Inventory of the Ernest Fred Easterbrook papers

Finding aid prepared by Hoover Institution Library and Archives Staff
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 2010
434 Galvez Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003
hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu


Title: Ernest Fred Easterbrook papers
Date (inclusive): 1852-1988
Collection Number: 2006C56
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material: English
Physical Description: 18 manuscript boxes, 4 oversize boxes, 2 digital PDF files (0.005 GB) (9.1 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Correspondence, speeches and writings, orders, reports, printed matter, photographs, and memorabilia relating to American military operations in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II, military operations during the Korean War, American military assistance to Thailand, and American army aviation. Includes papers of Edmund Pepperell Easterbrook, army chaplain and father of E. F. Easterbrook. Transcribed copies of Earnest Fred Easterbrook's World War II diaries (10 March 1944 - 23 February 1945) are available at http://www.hoover.org/library-archives/collections  or at https://digitalcollections.hoover.org. 
Creator: Easterbrook, Ernest Fred, 1908-1989
Creator: Easterbrook, Edmund Pepperell, 1864-1933
Physical Location: Hoover Institution Library & Archives

Access

The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Use

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Acquisition Information

Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 2006.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Ernest Fred Easterbrook papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Alternative Forms of Material Available

Transcribed copies of Earnest Fred Easterbrook's World War II diaries (10 March 1944 - 23 February 1945) are available at http://www.hoover.org/library-archives/collections  or at https://digitalcollections.hoover.org. 

Biographical Note

1908 August 6 Born, Fort Worden, Washington, United States, to Edmund Pepperell Easterbrook and Fannie Luscombe
1931 B.S., Military Academy; Commander, Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army
1938 September 9 Married Nancy Stilwell, daughter of General Joseph Warren Stilwell
1943-1945 Stationed under General Joseph Warren Stilwell in China-Burma-India Theater
1945 Awarded Combat Infantry's Badge
1946 Awarded the Legion of Merit
1946-1949 Member, staff and faculty, U.S. Infantry School
1948 Awarded Bronze (First Oak-Leaf Cluster) Star Medal
1949-1951 Member, staff and faculty, Canadian Army Staff College
1953 Awarded the Silver Star
1954 Awarded the Legion of Merit
1954-1955 Member, staff and faculty, U.S. Command and General Staff College
1955-1957 Assigned, G-3, Allied Land Forces, Central Europe, SHAPE, Combat Infantry Badge; Military Cross 1st class (Belgium)
1957-1959 Director, army aviation, ODCSOPS, Department of Army
1959 475th Infantry Regiment, China-Burma-India (CBI); advanced through grades to Major General, U.S. Army
1959-1961 Commanding General, U.S. Army Aviation Center
1961-1963 Commanding General, 25th Infantry Division
1963-1965 Chief, Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group, Thailand
1965 Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal
1965-1967 Deputy Commanding General, Sixth U.S. Army
1967 Awarded La Croix de Guerre 1940 avec Palme and The Royal Honorable Flying Badge
1985 Author, The Soldier and the Cross
1989 February 19 Died

Scope and Content of Collection

The papers of Ernest Fred Easterbrook document American military operations in the China-Burma-India Theater during World War II, U.S. Army operations in the Korean War, American military assistance to Thailand, and army aviation. Correspondence, orders, photographs, reports, speeches, and writings relate to Major General Easterbrook's tenure as an infantry instructor of Chinese troops in World War II, commander of the 7th Infantry regiment in Korea, and deputy commanding general of the 6th Army, headquartered at the Presidio in San Francisco.
In addition to documenting Easterbrook's career in the military, the collection includes the papers of his father, Edmund Pepperell Easterbrook (1864-1933), chief chaplain of the United States Army. Correspondence, reports, and photographs chronicle Edmund Easterbrook's career as a chaplain in Cuba during the Spanish-American war and Germany in World War I.
The collection includes two published biographies and related materials: The Soldier and the Cross (1985), a biography of Edmund Easterbrook written by Ernest Easterbrook, and The Soldier with a Heart (2006), a biography of Ernest Easterbrook written by his son, John Easterbrook.

