Scattered papers and photographs kept by Arthur Kleeman (Madison, WI) and pertaining to the 325th Fighter Group, USSAF, that served during World War II. The 325th, also known as the Checkertail Clan because of the distinctive markings on their airplanes, was made up of the 317th, 318th, and 319th squadrons. Starting in 1946, members of the 325th began holding reunions. Among the papers in this collection are a list of reunion dates, a dues paid list (1987), paper copies of two commemorative plaques (1977 and 1988), and a newspaper article about a memorial plaque dedication (1988). Other papers in the collection include a tribute to Harry Tope, a friend of the 325th who flew a P-51 airplane with the Checkertail colors and was active at Checkertail reunions, and a letter from Diane Tope to Kleeman after Tope's death in1990. A photocopy of a map shows where overseas the 325th was active during the war, and a document put together by Chet Sluder, former commander of the 325th, shows how the checkerboard tail pattern was applied to various planes flown by the 325th. A letter written by Kleeman briefly explains his role with the 325th. Two prints and two photographs, some with captions, show images of planes bearing the checkerboard tail pattern.
