Guide to the Robert W.​ Dirks Papers,​ 1942-​1945,​ 1990

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Summary Information

Title: Robert W. Dirks Papers

Inclusive Dates: 1942-1945

Inclusive Dates: 1990

Creator: Dirks, Robert W.

Call Number: Eau Claire Mss CN

Quantity: 2.4 c.f. (6 archives boxes)

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: Letters written by Robert W. Dirks of Jackson County, Wis. to his future wife, Leatrice Sonenberg, during World War II and a reminiscence based on the letters written by Mr. Dirks in 1990. Dirks served from 1942 to 1945 with the 178th Signal Repair Company. He describes his training at Camp Shelby, Miss., the Midland Radio School in Athens, Ga., radio school in Lexington, Ky., and Camp Polk, La. After being shipped overseas, much of his duty time was spent installing radios in vehicles in England and driving supply trucks in France, Belgium, and Germany. The letters and reminiscence describe conditions and activities, and contain observations about his surroundings as well as glimpses into what was happening at home.

Language: English


Search Terms/Subject Terms

  • United States. Army. Signal Repair Corps, 178th  
  • World War, 1939-1945—Personal narratives, American
  • Camp Polk (La.)
  • Camp Shelby (Miss.)


Administrative/Restriction Information

Acquisition Information 

Loaned for copying by Robert W. Dirks, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, 1990. Accession Number: M91-088


Processing Information 

Processed by Donna Sereda and Jamie Szudy, 1997.

Contents List


Correspondence Box/Folder 1/1-91942, May-1943, January Box/Folder 2/1-61943, January-April Box/Folder 3/1-71943, May-OctoberBox/Folder 4/1-81943, November-1944, June Box/Folder 5/1-141944, July-1945, AugustBox/Folder 6/1-21945, September-October
Notes and Letter Excerpts for ReminiscenceBox/Folder 6/3U.S. and Maneuvers Box/Folder 6/4EnglandBox/Folder 6/5England and France, 1943-1944Box/Folder 6/6France and Belgium, 1945Box/Folder 6/7France, 1945 Box/Folder 6/8-9Toul, France to Trip Home, 1945, July DecemberBox/Folder 6/10Reminiscence