This collection consists of over 85 handwritten letters and 3 photographs. It documents the final year of World War II (1945) from the perspective of a United States Navy parachute rigger stationed at U.S.N.A.S. Klamath Falls in Oregon. W.A. (Wilfred Allen or Al) Fountain wrote to Evelyn Ruth Lanphere, who lived in Coupeville, on Whidbey Island, in Washington State. Few letters are dated; envelope postmarks detail the letters’ chronology.

The end of World War II is often discussed. Fountain writes about the cessation of fighting in Europe and “German treasure” discovered by the Allies. The Pacific theater is frequently mentioned, as Fountain watches air force preparations to attack Japan. Fountain also laments Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s death, comments on Harry Truman’s presidency, and acknowledges V-E Day celebrations.

Fountain describes Klamath Falls Naval Station and his work as a Navy parachute rigger with Carrier Aircraft Service Unit (CASU) 68. His rank is Seaman, and he details his responsibilities at the float shop. Fountain primarily works on the station, though he does mention being off shore in May 1945. Lanphere is on Whidbey Island, where she first met Fountain when he was stationed there before Klamath Falls. Much of the correspondence details leisure activities: movies, dances, drinking socially, family time and photography. Fountain sends Lanphere camera film, purchased at the station, to take photographs with her camera. Fountain also discusses his brother, Douglas Fountain, who is with 640th Bombardment Squadron, 409th Bombardment Group (later 9th Army Air Forces) in Europe.

The photographs depict Evelyn as a baby, circa 1928; as a young girl in 1934; and her parents’ home in Coupeville, Washington.