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Vietnam War collections

 Collection
Identifier: D.287

Scope and Contents

Connor (James and John Michael) Papers: This collection consists of letters written by two brothers, James and John Michael Connor, to their aunt Mary Ann Connor, while they served in the military during the period of the Vietnam War. James Connor was stationed in Germany, and traveled throughout Europe with his first wife Barbara. His letters discuss his experiences living, working, and traveling in Europe. John Michael ("Mike") Connor was enrolled in St. John Fisher College in the 1960s, but due to a clerical error he was drafted for service. He trained for the artillery at Ft. Hood in Texas, and fought in Vietnam during the notorious Tet Offensive. Mike's letters include thank-you notes for gifts sent to him by his aunt, and discuss his experiences while training at Ft. Hood and then serving in Vietnam. The Connor collection consists of 31 letters and 4 postcards. They are the gift of Mary Ann Connor of East Rochester, NY, July 17, 1981. Depuy (Charles T.) Papers: This collection contains letters written by Charles T. DePuy, Jr. to his friend Elisabeth ("Ebets") Wesson while DePuy was serving in Vietnam from 1966-1967. His letters discuss his duties as an aerial intelligence officer, as well as his personal feelings about the war in Vietnam. Also included is a letter written in 1981 where DePuy reflects upon his experiences in Vietnam. Finnegan (Mike) Papers: This collection includes letters written by Mike Finnegan to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Finnegan, during his tour of duty in Phu Bai, Vietnam in 1972. The letters provide details about Finnegan's daily life and work-related duties in and around the Phu Bai area. Gordon (Edwin) Papers: This collection contains printed publications and ephemera relating to the United States' involvement in Vietnam. Included are publications issued by the U.S. Department of State; printed ephemera in support of Vietnam veterans; and newspaper articles written by Edwin Gordon. Gordon, a retired Rochester, NY history and social studies teacher, was heavily involved in promoting public support for Vietnam veterans and was outspoken in his support for the military action taken by the U.S. in Vietnam. He made two trips to South Vietnam in 1963 and 1966 as a volunteer on behalf of a Christian charitable organization. Maurer (Frederick J.) Papers: The typescript of a letter written by Frederick J. Maurer to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Maurer, while serving in Vietnam as a Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army. In the letter, Frederick frankly discusses his objections to the way the war in Vietnam is being handled and portrayed by the American government and the American press. Frederick flew helicopters and was stationed at a base near Kontum at the time the letter was written. Topolosky (Michael J.) Papers: This collection contains letters written by Michael J. Topolosky, a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. Most of the letters were written during his training and tour of duty in Vietnam from 1967-1968. Topolosky wrote the letters to his former professor at Texas A&M University, Dr. Donald Weekes, whom Topolosky always referred to as "Doc." The two men continued a close friendship beyond Topolosky's college years. The collection contains over 50 letters and postcards written by Michael J. Topolosky to Dr. Weekes, including several letters written to Dr. Weekes by Michael's wife, Trudy.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1966-1973

Language of Materials

English

Extent

1 box(es) (6 separate collections in 1 box)

Access

The Vietnam War Collections is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books, Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The DePuy Papers are the gift of Elisabeth Wesson Judson of Rochester, NY, August 5, 1981. The letters are the gift of Mrs. Thomas Finnegan of Rochester, NY, May 17, 1982. The Gordon Papers are the gift of Edwin Gordon of Greece, NY. The Maurer letter is the gift of Alfred Maurer of Sun City Center, Florida, August 4, 1982. The Topolosky letters are the gift of Helen N. Weekes of Wilmington, Ohio, January 10, 1990. Helen is a 1942 graduate of the University of Rochester (Helen Louise Nyquist) and the widow of Dr. Donald Weekes.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Vietnam War Collections, D.287, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Arrangement

Connor, James and John DePuy, Charles T., Jr. Finnegan, Mike Gordon, Edwin Maurer, Frederick J. Topolosky, Michael J.

Title
Vietnam War collections
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA