The papers of Waldemar F. Breidster are divided into 2 series: Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1920-1979) contains scattered documents relating to Breidster's military service and his football career at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Breidster served in the military for roughly forty years, but the materials in this collection really only focus on several particular aspects of his service. Correspondence, proceedings from hearings, and medical reports relate to his retirement from active service following World War II. Immediately following his initial retirement he began suffering some medical problems and subsequently sought to show that these maladies resulted from his military service. The materials show Breidster's determination to win his case and the Army's reluctance to grant his request. The last of the papers suggests that he was not allowed to retire with any sort of disability benefits. Another interesting set of documents reveal that Breidster exceeded the Army's standard weight limits prior to World War II and was ordered to lose eight pounds. He pointed out a special exemption he had received, though, and the order was rescinded. Other papers from his military service include pay and medical records, orders, and papers relating to Army Extension courses. Newspaper clippings, programs, and schedules reveal details about his athletic career at West Point. Focusing mainly on football, the papers show that Breidster was an All-American guard and captain of the team in 1922. He also participated in swimming and water polo, and had several roles in plays. Menus and dance programs document some of the social activities he participated in at West Point. The correspondence is scattered and very general. Many of the letters show Breidster keeping in touch with former Army buddies.
Photographs (1923-1963) consist of scattered and mostly unidentified photographs related to Breidster's military service. There are several photographs of him in uniform at various stages of his career. He is also identifiable in 32nd Division staff photos and several group shots. The series also contains pictures from several banquets and field artillery exercises, both of which are unidentified. There is one photograph of an Army football team of which Breidster was a member.
