Papers (1943–1945) including copies of correspondence, personal notations, orders, addresses, photographs, reminiscences, equipment lists, and reports pertaining to his World War II service with the 14th Malaria Control Unit of the U.S. Army Air Corps in New Guinea and the Philippines, 1943–1945, including references to malaria control, military issues, and incidents involving Japanese, American and Filipino forces.
In July 1943, Sanitary Engineer, Capt. William D. Bryan Jr. was assigned to the First Air Task Force (FATF), Dobodura, New Guinea, and worked in the area from Dutch New Guinea to the Philippine Islands. His work primarily concerned malaria control.
Captain Bryan's unit also was concerned with the control of an epidemic of scrub-typhus on Owi Island, Dutch New Guinea. Through the efforts of Col. Duran H. Summers and Com. Bryan, several prophylactic control measures were accomplished in insect control resulting in increased safety and effectiveness of Allied Forces fighting in the Pacific Theatre in World War II.
Correspondence labeled "Secret" (31 August 1944) gives a detailed report of malaria control activities for August 1944. A letter or diary entry describes Bryan's move to Fort McKinley in the Philippines and obstacles involved in the move. Also noted is the qualification of Philippine Guerilla Forces for promotion and the capture of Philippine Army Lieutenant Edgie D'Asis, his imprisonment and subsequent work for a Japanese admiral as interpreter, and his recapture by U.S. Forces.
The memoranda book includes notations on the incidence of typhus and malaria by month. Also included is a list of commonly used words and phrases with English translations.
Copies of Guinea Gold (1943–1944) reflect the war activities in the Pacific.
Photographs and copies concern native labor crews, the l4th Malaria Control Unit, equipment, living quarters, and jungle areas.
For related material see William D. Bryan Jr. Oral History Interview (#OH0090), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Gift of William D. Bryan Jr.
Gift of Estate of William D. Bryan Jr.
Processed by V. Leary, September 1987
Encoded by Apex Data Services
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