Description: From a collection of letters, documents and ephemera from the field of early 20th century writers, historians, military service and more. Checkout other listings! 25 page archive from 1942 that includes application forms, letters, documents, recommendations, etc regarding a WWII pre-draft quest to join the Naval Intelligence unit of the US Naval Reserve ahead of the draft. Many letter carbons included seek supporting references from community leaders, government officials, etc to reinforce the applicants request for acceptance into the Naval Reserve. Such a request follows a particular form and protocol, which includes the signature signoffs of various officers. This application includes the original signature of S. L. Alexander, A.P. Lawton and William L Moise. Unfortunately for the 35 year old applicant, the Navy says, "You have not established to the satisfaction of the Navy Department that your particular qualifications fit you for a mobilization billet in the Naval Reserve". Application denied. Documents are typed or mimeographed. Signatures, when present, are original. There are many office postal ink stamps for each time the application stopped for review, which is quite rare and very cool. Photos posted in the listing are just a sample and not every side of every letter. CONTEXTThe WWII Military Draft in the US had plenty of 18-25 year old men to choose from but not as many 35 year old recruits that were high in intelligence but extremely slight of build. He tries hard to get placed with a non-combat unit, citing his age and associated limitations but in the end it was not to be. In his last letter home sent two weeks before his induction into the military, he pleads of his mother not to feel sorry for him being a foot soldier for he will make his family and country proud in the end. And that he does. This soldier was finally inducted in October 1942 processed initially as "inactive" after which he first went to Camp Atterbury in June 1943 then the Army Specialized Training Unit at Rutgers University in March 1944 and then assigned to Camp Carson in Colorado before being attached to the 104th infantry, 413th Timberwolves. He shipped out in September 1944 and fought through Belgium, Holland and Germany. By the time he shipped back to the States in 1945, he had achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Please review all the photos and description and feel free to ask lots of questions. Checkout my other listings of historical ephemera, early signed letters from the fields of publishing, academia, art and letters, military. Also coming up are early collectible ephemera in automobilia, trains, steamships, opera, theater, ballet, travel, photography. If it's not up yet, stay tuned and keep checking back. Thank you in advance.
Price: 7.99 USD
Location: Chester, Vermont
End Time: 2024-09-25T17:35:24.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
