Roger Highland and friends of scenes and people during his service in France, Germany and Czechoslovakia. There is an original set of snapshots (2x3) and 5x7 copies of the snapshots. Subjects of the photos include Roger Highland in uniform, fellow soldiers, countryside, architecturally significant buildings, Army vehicles, the troop ship Highland boarded to sail from U.S. to England, trains used to transport troops, bombed-out buildings, Highland at Brenner Pass and in front of a building with a sign saying "Hitler's Home." Some photographs are identified on their reverse sides. Highland identifies many of them in a July 18, 1945 letter to his mother. (See Series 1) There are 109 snapshots and 149 enlargements. There are 26 negatives.
box WWII 49, folder 19

Series 16, Photographs - Buchenwald concentration camp 1945

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains images of Buchenwald concentration camp. There are three pages of photocopied photographs on glossy photo paper, which include six smaller images and 5x7 enlargements of three of the images. The photographs include images of incinerators and of piles of dead bodies. -- Roger Highland did not write in this collection's correspondence (Series 1 - 4) about visiting or liberating Buchenwald nor about taking photographs there. However, in a handwritten note also in this series Lynn Highland writes "Dad's unit - the 38th Calvary Recon Squad - liberated Buchenwald on April 11, 1945 .. Dad took these photos & brought or sent them home."
box WWII 49, folder 20

Series 17, Photographs of German swords

Physical Description: 0.01 Linear Feet(1 folder)
Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains nine 5x7 color images of two German swords and their scabbards. In a May 26, 1945 letter Highland writes to his wife "Everyone loaded up on German pistols and knives." In a letter to his mother July 18, 1945 he writes "You mention that Esther had the swords that I sent." -- The series includes a handwritten note by Lynn Highland with information about the swords.
box WWII 49, folder 21

Series 18, Newspapers 1944-1945

Language of Material: English.

Scope and Contents

This series contains three original newspapers. It includes one edition of the Stars and Stripes published July 4, 1944, "Somewhere in France," significant because it is the first edition of that publication printed in France since WWI. Roger Highland mentions this paper to his mother in a July 10, 1944 letter. The series also includes a May 7, 1945 edition of The Grand Island (NE) Daily Independent bearing the front page headline "GERMANY SURRENDERS" and a May 8, 1945 edition of the same newspaper with the headline "V-E DAY PROCLAIMED." - The series also includes four 5x7 photographs of the newspapers' front pages.