Related Materials

Joseph Warren Stilwell papers, Hoover Institution Library & Archives

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Aviation
Officers
World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Burma
Korean War, 1950-1953
United States -- Military relations -- Thailand
Thailand -- Military relations -- United States
Chaplains, Military -- United States
United States. Army
Stilwell, Joseph Warren, 1883-1946

 

Edmund Pepperell Easterbrook Papers 1852-1978

Scope and Contents note

Includes citizenship papers, correspondence, clippings, commissions, reports, photographs, printed matter, and memorabilia relating to Edmund Easterbrook's life and his position as the chief chaplain of the United States Army. The series is further subdivided into Personal, Career, Photographs and Clippings files and then ordered chronologically.
 

Personal file 1896-1933

box 1, folder 15

Citizenship document 1896

Scope and Contents note

Includes signature, brochure, note, and picture of Rockton Church.
box 1, folder 24

Fannie Easterbrook memorial service 1929

Scope and Contents note

Includes clippings and letters related to the death of Edmund Easterbrook's wife.
box 1, folder 28

Biographical sketch and general information 1931

box 1, folder 26

Retirement and death 1933

 

Career file 1899-1978

box 1, folder 16

Commission 1899

Scope and Contents note

Appointment to chaplain, United States Army.
box 1, folder 17

Spanish-American War 1898-1955

Scope and Contents note

Includes letters.
box 1, folder 18

Chaplain's duties 1899-1913, undated

Scope and Contents note

Printed matter and a letter.
box 1, folder 19

Philippines 1900-1918

Scope and Contents note

Photographs and negatives.
box 3, folder 3

Records from chaplain's school 1902-1915

box 1, folder 11

Monthly reports 1908, undated

Scope and Contents note

Written while stationed in Manila.
box 3, folder 4

Germany, Senior Chaplain of Armed Forces 1919-1923

Scope and Contents note

Clippings, pictures, and program for President Theodore Roosevelt's memorial service by Edmund Easterbrook. Includes a letter to Edmund Easterbrook conferring on him the Croix de Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur by the President of the French Republic.
box 1, folder 25

Chief Chaplain of the United States Army 1928-1933

Scope and Contents note

Clippings, letters, and printed matter relating to his retirement.
box 1, folder 27

Fort Monroe, Virginia 1978

Scope and Contents note

A plaque honoring the memory of Army Chaplain Edmund Easterbrook dedicated in Memorial Day services at Fort Worden.
 

Photographs 1852-1973

box 1, folder 13

Family portraits 1852-1911

Scope and Contents note

Includes photographs from Easterbrook's childhood in England.
box 1, folder 29

Family portraits 1891-1973

Scope and Contents note

Includes pictures from Fort Worden, Thanksgiving service in Ramblon, Rhode Island, notes, postcard, and souvenirs from the Holy Lands.
box 1, folder 22-23

Family portraits before and after World War I 1906-1916, 1918-1923

box 1, folder 14

Headshots of Edmund Easterbrook 1909, undated

Scope and Contents note

Includes service reports.
 

Clippings 1932

box 1, folder 20

Philippines 1932

 

Ernest Fred Easterbrook Papers 1903-2006

Scope and Contents note

Includes correspondence, journals, clippings, medical reports, flight records, photographs, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and printed matter relating to Ernest Easterbook's career in the United States Army. The series is further subdivided into Personal, Career, Correspondence, Photographs, Speeches, Writings, Certificates, Awards, Clippings, and Printed Matter files and then ordered chronologically.
 

