Call Number:

Ms. Coll. 1335

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.12 linear_foot (1 box)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

American soldier's photograph album, 1944-1945, Ms. Coll. 1335, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1944-1945 (inclusive)

Form:

Snapshots, Photographs, Photograph albums, Manuscripts, American -- 20th century, Postage stamps, and Paper money

Abstract:

Photograph album created by an unnamed American Army Air Forces soldier during World War II. Images were taken at Tezgaon (Tejgaon) Air Base in India; Shillong, India; and China from 1944 to 1945.

The unidentified creator of this album was an United States Army Air Forces crew member or pilot on a Douglas C-54 Skymaster four engine cargo plane during World War II. He was most likely part of a transport command unit stationed at the Tezgaon Air Base in India (now Bangladesh) from 1944-1945. The unit flew to and from China over the Himalayas known as traveling "the hump." The soldier's name may have been Leroy which is written on top of a few photographs.

This Photograph album contains 240 black-and-white photographs arranged by an unnamed American Army Air Forces soldier during World War II. Images were taken at Tezgaon (Tejgaon) Air Base in India; Shillong, India; and China. There are photographs of fellow soldiers including one self-identified as Leroy, C-54 cargo planes, local peoples, animals, and landmark buildings. Locations and other information is handwritten on top of some of the photographs. There are a few photographs of an American military grave site. In addition to the photographs are 25 examples of paper currency from China, India, Italy, Japan, and the Philippines. The money is in various denominations. Photographs near the end of the volume were taken in Colorado and the Army Air Forces Overseas Replacement Depot No. 2, Kearns, Utah. There are a few Chinese postage stamps in the volume.