2026-05-10T05:49:57Z

Thomas Jack Carpenter, Soldier, World War II Narrative and Letters

Creator

Carpenter, Thomas Jack

Abstract Or Scope

Reminiscence and transcripts of letters by T. Jack Carpenter regarding his World War II experiences. The reminiscence of six pages, written in 1998, chronicles in summary form the life of Jack Carpenter from 1940 to 1946, starting from his high school years in Middlebourne, West Virginia through 1946, the year he was discharged. The letters, dating from 1 May 1945 through 14 October 1946, document in detail his training at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, and Camp Livingston, Louisiana; trip overseas to Camp Lucky Strike outside Paris, France; transfer to Schwabach in post-war Germany; training at Fontainebleau, France for clerical work; and transfer to U.S. Headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. Finally, he was assigned to the staff working for General McNarney, commander in chief, U.S. Forces of Occupation in Germany. The letters, in their detailed rendering of Carpenter's professional and personal life, provide a window through which we can view the world of post-war Europe from the perspective of a U.S. serviceman. There are also a few photographs, including the sea crossing, Camp Lucky Strike, Fontainebleau, headquarters in Frankfurt, and the General's lodge at Oberammergau. There are also photos of Carpenter in Frankfurt.
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Collection Context

1. West Virginia and Regional History Center