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Guide to the John DeRosier Papers,​ 1990-​1993

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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 1/1Inventory of John DeRosier Collection
Box/Folder 1/22 audiocassettes of John DeRosier oral interview and transcript of interview
Box/Folder 1/3Original copy of “Under the Rainbow”
Box/Folder 1/4Edited copy of “Under the Rainbow”

Correspondence

Letters
Box/Folder 1/51990 August-October 31
Box/Folder 1/61990 Nov. 4-Dec. 28
Box/Folder 1/71991 Jan.-Feb. 28
Box/Folder 1/81991 March 2-April 11

Cards and Postcards
Box/Folder 1/91990 Sept. 15-Dec. 28
Box/Folder 1/101991 Jan. 10-Mar. 18; 1992 May 26-June 1
Box/Folder 1/11Newspaper clippings: St. Paul Pioneer Press, Jan. 15, 1991; Eau Claire Leader Telegram, Feb. 25, 1991
Box/Folder 1/12Gulf War Materials: “Individual Addendum to the PreMobilization Orientation Guide for the Selected Reserve”