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This collection is made up of letters addressed to Doris M. Fletcher of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, during World War II. Her most frequent correspondent was her boyfriend, Harold R. Bertholf of the merchant marine; she also received letters from "Wayne," a soldier serving in Italy, and Marie Babilis, a resident of Detroit, Michigan, who mourned Wayne's death in 1944.

This collection is made up of 40 letters addressed to Doris M. Fletcher of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, during World War II. Harold R. Bertholf wrote 35 letters to Doris, his girlfriend, from July 5, 1944-January 7, 1946. He discussed aspects of his service in the merchant marine, including travels between unnamed ports, leisure activities, and his anticipation of being assigned to a new ship. In several letters, he reassured Doris of his dedication to her and mentioned the possibility of marriage. After spending time at sea in 1944, Bertholf went to New London, Connecticut, where he took classes at the United States Maritime Service Officers' School at Fort Trumbull. He was stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, before receiving future assignments. From December 1945-January 1946, he worked for Christopher Gadsden and Street Brothers of Charleston, South Carolina.

Doris M. Fletcher's other wartime correspondents included "Wayne," a member of the United States Army who wrote 3 letters to Doris in June and July 1944. He briefly described Rome and mentioned his growing boredom with army life. After his death on July 19, 1944, Doris received 2 letters from Marie Babilis of Detroit, Michigan, who had been close to Wayne. She reflected on Wayne's death and requested that Doris ask a mutual friend to share details about the accident that killed him.

The Robert B. Ackerburg correspondence consists of a series of letters Ackerburg wrote to his friend, Suki Rochford, during his time in the merchant marine immediately following the Second World War.

The Robert B. Ackerburg correspondence consists of 32 letters written by Ackerburg to his friend, Suki Rochford, during his time in the merchant marine immediately following the Second World War. Ackerburg wrote in a lighthearted tone throughout his correspondence to Suki, and described everyday occurrences during the Cape Beale's journey to East Asia in 1946. Ackerburg often focused on news of upcoming destinations, but occasionally admonished Suki for not writing often enough. On June 9, 1946, he asked Suki, "Not to be dramatic but haven't you heard how important mail was supposed to be during the war? The war may be over but everyone I know out here still thinks it's damned important." The letters implied a carefree tone throughout his service following the war, and the sailors on board the Cape Beale appeared to be of a jovial sort; Ackerburg reported the following exchange: "I spelled another stupid one tonight. We were in the chart room and he popped out with 'The Cape Palmas is going to Capetown and Ceylon.' I thought he said sail on. 'Sail on where?-' 'Ceylon-' 'Yes, but sail on where?'" (February 6, 1946). Ackerburg also focused on leisure time pursuits; these often focused on acquiring beer but occasionally involved other substances: "We had a chance to buy some marijuiana [sic] in Santos but gave up the idea because I would have had to roll my own cigarettes and if I mixed that the way I mix drinks I probably wouldn't be writing this now" (March 10, 1946). Throughout his time on board, Ackerburg read and spent much time lying about the deck, often reading. In April, he reflected on his experiences in the service, exposing anambivalence toward post-war patriotism: "Three years ago this month I turned patriotic. Have been thinking lately of turning something else when this trip is over but guess I'll have to wait until I return and see how things are" (April 12, 1946). Other letters also allude to Ackerburg's desire to leave the service, and he often mentioned his plans for seeing Suki once he returned to the United States. Though the status of their relationship was unclear, Ackerburg did ask Suki to clarify her feelings toward him, saying, "It's been 5 months and three days since we kissed goodnight … I imagine the reason you are glad you had will power is the same reason that I wish you didn't" (June 16, 1946). Ackerburg's letters provide insight into the life of merchant marine sailors in the post-World War II era.

This collection contains four letters written by Robert Baynham, United States Merchant Marine, to his wife during the early months of 1945, when he served in the Pacific Theater.

This collection contains four letters written by Robert Baynham, United States Merchant Marine, to his wife during the early months of 1945, when he served in the Pacific theater. Each of the four letters was written over several days, providing running commentaries that he mailed when his ship reached port. He wrote primarily about everyday life at sea, and discussed his work duties, the weather, and fellow sailors, though censorship prevented him from describing more specific military movements. Throughout his letters, he told his wife of his eagerness to return to the United States, and he looked forward to the end of the war: "When will this be over? Our enemies just seem to hang on though they are losing ground day by day…" (February 13, 1945). He reported receiving care packages from his wife's family, and on several occasions, wrote his wife about their garden and chickens.