Personal file 1903-1983

box 1, folder 12

1903-1977

box 16, folder 4

Miscellaneous 1922-1970, undated

Scope and Contents note

Includes article about movies shown by Edmund Easterbrook, article titled "Reminiscences," certificate from the Church of the Centurion, clippings, invitation, letters, program for armistice day service, and four unidentified pictures.
box 8, folder 11

1957-1967

Scope and Contents note

Includes medical report.
box 17, folder 1-2

1958

box 14, folder 1-6

1959

box 15, folder 1-10

1961

box 4, folder 8

Journal circa 1960s

box 7, folder 6

Passports 1978-1983

Scope and Contents note

Includes two photographs and cancelled passports.
box 2, folder 8

China trip 1980-1982

Scope and Contents note

Includes article, journal, and notes.
 

Career file 1936-1986

box 7, folder 8

Efficiency reports 1932-1965

box 3, folder 1

Infantry school 1933-1966

Scope and Contents note

Includes United States Military Advisory Group to the Republic of Korea, National Defense College, National War College, and Academic Department telephone directory.
box 18, folder 5

Panama 1934-1936

Scope and Contents note

Letters, list of assignments of men of details in fields, memoranda, printed matter, and special orders, including from War Department.
box 18, folder 6

Camp Dix 1937-1941

Scope and Contents note

Commendation for his lecture on the Panama Canal before the Reserve Officers Association, letters, and special orders issued by the War Department.
box 18, folder 11

War Department efficiency report and special orders 1937-1942

box 17, folder 6

Special orders 1941

Scope and Contents note

Relieved from duty by Adjutant General.
box 11, folder 1

Diaries, notebooks, and records of army personnel 1942-1945

Scope and Contents note

Includes clippings, card signed by Ernest Easterbrook, messages, and miscellany.
 

China-Burma-India Theater 1943-1987

box 2, folder 7

General information 1943-1945

box 12, folder 1

475th Infantry Association (CO CT 475) 1944 and undated

Scope and Contents note

Lists of addresses, ammunition, weapons, and accessories to be carried by mules.
box 11, folder 3

475th Infantry 1944-1945

Scope and Contents note

Includes general orders, letters, memoranda, printed matter, and roster of officers and home addresses. See oversize boxes for maps and other materials.
box 10, folder 6-8

Merrill's Marauders 1968-1987

Scope and Contents note

Includes brochure, clippings, correspondence, lists, memoranda, printed matter, and related materials.
box 18, folder 3

Fort Benning, Georgia 1946-1948

Scope and Contents note

Includes a pictorial report of the conference, list of army personnel, memoranda from John W. O' Daniel in appreciation of Ernest Easterbrook's outstanding work as Secretary of the Infantry Conference, Infantry School.
box 12, folder 5

Sketch of "A" CO BUNC Combat Patrol undated

Scope and Contents note

See oversize boxes for magazine, maps, and other materials.
box 18, folder 2

Canada 1949-1951

Scope and Contents note

Letter, nominal roll and address list, National Defense College and Canadian Army Staff College, and a poem.
box 12, folder 2-3

Miscellany 1952-1989

Scope and Contents note

Includes award, card, certificate citation, clippings, correspondence, list of officers and casualties, memoranda, newsletters, notes, printed mattter, roster, and special orders
box 10, folder 1

Roster of officers and enlisted men of Korean Military Advisory Group (KMAG) RTC #1, 29th ROK Infantry Division 1953-1954

box 18, folder 4

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 1954-1955

Scope and Contents note

Includes personnel roster from Department III, clippings, memoranda in appreciation of Ernest Easterbrook's completion of duty with the Command and General Staff College and promotion to General Officer for his outstanding service as Director, Department III.
box 18, folder 9

France 1955-1957

Scope and Contents note

Clippings, award of Croix de Guerre, article on Ernest Easterbrook, and a Christmas letter.
box 8, folder 9

