Sanderson Family Collection, 1941-1959

(Manuscript Collection #883)

Title:	Sanderson Family Collection
Creator:	Sanderson family
Repository:	ECU Manuscript Collection
Languages:	English
Abstract:	Collection (ca. 1941-1959) of correspondence, manuscripts, printed forms, and printed works relating to the Sanderson family of Kinston, NC, and the military service of Cpl. Claude Sanderson, Jr. in Co. H, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, and Pfc. James Earl Sanderson in Battery A, 449th Field Artillery Observation Battalion and Co. B, 1st Brigade, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division.
Extent:	0.25 Cubic feet, 1 box.

Accessions Information

August 19, 2002, 1 container, 0.25 cubic feet, 417 pages; Collection (ca. 1941-1959) of correspondence, manuscripts, printed forms, and printed works relating to the Sanderson family of Kinston, NC, and the military service of Cpl. Claude Sanderson, Jr. in Co. H, 129th Infantry Regiment, 37th Infantry Division, and Pfc. James Earl Sanderson in Battery A, 449th Field Artillery Observation Battalion & Co. B, 1st Brigade, 119th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division. See preliminary inventory attached. Donor: William H. Rowland.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions

Copyright Notice

Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

Preferred Citation

Sanderson Family Collection (#883), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Acquisition Information

• Gift of William H. Rowland

Processing Information

• Encoded by Apex Data Services

• Processed by Jennifer Love April 2007

Pfc. Claude Sanderson was a member of the 37th Infantry Division, which was deployed to the South Pacific in 1940. The 37th had two major campaigns which were the Northern Solomons and Luzon. The 37th was nicknamed “Buckeye” because it had recruited many men from Ohio among its ranks. The 37th stayed in the South Pacific until November 1945. The Division became inactive on December 18, 1945.

Pfc. Claude Sanderson’s brother was Cpl. James E. Sanderson and a member of the 30th Infantry Division, which was deployed to Europe on February 11, 1944. The Division was nicknamed “Old Hickory” in honor of President Andrew Jackson. They lived up to their nickname in the Battle of Mortain in August of 1944, when they stopped a major German attack and protected the Allied forces breaking out of the Normandy Beachhead. Their action made a tremendous contribution to the victory in France.

This collection contains correspondence. Included is a letter from Claude Sanderson in the South Pacific to his mother in Kinston, NC. In the letter, he mentions that he’d love to have a fruitcake, something that is no available there at all. However, he does mention that he was able to buy a box of “Baby Ruths” the other day. Claude also mentions that if his parents need any of the money he is sending home, they can feel free to use it. Also included is a letter from Claude to his brother James E. Sanderson at Camp Rucker, Alabama. The two brothers mainly discuss the weather, recent events and family. The collection also contains a postcard with a short message from “Lilia” to James E. Sanderson at Fort Bragg, NC.

Also included in the collection is a letter of appreciation from the Army Ground Forces on October, 18 1945 gives appreciation to the 37th Division in their fighting at New Georgia Island in the Munda Campaign. Further materials include a shoulder insignia for the 30th Infantry Division, along with a history of the “Old Hickory”. Their heroic stand at Mortain on August 1944 made a tremendous contribution to the allied victory in France. Also present is a drill and ceremony manual, offering the soldier tips, including the value of unified and cooperative action.