War Service
This section of our exhibit features an array of different material relating
to life in the service during the war. Among the items presented are elementary
training certificates, letters, pay stubs, photographs, and war currency.
General Omar Bradley (center) with General George Patton (left) and Sir
Bernard Montgomery (right). July 7, 1944.
[James G. Stahlman Autograph Collection]
Letter dated April 4, 1945 in which Joe Thompson, Jr. describes his first
view of Germany.
[Joe Thompson, Jr. Papers]
Elementary flying course certificate, May 1943.
[Delbert Mann Papers]
Group photo of Royal Air Force pilots.
[Joe Thompson, Jr. Papers]
The mannequin in this photo was loaned to Special Collections by the Nashville
Public Library. "G.I. Joe" wore the uniform of Dr. Frederick Wolf,
Vanderbilt University Professor of Biology, which was donated to Special Collections
by Dr. Wolf's widow, Mrs. Virginia Wolf.
[Frederick T. Wolf Papers]
Dr. Frederick Wolf in his uniform, circa 1944.
[Frederick T. Wolf Papers]
A sample of airplane nose art which was popular during the war.
[Joe Thompson, Jr. Papers]
Dollar bill signed by servicemen aboard the USS Missouri. The USS Missouri
hosted the Japanese surrender ceremony that ended the war.
[James G. Stahlman Autograph Collection]
Chiang Kai-Shek, President of the Republic of China, was one of the "Big
Four" Allied leaders. The others were Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston
Churchill and Joseph Stalin. Chiang Kai-Shek was married to Soong Mei-Ling,
a Vanderbilt graduate.
[James G. Stahlman Autograph Collection]
Officer's Pay Data Card showing pay received on June 28, 1945.
[Joe Thompson, Jr. Papers]
This 5-peso note is an example of Japanese-printed currency issued in the
Phillipines soon after its occupation by Japan in 1942.
[Joe Thompson, Jr. Papers]
Letter home by Joe Thompson, Jr. in which he details how he wants his estate
used should he perish during the war. 1944.
[Joe Thompson, Jr. Papers]