This collection consists of correspondence and personal papers documenting the life of E.R. McElligott, a draftsman in the 152nd Aero Squadron of the United States Army. The correspondence series contains 102 letters and several postcards written primarily by E.R. McElligott. Letters are written to various family members, particularly McElligott's sisters and parents, and describe his life in the military from enlistment to discharge. McElligott describes his travels from New York to San Antonio and finally to Illinois, England, and France. His letters give insight into the daily details, entertainments, and worries of an enlisted man as well as personal observations of various American and European cities. McElligott's letters also briefly touch on his job of salvaging and repairing damaged airplanes, although specific details regarding sensitive military information were censored. Personal papers include a special emergency card belonging to Pvt. E.R. McElligott.