World War II Oral History Project

Finding aid

2007-01
Processed by: EW
Date Completed: 12-8-2007
Location: Special Collections
3 linear feet

Biographical sketch

(Taken from Vol.I of the Montana State University Billings World War II Oral History Project: 2005-2007: Directed by Thomas C. Rust, P.H.D., Department of History transcript)

“This collection started as a class project for Montana State University Billings Hist. 325 – the American Military Experience in the Spring of 2005 but quickly grew from there into a project that needed a second class, Hon. 492 – the American Military in War in Peace, and the help of a number of volunteers to complete over a two year period.

During the summer of 2004, I had the idea of an oral history project to record the military experiences of World War II veterans and hopefully provide my students the opportunity see how the effects of one war changed the lives of the participants and consequently the state and country.

However, with one exception, the people whose recollections are recorded here spent the better part of their lives in Montana even if they were born and raised elsewhere.

I [Tom Rust] directed the process, conducted some interviews myself, and also engaged in the transcription process. The students came up with the questions themselves. Naturally I guided the process but tried to let their questions come through. The questions were designed to solicit information about the veteran’s life, their war experiences, transition out of military life, and how the war affected their post-war outlook.”

Scope & contents

Three transcribed books and 5 oral audio CD’s.

Arrangement of Collection

The books and CD’s are accessible within the special collections reading area

Access

WWII Oral History Project collection is open to all students, faculty and researchers. The items will not circulate, but they may be viewed within the special collection area.nbsp; The Archivist will determine whether the items can be photocopied. The condition and origin of item will help determine whether it can be photocopied along with following the guidelines of the copyright act.

Organization of Collection

The catalog record for three transcribed books and 5 oral CD’s can be found within MSU Billings library catalog: http://www.msubillings.edu/library/

Container listing

None

Listing of people interviewed

Aasheim, Torlief
Ackerman, Caroline
Barton, John
Bartholomew, Bart (C.R.)
Baumann, Ray
Bell, James E.
Breitling, Ruben
Brown, George
Bucher, Robert F.
Bullis, Charles Lowell
Burke, Shirley
Collins, Glenn
Clower, Richard
Erickson, Don
Fauth, Harry
Fischer, Stanley A.
Fly, Roy E.
Frantz, Kirke
Grainger, Donald
Lubbers, Robert
Lund, Arthur E.
Malia, Joseph
McCarver, Orville
McKeon, John Luke
Merrill, Angus
Nafus, Donald R.
Orser, Edward
Paull, William T.
Putnam, James W.
Robinson, Ivory
Ross, Bob (deed of gift not signed)
Sherman, George
Sipe, Anthony C.
Stafford, Richard
States, Emmanuel F.
Stephenson, Victor
Swartz, William J.
Tudor, Everett
Vaughn, C.W.
Wise, Ray
Zitzer, Frederick

Related Collection: Roland C. Holt Collection