Center for American War Letters Archives

On this 79th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the Center for American War Letters would like to join the United States Navy in celebrating Doris "Dorie" Miller. Dorie, loosely portrayed in the film Pearl Harbor by Cuba Gooding, Jr., moved his dying Captain to cover and took up a machine gun aboard the USS West Virginia while it sank. For his actions and heroism he was awarded the Bronze Star; the first African-American to receive such an honor. In remembr...ance of that heroism, the US Navy announced earlier this year that his name will be memorialized on their new supercarrier, the USS Doris Miller. https://www.npr.org//a-military-first-a-supercarrier-is-na

There's nothing like a gorgeous card to make a birthday - or any other day - really special. Today's Leatherby Libraries from Home comes from the Center for Ame...rican War Letters Archives collection of correspondence by and to Charles Eggeling during the First World War. This stunning card was sent in January 1919. See more

Happy Veterans Day! Though the pandemic has changed much and everyone is in this together, the work of the Center for American War Letters Archives continues as we preserve the stories of those who served. On this special day, amidst the turmoil of a strange year, let us remember what we have and those who have fought for us to have it.

Today's Leatherby Libraries from Home celebrates World Coconut Day by showing off one of the most unusual "letters" held by the Center for American War Letters ...Archives. That's right, this coconut was sent through the mail from a soldier stationed in the Pacific during World War II. You can spot the address written on the front. See more