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Letters, January - March, 1943

 File — Box: 1, Folder: 2
Identifier: id136134

Scope and Contents

Scope and Contents Just like folder 1, this folder also contains love letters from Dansby to Sykes. Dansby was still undergoing basic training in Camp Shelby, Mississippi and continued complaining about it, viewing it as too extensive and strenuous. Within a month's time, he advanced from the rank of Pvt. to Pfc., and later Cpl. and his unit moved out on maneuvers and on 1 April 1943 to the port of embarkation. Just like the letters from 1942, these also contain much description of everyday Army life during basic training: pay, rank advancement, entertainment, diet, training routines, furloughs, etc. They do not contain many political and social reactions, especially towards segregation. One comment specifically mentioning Jim Crow is in a letter written on 22 February 1943, at the bottom of page three. Dansby described Judy Canova's USO show, "Hit the Deck", and how touched he was by Canova's treatment of black soldiers. "Judy Canova was fine, she talked with us, rather, to us and honey it made us feel so good to have a white person talk to us the way she did, after experincing [sic] the Jim Crow that persist down here, I've really taken some insults too."

Dates

  • Creation: January - March, 1943

Creator

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

English

Conditions Governing Access:

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.40 Linear Feet (1 Full Hollinger box.)

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center Repository

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