Flight records 1958-1967

box 17, folder 5

Briefings 1959, undated

Scope and Contents note

Includes notes.
box 13, folder 11

Miscellany 1959-1986

Scope and Contents note

Correspondence, letter of recommendation for promotion to Major General, magazines, and printed matter.
box 13, folder 10

Clearance record, list of papers, and telegrams 1962

 

Thailand 1963-1965

box 4, folder 4

Order regarding Ernest Easterbrook's assignment of command of Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) to Thailand, APO 146, San Francisco, California 1963

box 22

Scrapbooks 1963 June-November, 1965 April-August

box 21

Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG), Thailand, 2 scrapbooks 1963 November - 1965 April

box 5, folder 1

Printed matter and correspondence 1963-1965

box 9, folder 7

Certificate, memorandum, notes, press release and rosters 1963-1965

box 4, folder 10

Embassy of the United States of America, Bangkok, and Thailand telephone directories 1963-1965

Scope and Contents note

Includes American Women's Club of Thailand directory.
box 9, folder 5

Alphabetical roster, Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) to Thailand 1965

box 8, folder 6

Proposal for East Asia International University undated

box 2, folder 9

Albums, compliments of RTA Cavalry Center, Sarabury, Thailand. From Sawad-Di to Major General Easterbrook with the best wishes of the members of Army Section of Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) to Thailand undated

box 8, folder 10

Rosters, 6th Army 1966-1967

box 20

Scrapbook presented to Ernest Easterbrook by the 6th Army senior staff undated

box 13, folder 8-9

Fort Rucker, Alabama 1960-1962

Scope and Contents note

Includes certificate, correspondence, farewell message, magazines, newsletters, notes, and miscellany.
box 8, folder 7

Retirement papers 1959-1967

box 8, folder 8

Retirement and letters of good wishes 1967

box 7, folder 7

Retirement ceremony schedule and standard pilot log book 1967

 

Correspondence 1921-1988

box 16, folder 5

1921-1932

box 16, folder 3

1925-1927

box 16, folder 1

1927-1930

box 16, folder 2

1928

Scope and Contents note

Includes clipping and diary.
box 7, folder 9-10

1962-1963

box 6, folder 2-3

1962-1964

box 13, folder 1-7

1959-1962

Scope and Contents note

Includes clipping and diary.
box 6, folder 4

1962-1964

box 6, folder 5

1963

box 6, folder 1

1963-1964

box 10, folder 2-4

1965-1966

box 5, folder 2-3

1965 January-August

box 5, folder 4

Chief Joint United States Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG), Thailand 1965

box 8, folder 1-4

1966

box 9, folder 1-2

1967 January-May

box 8, folder 5

1967 May-August

box 7, folder 5

1967-1968

box 18, folder 7

1969

Scope and Contents note

Proposal for an Oral History Project. Correspondence with Glenn Campbell, Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and Willa Baum, University of California, Berkeley.
box 11, folder 2

John H. Lattin Associates correspondence 1985-1988

 

Photographs 1918-1963

box 2, folder 4

Boyhood pictures, brochure and proposal 1918-1923

box 2, folder 5

Plebe Year and at West Point 1927-1930

box 2, folder 6

As young officer at West Point and in Panama, including his wedding picture 1935-1942

box 2, folder 3

Fort Benning, Georgia 1948, undated

Scope and Contents note

Faculty of Infantry School, Ernest Easterbrook with his family.
box 20

Canadian Army Staff College, 2 group pictures 1949 January 19, 1950 January 16

box 2, folder 1-2

Pictures of Ernest Easterbrook and others taken in Korea 1953-1954

box 4, folder 5

France 1955-1956

box 10, folder 5

Presidio of San Francisco, pre-arrival of 6th Army 1955-1956

box 4, folder 6

Ernest Easterbrook in army uniform and at social gathering 1957-1960

box 4, folder 7

Ernest Easterbrook including in Rucker, Alabama 1959-1962

box 4, folder 3

Ernest Easterbrook and his wife with others, 25th Division 1962-1963

box 20

Ernest Easterbrook scrapbook 1963 March-June, undated

Scope and Contents note

Includes 2 pictures of Ernest Easterbrook with unidentified individuals.
box 5, folder 6

