William H. Jenner collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 01.0032

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection relates to William H. Jenner (5th Ranger Battalion, U.S. Army). He served from 1942-1945. Jenner was a Technician Fourth Grade (TEC 4) and wire chief in charge of communications. The collection contains two photographs of William H. Jenner, a copy of an Extract of his Award of Bronze Star Medal, a copy of his Separation Qualification Record, badges, a copy of his Honorable Discharge and a copy of his Enlisted Record and Report of Separation. There are also two copies of his Veteran Questionnaire. A full transcript of an oral history conducted on November 13-14, 1999 is part of this collection as well.

Dates

1944-2000
Other: Majority of material found within 1944-2000
Other: Date acquired: 2001-03-20
Other: Date accessioned: 2020-05-22

Creator

Jenner, William H. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to all researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to quote, publish, broadcast or otherwise reproduce from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Special Collections & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Florida State University Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Biographical or Historical Information

William H. Jenner was born on February 7, 1923, in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, to Bertha Mae and Hugh Burton Jenner. He lived in the Boston area as a child before moving to Westchester County, N.Y., where he eventually enlisted with the army in 1942. He served in the 5th Ranger Battalion, U.S. Army from 1942-1945. Jenner was a Technician Fourth Grade (TEC 4) and wire chief in charge of communications for his Battalion.

William Jenner's first combat was landing in the first wave on Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. He saw action throughout France including the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery when he and his men were ambushed by German troops and he was able to destroy a machine gun nest with grenades. Jenner was wounded late in the war when the jeep he was riding in was struck by a mortar. He was recuperating at a hospital in London when the war ended. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his wound. After recuperation, Jenner returned to his Ranger outfit and participated in the occupation of Germany. Additionally, he participated in the Army Olympics during the war and was a water skier and flew ultralight airplanes.

After the war William returned home to his wife, Esther, and began his long career as a tree surgeon and landscaper. Together William and Esther had four children: Pamela Ruth Mettler, Caitlyn Jenner, Harold Burton Jenner and Lisa Diane Jenner. William and Esther were married for 40 years. William H. Jenner passed away on December 28, 2000 after a short illness. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Extent

1 folders

2 items

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Custodial History

This collection was donated by Pamela J. Mettler. The collection was acquired by the Institute on World War II and the Human Experience on March 20, 2001.