Call Number:

C1725

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

1.25 linear feet (1 box)

Language:

English

Date:

1950 october 30-1952 september 5 (inclusive)

Creator:

Dalgas, Dale R. (1928-2001)

Abstract:

Consists of over 100 letters as well as diaries, military objects, and ephemera, dating from 1950 to 1952, of Corporal Dale R. Dalgas (1928-2001) during his time serving in the United States Army's 45th Infantry Medial Company during the Korean War.

Dale R. Dalgas (1928-2001), from Oregon, enlisted in the United States Army in October 1950 at the age of twenty-two. He served as a coporal with Medical Company 179th RCT, 45th Infantry Division, in Japan and Korea from 1950 and 1952 during the Korean War.

This collection consists primarily of letters as well as diaries, military objects, and ephemera, dating from October 30, 1950 to September 5, 1952, of Corporal Dale R. Dalgas (1928-2001), documenting his time serving with the United States Army's 45th Infantry Medial Company in Japan and Korea during the Korean War.

Dalgas's letters (most of which are accompanied by their original transmittal envelopes), mainly to his parents, Cerald and Ruphena Dalgas, in Corvallis, Oregon, offer a detailed account of his experiences serving as a mail distributor and barber with the company, and encompass the whole of his time in the war from training at Camp Polk, Louisiana, to his return home. A majority were written from various combat zones on or near the front lines in Korea as well as from Hokkaido, Japan.

There are also a few miscellaneous letters related to Dale's parents from around the same time period.

In addition to the letters, there are two diaries, which Dalgas seems to have employed more as notebooks rather than to record daily events. The content in these diaries is sparse.

It should be noted that Dalgas uses racist language.

Also included in the collection are three photographs, likely taken by Dalgas, that show a group of American G.I.s boarding a DC-3, a sign for the American Forces Korea Network broadcasting station, and a Korean market; artifacts from Dalgas' service time in the Army, including his dog tags; two medic buttons; two medic badges; 7th Infantry Regiment Unit Crest; United Nations Korea service ribbon; a United States Korea service ribbon; medic armband with a red cross; a large banner; a propaganda leaflet; and a commemorative wooden plaque of Dalgas's service. The large color banner was specially made for Dalgas (likely in Japan), with a caricature of him along with his name, rank, serial number, and unit along with a map of Japan and other decorative features. The four-page leaflet is a Christmas card-style propaganda piece from "The Korean People's Army - The Chinese People's Volunteers" addressed to American Soldiers, wishing for peace amongst the opposing forces.