Thailand, army helicopters and reconnaissance helicopters 1965, undated

 

Speeches 1959-1967

box 17, folder 3

1959-1962

Scope and Contents note

Includes brochure and clippings.
box 7, folder 1

1961-1967

box 7, folder 2

AUSA dinner meeting 1965 November 11

box 7, folder 3

Army ROTC graduates 1966 January 27

box 7, folder 4

Fort Rucker, Alabama 1966 March 1

 

The Soldier and the Cross 1895-2006

box 3, folder 2

The Soldier and the Cross: A Biography of My Father, Edmund P. Easterbrook, by Ernest F. Easterbrook undated

box 18, folder 1

The Soldier and the Cross: A Biography of My Father, Edmund Easterbrook, and The Soldier with a Heart, biography of Ernest Easterbrook by John Easterbrook 1985, 2006

 

Photographs used in The Soldier and the Cross 1895-1929

box 1, folder 1

Chapter 1, Edmund Easterbrook and his family and personalized souvenir from the Holy Lands 1895-1897 and undated

box 1, folder 2

Chapter 2, Edmund Easterbrook's family and his trips to Egypt and Palestine 1897-1900

Scope and Contents note

Includes acceptance of his commission as chaplain of the U.S. Army and memorandum from the office of the Adjutant General with instructions about his assignment.
box 1, folder 3

Chapter 3, Chaplain from Manila 1901

box 1, folder 4

Chapter 4, Chaplain and his work 1902

box 1, folder 5

Chapter 5, Picture of Fort Worden circa 1912

box 1, folder 6

Chapter 6, Individual reports of the chaplain to the Adjutant General 1908-1909

box 1, folder 7

Chapter 7, Edmund Easterbrook and flag presentation at Fort Worden 1918 and undated

box 1, folder 8

Chapter 8, Pictures of Church of the Palace, reception for Commander Eva Booth, ceremony for awarding Légion d'Honneur, Edmund Easterbrook and his sons, wedding of Gladys Easterbrook undated

box 1, folder 9

Chapter 9, Pictures and negatives, Easter Sunrise Service at Walter Reed Hospital, appointment of Edmund Easterbrook as Chief of Chaplain, and Edmund Easterbrook's letter to Gladys Easterbrook 1928-1929

box 1, folder 10

Chapter 10, Fort Worden, Memorial Day services, circa 1912, and visit to West Point 1929

 

Certificates and diplomas 1931-1989

box 18, folder 10

Fort Benning, Georgia 1931-1933, undated

Scope and Contents note

Certificate for the completion of a base course, Troops Schools, in the subject of care of animals, clippings, letters, notebook, orders from the War Department.
 

Recognitions received by Ernest Easterbrook from China, Korea, and Thailand 1931-1954

box 19

Diploma awarded for advancement in the Army of the United States, given at West Point, New York 1931 June 11

box 19

Letter of thanks from Headman of district office, Southern Cheju, Korea, for his help with the war orphans 1954 February 23

box 19

Testament from Korea for service to war orphans 1954 March 3

box 19

Letter of appreciation for his cooperation and maintenance of close liaison with the Advisory Group of 29th Infantry ROK Division and for his efforts in supplementing training aids 1954 March 3

box 19

Certificates of appreciation 1954

box 19

Testimonial for distinguished services in the reconstruction of educational and welfare institutions in Cheju, Korea 1954 April

box 19

Testimonial in recognition of outstanding contribution to the administrative efforts at the orphanage of Chun-Sa, Korea 1954

box 19

Certificate of appreciation on the eve of his departure from Korea undated

box 19

Album of pictures from Korea with illustrations in both Chinese and Korean undated

box 22

Certificate for a diploma awarded to Ernest Easterbrook for graduating from the Defense Committee Course of Mediation, Fort Benning, Georgia 1948 December

box 19

Memorial resolution of the California State Assembly in memory of the passing of Ernest Easterbrook 1989

