John Epps Teel Collection

1943-2006, undated
Manuscript Collection #1073
Creator(s)
Teel, John Epps, 1920-2002
Physical description
0.024 Cubic Feet, .024 cubic feet 1archival box, audio cassettes and printed materials
Preferred Citation
John Epps Teel Collection (#1073), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Repository
ECU Manuscript Collection
Access
No restrictions

Documents and cassette recordings relating to John Epps Teel's military service as an enlisted man in the 359th Infantry Regiment, 90 Infantry Division, United States Army, in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European campaigns during World War II.


Biographical/historical information

John Epps Teel (born 11/5/1920, died 5/12/2002) was an enlisted man in the 359th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, during World War II. He was involved in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European campaigns and was awarded the Bronze Star Good Conduct Medal, 90th infantry Victory Medal and a Campaign Medal with one Silver Star.


Scope and arrangement

This collection contains audio recordings and transcript of an interview conducted in 2011 between John Epps Teel and his son, John R. Teel discussing John Epps Teel's involvement in World War II. Topics discussed in the interview include Teel's first knowledge of the war, basic training experiences, crossing of the Atlantic Ocean and the Utah Beach landing. Specific battles and maneuvers discussed include the Battle of Normandy (June 6-July 27, 1944), the Break Through (August 1-10 1944), Falaise Gap (August 10-22, 1944), the Reims (August 23-31, 1944), Reims to Thionville, to Metz (September-November 1944), Drive to the Saar/ Saar Crossing/Bronze Star Event (September-December 1944), The Battle of the Bulge, Siegfried Line (February-March 19450, from Moselle to Rhine (Mar 12-23, 1945), from Rhine River to Main River (Mar 23-31, 1945), Germany Splitting (Apr 1-18, 1945), Advance to Bavaria Aprils 6-May 20, 1945, the end of the war and his return home.

Also included are copies of several submission forms for material sent to the Library of Congress to include in their American Folklife Center's Veterans Historic Project, Teel's Order to Report for Induction, Award of Bronze Star, official honorable discharge, enlistment records and separation qualification record papers. In addition is a photograph of Teel in uniform dated 1944.


Administrative information
Custodial History

July 7, 2006, 6 items, 0.024 cubic feet; Collection (1943-2003) of documents relating to John Epps Teel's military service as an enlisted man in the 359th Infantry Regiment, United States Army, in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central European campaigns during World War II, including enlistment, discharge, and service records and citations; also a photograph of Teel, in 1944; an oral history interview conducted by his son, John R. Teel on 10/5/2001; and data forms required for submission to the Library of Congress, American Folklife Center's Veterans History Project. Photocopies and original documents; 2 audiotape cassettes. Donor: John R. Teel

Source of acquisition

Gift of John R. Teel

Processing information

Encoded by Lindsay Flood, March 28, 2008

Processed by Benjamen Meier 2008

Copyright notice

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


Key terms
Personal Names
Teel, John Epps, 1920-2002
Corporate Names
United States. Army. Division, 90th
Topical
World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Western Front

Container list
Box 1 Folder a Submission form (4/10/2006) to Library of Congress for American Folklife Center's Veterans Historic Project. 9 p
Box 1 Folder a Library of Congress, American Folklife Center's Veterans Historic Project photograph log. (undated) 1 p
Box 1 Folder a John Epps Teel photograph (1944) in military uniform
Box 1 Folder a Transcript of interview (10/5/2001) of John Epps Teel wartime memories. Interview done by John R. Teel (interviewee's son), involving John Epps Teel's military engagements and military training. 43 p
Box 1 Folder b Recordings (10/5/2001) documenting John Epps Teel's memories from World War II, including military engagements and training. Interview done by John R. Teel (interviewee's son). 2 cassettes