Russell Craig Von Oesen papers, 1923, 1944-1945.

ArchivalResource

Von Oesen, Russell Craig. Russell Craig Von Oesen papers, 1923, 1944-1945.

Russell Craig Von Oesen papers, 1923, 1944-1945.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/57190015

This collection consists of the World War II correspondence between Russell Craig Von Oesen, members of the United States Navy, family and friends. The bulk of the letters are written by Von Oesen to his wife, Cathie. These letters almost always concern Von Oesens desire to be reunited with his new wife. Other individuals addressed by Von Oesen, include his parents and several military acquaintances. Two noteworthy letters deal with the Japanese surrender and the return of Von Oesens unit to the United States. Also included in the collection is what appears to be a typed press release announcing that Von Oesen has been court-martialed for going AWOL and traveling to Florida to be with his new wife. The press release further announces that he was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, and that both his wife and his mother were hospitalized due to a mental illness sustained from the trauma of his ordeal. There is no evidence in the collection, however, to support the authenticity of this press release. Not one of the one hundred fifty letters addressed to his wife after this date mention the court-martial, his punishment, or any mental distress that she may be suffering. Additionally, it is clear from these letters that Von Oesen was on active duty from June-December 1945, writing from a number of Naval ships and ports. It is likely that the press release was meant to tease Von Oesen about his homesickness and his overwhelming desire to be reunited with his wife, which he mentions in every letter home. Finally, the collection contains two letters sent to Von Oesen by Emory University in reference to his application to Emory University School of Medicine.

1.3 linear feet (13 folders)

New Jersey Historical Society Library