E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection
Scope and Contents
The E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection documents the experiences of Donnell as he worked as an aircraft mechanic at the US Naval Station in Corpus Christi, Texas in the United States Navy during World War II. Donnell corresponded regularly with his mother, Grace, in Missouri throughout his time in Texas, and also included occasional notes to his siblings Mona and D.K. Letters include descriptions of Donnell's responsibilities and daily activities, news about his sister's engagement and other family updates, information about friends injured or killed while serving overseas, his promotion in 1945 to Chief Petty Officer, a storm that damaged numerous combat aircraft, and attending a dance where he saw General Omar Bradley. He also writes to his mother to discuss national and international events during the war, including President Roosevelt's death in April 1945, speculation about Truman's new presidency, VE Day, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, and VJ day.
Dates
- Creation: 1943-1945
Language of Materials
English
Conditions Governing Access:
The collection is open for research use.
Conditions Governing Use:
Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Biographical Information:
E. Oren Donnell was born in 1920, and served in the United States Navy during World War II as an Aircraft Mechanics Mate 1st Class at the US Naval Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1945 he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer.
Full Extent
0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)
Abstract
The E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection documents the experiences of Donnell as he worked as an aircraft mechanic at the US Naval Station in Corpus Christi, Texas in the United States Navy during World War II. Letters include descriptions of Donnell's responsibilities and daily activities, news about his sister's engagement and other family updates, information about friends injured or killed while serving overseas, his promotion in 1945 to Chief Petty Officer, and attending a dance where he saw General Omar Bradley. He also writes to his mother to discuss national and international events during the war, including President Roosevelt's death in April 1945, speculation about Truman's new presidency, VE Day, the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan, and VJ day.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchase. 09/22/2017.
General
Other Information:
This collection was purchased with funds generously donated by Gus and Erika Manders.
Processing Information:
Special Collections and Archives, 2017
- Title
- Guide to the E. Oren Donnell Correspondence Collection
- Date
- 2017-12-15
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections & Archives Repository
University Library
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge CA 91330-8326 USA
818-677-4594
asksca@csun.edu