Summary Information
Title: John DeRosier Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1990-1993
Creator: DeRosier, John, 1944-
Call Number: Eau Claire Mss CH
Quantity: 0.4 c.f. (1 archives box)
Repository: Housed at the Area Research Center, William D. McIntyre Library, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, Library-Archives Division
Archival Locations: UW-Eau Claire McIntyre Library / Eau Claire Area Research Ctr.
Abstract: Papers of John DeRosier concerning his service in the U.S. Naval Reserve on active duty at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, during the Persian Gulf War in 1990-1991. Included is correspondence, an oral history, a memoir, newsclippings, and other items.
Language: English
Search Terms/Subject Terms
- United States. Naval Reserve
- Persian Gulf War, 1991—Personal narratives, American
- Camp Lejeune (N.C.)
Biography/History
John Baptiste DeRosier was born September 25, 1944 in Superior, Wisconsin and grew up there with his parents and his brother. In 1962, John graduated from Superior High School and for the next three years served as a hospital corpsman in the United States Navy. John attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior, graduating in 1970 with a degree in history.
In 1972, John began working as a newspaper reporter for the Evening Telegram in Superior. In 1978, John earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, while also working at the school newspaper, The Spectator.
In 1978, John began working at the Barron County News Shield in Barron, Wisconsin where he met and married Beth Rylander. John then worked briefly at the Eagle Star in Marinette. In 1983, John enrolled at Bay de Noc Community College in a nursing program. That was also the year John enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves. John worked at several nursing homes in northern Wisconsin until November of 1988 when his wife began a job at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. In August of 1990, John was called to duty during the Persian Gulf War and was stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina for 7 1/2 months. John is currently a graduate candidate for a Masters Degree in history at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Scope and Content Note
John Baptise DeRosier recounts his experiences as a soldier during the Persian Gulf War, while stationed at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina. Included in the collection is DeRosier's 41-page memoir, “Under the Rainbow,” in which he describes his experience as a Reserve soldier stationed stateside, an oral history on two audiocassettes (with transcription), correspondence (letters, cards, and postcards to his wife Beth), newspaper clippings, and other Gulf War materials.
Contents List
Box/Folder 1/1 | Inventory of John DeRosier Collection |
Box/Folder 1/2 | 2 audiocassettes of John DeRosier oral interview and transcript of interview |
Box/Folder 1/3 | Original copy of “Under the Rainbow” |
Box/Folder 1/4 | Edited copy of “Under the Rainbow” |
Correspondence | |
Letters | |
Box/Folder 1/5 | 1990 August-October 31 |
Box/Folder 1/6 | 1990 Nov. 4-Dec. 28 |
Box/Folder 1/7 | 1991 Jan.-Feb. 28 |
Box/Folder 1/8 | 1991 March 2-April 11 |
Cards and Postcards | |
Box/Folder 1/9 | 1990 Sept. 15-Dec. 28 |
Box/Folder 1/10 | 1991 Jan. 10-Mar. 18; 1992 May 26-June 1 |
Box/Folder 1/11 | Newspaper clippings: St. Paul Pioneer Press, Jan. 15, 1991; Eau Claire Leader Telegram, Feb. 25, 1991 |
Box/Folder 1/12 | Gulf War Materials: “Individual Addendum to the PreMobilization Orientation Guide for the Selected Reserve” |