Biographical/historical information

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: 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 18 December 1945.

Pfc. Claude Sanderson's brother was Cpl. James E. Sanderson, a member of the 30th Infantry Division, which was deployed to Europe on 11 February 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.

Scope and arrangement

This collection contains correspondence. Included is a letter from Claude Sanderson in the South Pacific to his mother in Kinston, North Carolina. In the letter, he mentions that he'd love to have a fruitcake, something that is not 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, N.C.

The collection also includes a letter of appreciation from the Army Ground Forces on 18 October 1945 to the 37th Division for their participation at New Georgia Island in the Munda Campaign. Further materials include a shoulder insignia for the 30th Infantry Division and a history of the division. Also present is a drill and ceremony manual offering the soldiers tips, including the value of unified and cooperative action.

Administrative information

Custodial History

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, N.C., 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. See preliminary inventory attached. Donor: William H. Rowland.

Source of acquisition

Gift of William H. Rowland

Processing information

Encoded by Apex Data Services

Processed by Jennifer Love April 2007

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

Sanderson, Claude
Sanderson, James E.

Family Names

Sanderson family

Corporate Names

United States. Army--Military life
United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 30th (1901-1957)--History
United States. Army. Infantry Regiment, 37th

Topical

World War, 1939-1945

Container list