From Private Donald F Schwarz, 1944

File — Box: 01, Folder: 9

Identifier: MSA394, Series 1, File 9

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Donald Schwarz, also referred to as “Don” in his letters, attended Purdue University and was in ROTC with Elmer. In his two letters to Elmer, Don states that he is “in the Army now” and was in the Infantry in Georgia both dated in June of 1944. Don tells Elmer about his first night at Fort Devens and that he liked how they passed out the raincoats, shaving equipment kits, and towels. He talks about how the next morning they went and saw a show about how the Army places you. From there, they went to the mill to get their clothes and made a comment about how “they” love to throw stuff at them, “everything from soap to nuts”. This letter (June 11) is a good insight of the processing of newly joined soldiers in the army, at least at Fort Devens. In the second letter, Don talks about his assignment to the Infantry and that he is down in Georgia for seven weeks of training. He also remarks that he is glad they had ROTC because he had no trouble at all with all of that.

This folder includes two letters dated June 11, 1944 and June 25, 1944 enclosed in a single envelope.

Dates

1944

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Biographical

Found in his obituary, Donald Schwarz served in the 4th Armor Division and survived the war. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He got married and had a family. He died at age 80 on June 7, 2004.