William Crum Papers

Collection Summary

Title: William Crum Papers
Call Number: MS 95-22
Size: 1.0 linear feet
Acquisition: Donated by William Crum
Processed By: JEO, 4-28-1995; JEF, 7-13-1998; MN, 11-2012
Restrictions: None

Literary Rights

Literary rights were not granted to Wichita State University. When permission is granted to examine the manuscripts, it is not an authorization to publish them. Manuscripts cannot be used for publication without regard for common law literary rights, copyright laws and the laws of libel. It is the responsibility of the researcher and his/her publisher to obtain permission to publish. Scholars and students who eventually plan to have their work published are urged to make inquiry regarding overall restrictions on publication before initial research.

Content Note

The recollections of William Crum’s three year and eight month stint in the United States Army in the European theater make up this manuscript collection. Written after Crum’s retirement in 1982 from notes he took during the war, the manuscript reveals the activity of a non-combat soldier during the war. Crum omitted names and events that would have embarrassed surviving members of his company or their families. The manuscript follows his three year active military career from enlistment in Wichita through Italy and France as an ordinance specialist. He was also, due to his educational experience at the University of Wichita, in charge of the payroll for his company. His manuscript is detailed, especially regarding camp life, travel throughout Europe, reactions of Europeans freed from Nazi occupation and interaction with U.S. soldiers, and Crum’s personal thoughts and insights about the war. The manuscript also includes Crum’s discharge from active service and time spent in the Army Reserves including his promotion from Captain to Major in the Reserves.

Detailed Description: Box and Folder Listing

Box 1   Manuscript of William Crum