 

Awards 1908-1984

box 20

1908-1984

box 3, folder 5

Awards of the Silver Star, citation for the Legion of Merit (Oak-Leaf Cluster), award of the Bronze Star Medal, and employment record 1950-1963

 

Clippings 1908-1982

box 1, folder 21

Fort Worden 1908-1975

Scope and Contents note

Includes printed matter and an article of remembrance of Ernest Easterbrook, Burman News.
box 17, folder 4

Fort Rucker, Alabama 1959

Scope and Contents note

Clippings relating to Ernest Easterbrook's arrival as Commander of the U.S. Army Aviation Center.
box 9, folder 6

Miscellaneous 1962-1963

box 9, folder 4

Hawaii 1962-1963

box 9, folder 3

Presidio of San Francisco 1963-1966, undated

box 18, folder 8

"Training on the Roof of the World," Ernest Easterbrook's article on Tibet in Army 1982

Scope and Contents note

Includes clippings, Joseph Warren's comments about the United States Army, correspondence, and map. Also includes typescript copies of the article.
 

Printed matter 1954-1965

box 21

Front Line: The Third Infantry Division, Korean edition 1954 October

box 5, folder 5

Bangkok World, 1963-1965

box 9, folder 8

VIP Forecast, 1963-1965

 

Diary transcriptions

Scope and Contents note

The transcribed copies of Earnest Fred Easterbrook's World War II diaries (10 March 1944 - 23 February 1945) cover a significant period of his service during World War II. In 1942, Earnest Fred Easterbrook was assigned to the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater (then commanded by Lieutenant General Joseph W. Stilwell); initially he was an instructor and head of department at Ramgarh, India, instructing Chinese soldiers and officers in military tactics and associated subjects. In early 1944, when these diaries begin, he was assigned to be General Stilwell's executive assistant in Burma. He continued in that position through the capture of Myitkyina; in late 1944, he was assigned to command the 475th Infantry Regiment, a component of the MARS Task Force, at that time the only US ground combat unit in the CBI Theater. In that capacity he led the regiment behind Japanese lines to cut the Burma Road in support of Chinese troops from Burma linking up with the Chinese Y-Force. The Y-Force was a 72,000-man force based in China's Yunnan Province that was forcing the Japanese out of southwestern China so that a land supply route - the soon to be named Stilwell Road from Ledo in India to Kunming in China - could be reopened.
The diaries are significant for their detailed recording of the activity of Chinese units in northern Burma, including hand-drawn maps; as such, they are a companion to the Stilwell Diaries of the same period. In addition, during Easterbrook's command of the 475th Infantry Regiment, the diaries provide visibility to activities and personnel during that little-know part of the campaign in Burma. In the diaries, references to "dad" or "pop" are to General Stilwell. Easterbrook also refers to General Stilwell at times as "Q.B.," short for Quarterback, Stilwell's code name.
Also in the Easterbrook collection are two diaries covering the same period (early to mid-1944). One of those diaries, labeled "Supplemental Diary," seems to have been written when he had time to gather his thoughts and write in a more complete manner. Those entries are designated by a box drawn around them.
Easterbrook originally drew the military unit symbols used in these diaries. The software used to reproduce the symbols uses a font from Tom Mouat's MapSymbs website (www.mapsymbs.com). The software is Mouat's intellectual property but can be copied freely. Tom was most gracious and generous with his time to ensure that the symbols worked properly.
Easterbrook's son, John, transcribed the diaries into DOC files, converted them to PDFs, and transferred them to Hoover in 2011. Hoover digitized the maps in the diaries, creating JPG files, in 2011.
 

Volume 1 1944

 

Volume 2 1945