This collection consists mainly of photographs and artwork dating from World War II. There are also two memoirs by U.S. Army Air Forces photographers. Collection materials had been in the possession of World War II veteran David Machtel but did not necessarily originate with him. Photos depict various scenes from the Pacific Theater of Operations. Mike LePere took most - or possibly all - of these. According to Machtel, LePere served with the 5th Army Air Forces 91st Photo Reconnaissance Wing. Machtel indicated that LePere's tour of duty included time in New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, the Philippines, Okinawa and Japan. Most photographs are unidentified, and the photos are grouped by common themes. Photos of U.S. military personnel, for example, have been filed together, as have photos of Pacific island scenery. Names of military personnel and islands are usually not provided. The collection includes a photocopy of LePere's article "Photographing the End of the War in the Pacific." This article appeared in the July/August 1995 issue of Michigan History Magazine. In it, LePere reflects on his experiences as wartime photographer in the Army Air Forces. The same folder includes a copy of another article's first page. The article, entitled "Mission Over Manila," dates from circa 1944. The publication source is unknown. The author, Sgt. Roger Sheldon, also served as an Army Air Forces Photographer. In the article, he describes his experiences as an aerial photographer during the 1944 Philippines liberation. One folder, labeled "Photos - Home Front," contains images of an unidentified family. It is unknown if these photos originate with LePere, Machtel or someone else. Two folders contain black and white photos of Sgt. George Porter's artwork. Machtel has described Porter as "a commercial artist." Beyond this, there is little available information on him. The artwork consists of drawings and paintings, most of which are signed by Porter. In many cases, Porter hand wrote a note. His notes often indicate the locations depicted, and they sometimes include brief descriptions. Depicted locations include New Guinea, the Dutch East Indies, the Philippines and Okinawa. There are scenes of buildings, military camps, military aircraft and island scenery. Servicemen appear in hospitals, at camp and engaged in activities such as shaving, swimming, constructing buildings and watching a movie. Porter's portraits of certain officers appear at the end of the files.
