Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

This collection is made up of the World War II-era correspondence of Norma Greiner, her husband William R. Kent, and the Greiner family. The papers include letters that Norma Greiner wrote to her family while serving as a United States Navy nurse in San Francisco, California, in 1943; letters that William R. Kent wrote to his wife Norma while serving onboard the USS Cape Esperance in the South Pacific from August 1944-November 1944; letters that the Greiner family received from various servicemen during the war; and letters that Norma Greiner Kent received from her mother- and sister-in-law.

This collection (79 items) contains the World War II-era correspondence of Norma Greiner of La Grande, Oregon; her husband, William R. Kent; and the Greiner family. One receipt pertains to a small payment from Mrs. R. C. Greiner to C. E. Branner (July 9, 1942).

Norma Greiner wrote 38 letters to her parents while working as a United States Navy nurse at Treasure Island, San Francisco, California, in 1943. She described her experiences treating wounded servicemen and sometimes provided details about specific patients. In one letter, she discussed a set of photographs shown to her by an officer returning from Guadalcanal (February 13, 1943, mailed with letter dated February 11, 1943), and in another, she described her wedding (August 3, 1943). Some letters refer to Greiner's dating life and several from late July and early August concern her marriage to William R. Kent. Her final letter, dated February 19, 1945, pertains to life in San Diego, California. Three of her letters have enclosures: a newspaper clipping about nurses (March 15, 1943), 4 snapshots of natives in an unidentified location (May 27, 1943), and bicycle licenses for Norma Grider [sic] and Wanda Tucker (June 4, 1942). One item is an illustrated printed form letter 2'8" long, including grains of sand glued to one page, that Norma sent to her brother Lawrence (March 27, 1943).

William R. Kent sent 26 letters to his wife Norma Greiner Kent while serving on the USS Cape Esperance in the South Pacific from August 1944-November 1944; these letters form part of a much larger series (not present). Kent discussed navy life, anticipated the birth of their first child, and counted down the days remaining in his enlistment. While stationed on an unidentified island, he described his health difficulties, including a sprained ankle and a diminished appetite, and responded to Norma's news of her hospital work and pregnancy. He mentioned his initiation as a "shell back" after crossing the Equator and encloses a humorous mock subpoena for a related ceremony (August 14-15, 1944). On October 19, 1944, Kent reflected on the death of a friend named Hallowell, enclosing his obituary. Other enclosures include letters and V-mail from the Kent family (September 20, 1944; September 29, 1944; and October 15, 1944); 3 snapshot photographs of an unidentified man with a dog and horse (September 14, 1944); a notice that his subscription to Parents' Magazine would soon expire (September 14, 1944); a cartoon (October 16, 1944); and a list of recommended Bible verses (November 19, 1944). Norma also received letters from her sister-in-law, "Jay" Kent, and from her mother-in-law, Helen Kent.

In addition to Norma's letters, the Greiner family received correspondence from William R. Kent (1 item, March 22, 1945) and other servicemen. Private Dale Greiner, a relative, wrote about his experiences while training with the United States Air Forces in Miami Beach, Florida, and Gulfport, Mississippi; David G. Weathers wrote twice of his love for Norma (April 4, 1943, and July 11, 1943); Norman E. Olson mentioned his participation in naval campaigns near the Philippines on the USS Heywood (February 27, 1945); and Private Chester J. Hoab discussed tank training at Fort Knox, Kentucky (ca. March 25, 1943). Private Bryce E. Miller wrote his letter of March 4, 1943, on stationery bearing printed images of military aircraft.

This collection contains letters William Stine Hermann, a high school teacher and sports coach from Middleburg, Pennsylvania, received from acquaintances and a nephew serving in the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the Second World War. Hermann's correspondents described life in the military, often referring to their experiences playing sports, and commented on news of the sports programs at Middleburg High School.

This collection contains 18 letters William Stine Hermann received from men serving in the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the Second World War, as well as 1 letter he received from the United States Navy Office of Naval Officer Procurement. Frequent correspondents included Stanley M. Bowser (5 letters), Frank H. Attinger (4 letters), Charles W. Steininger (3 letters), and other acquaintances from Middleburg.

The first letter, from the Office of Naval Officer Procurement, informs Hermann that, because of a change of requirements, he was no longer eligible for an unspecified appointment (May 22, 1944). Personal acquaintances wrote the remaining letters while in training for and serving in the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the final year of the Second World War. Staff Sergeant Stanley M. Bowser, Hermann's nephew and a member of the Marine Corps Reserve's 151st Marine Scout Bombing Squadron, wrote 5 letters between January 3, 1945, and November 18, 1945, describing military life in the Pacific Theater and, particularly in his last letter, referring to marines' leisure activities, especially sports. Hermann's interest in sports is echoed in nearly all of the letters, as sailors and marines described their experiences playing baseball, basketball, and soccer during their military service, inquired about sports at Middleburg High School, and commented on Hermann's officiating duties. Several addressed Hermann as "Coach." Other aspects of military life, such as training in Los Angeles and life on a small boat in the Pacific Ocean, are also regularly discussed. Correspondents frequently sent their best wishes to Hermann's wife and children. Many letters are written on personalized or otherwise decorated United States Navy stationery.

• Frederick H. Attinger, United States Navy Repair Base, Advanced GM School, San Diego, California
• Paul H. Bachman, United States Naval Training Center, Bainbridge, Maryland
• Staff Sergeant Stanley M. Bowser, 151st Marine Scout Bombing Squadron
• "Danny"
• R. E. Felker, USS Mendocino
• Aircraft Material Officer 1st Class Howard L. Millhouse, Astoria, Oregon
• Pharmacist's Mate 1st Class George B. Pearson, USS LCI(L)-768
• Private 2nd Class Charles W. Steininger, USS Texas