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Sergeant Samuel Donald D'alfonzo correspondence

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0621

Scope and Contents

The Sergeant Samuel Donald D'alfonzo correspondence consists of nearly 220 letters sent to Private Sergeant Samuel Donald D'alfonzo, aka "Rat" or "Buddy" during World War II (1940-1946). Correspondents include his mother, close friends, fellow soldiers, and girlfriends. The letters from D'alfonzo's mother give an insight into the desperation of mothers who anxiously waited for their sons to return home from the war. On the other hand, his communication with childhood friends evidences the humor and sarcasm the soldiers used during the war kept their service time tolerable.

Dates

  • Creation: 1940-1946

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is housed off-site and requires 48-hours' notice for retrieval. Please contact Special Collections for more information.

Collection is open for use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single copies may be made for research purposes. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions. It is not necessary to seek our permission as the owner of the physical work to publish or otherwise use public domain materials that we have made available for use, unless Johns Hopkins University holds the copyright.

Biographical / Historical

Samuel Donald D'alfonzo was originally from Catonsville, Maryland. After graduating from high school in 1941, D'alfonzo worked in Baltimore as an auditor and studied accounting at Johns Hopkins University. In October 1942 he enlisted in the United States Army. During his service D'alfonzo traveled throughout the United States and parts of the Pacific Rim. D'alfonzo injured his arm in May, 1945, but chose to remain in the Army until December of that year when he returned to Maryland.

Extent

0.76 Cubic Feet (2 letter size document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Samuel Donald D'alfonzo was originally from Catonsville, Maryland and enlisted in the United States Army in October 1942. The collection consists of nearly 220 letters sent during World War II (1940-1946) from his mother, close friends, fellow soldiers, and girlfriends.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

This collection was purchased.

Processing Information

Finding aid prepared by Carla Raus on February 24, 2014.

Title
Sergeant Samuel Donald D'alfonzo correspondence
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Repository

Contact:
The Sheridan Libraries
Special Collections
3400 N Charles St
Baltimore MD 21218 USA