World War, 1939-1945--Brazil

Scope and Contents This collection consists on a series of papers focused on Albert "Al" Haggerty and the "Three Feathers"  B-24 Liberator Bomber he was assigned as crew chief during World War II. The "Three Feathers" bomber belonging to the 726th Bomber Squadron, 451st Bombardment Group. Documents in the collection include Haggerty's memories of his time with the plane, photocopies of pictures of the plane and the crew as well as an excerpt from a book were Sidney Winski, the first pilot of this aircraft,  recounts the "Three Feathers" incident, and finally the transcript of an interview where Haggerty provides a detailed account of his life, his time in training, the "Three Feathers incident," his...

Scope and Contents The bulk of this collection consists of letters written by John Rawls during his time in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II in Brazil. He achieved the rank of Major. These letters, primarily to his mother, give details on his time in training and daily life while stationed in Brazil. He tells stories of friends, the tedium of his work, and mentions the various girls he sees throughout the war. Also included is a photograph album consisting of photographs taken by Rawls while in the service. John Rawls' brother David Rawls also served with the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-17 pilot, stationed in the Pacific Theater. David Rawls was present during the attack on Pearl...