Ralph H. Schneck Military collection, 1854-1973 | Purdue University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections

1.  Correspondence, Clippings and Photo Albums, 1919-1946 (1 cubic foot).  This series includes numerous letters Ralph H. Schneck wrote to his family and friends chronicling his time training to enter military service during World War II, his time as a leading bomber pilot flying missions over Germany and reflections on his post-war days.  Found among the letters are newspaper clippings, cartoons including “Hash Marks” columns and “Hubert” comic strips, post cards, theatre programs and newspaper issues of War Week, Stars and Stripes and ce soir.  Post war material includes his parent’s war ration cards, mileage rationing records and a selective service card.  The photo albums contain a pictorial history of Ralph H. Schneck from his childhood, through military training and his 18 months overseas during World War II.  The albums include carefully detailed photo captions.

2.  Rare Travel Logs, 1939-1945 (2 folders).  The two travel logs were given to Schneck as gifts and offer a unique glimpse into pre and post-war Europe.  Includes the world travel log of H.E. MacConaughey, printed on Hawaiian Pineapple Company stationery, dated July 28, 1939. This report gives insight into pre-war Europe. The second log is “The Libs Tours” of Europe, a travel log of a flight for ground-based and support staff to see the destruction their Liberators delivered, c. 1945.  

3.  Artifacts, 1854-2000 (1.2 cubic feet).  The artifacts include memorabilia from Wadesville High School, numerous military artifacts, including foreign currency, pilot’s good luck charms (given by friends), aviation sunglasses, silk gloves (worn under heated flight suits), United States Army Air Corps uniform items and “Hubert” cartoon books.  Materials in the series are arranged chronologically, with oversized materials housed separately for preservation purposes.    

4.  DVD – “Personal Account of Childhood – Joining the Army,” undated.  The DVD is narrated by Ralph Schneck and includes footage of the special places of his youth, military training and service in the army.