The papers of Robert H. Gray are divided into three series: Correspondence, Military Papers, and Photographs.
Correspondence (1916-1932) consists almost entirely of the letters that Gray wrote to his sweetheart, Norma Partridge, during his World War I service. The letters, which begin while Gray was in New Jersey waiting to ship to Europe, continue through his role with the occupation forces in Germany. Gray writes about the conditions that soldiers in the American Expeditionary Force faced, including weather, shelter, food, and clothing. Some letters reassure Norma that, despite home front news reports that the 32nd Division had been hit hard, he was okay. A letter written on the night of 11 November 1918 documents some of Gray's feelings about the end of the war. While he was certainly relieved, he immediately expressed hopes that he would be sent home quickly. Researchers should know that Gray served as the censor for his unit, including himself. Thus his letters might be a little more candid than those that passed through more discerning eyes. Also included in this series is an exchange of letters between Gray and Wilhelm Schnorr, a German soldier in World War I whom Gray treated. Schnorr expresses his joy in tracking down Gray and his gratitude for the kindness that Gray showed to a wounded German prisoner during the War, while Gray relates his memory of treating Schnorr and tells him about his post-war life.
Military Papers (1914-1919) contains official papers, forms and documents that Gray received and used while serving in the Wisconsin National Guard and 32nd Division. A large portion consists of medical and quartermaster supply lists from Gray's time at Camp MacArthur through the occupation of Germany. The lists document the types of medications and supplies that a World War I era surgeon used. A diagnosis tag book documents many of the conditions that Gray treated; upon first seeing a patient, a doctor would write an initial diagnosis on a tag, stick the tag on the patient, and move the patient on to a hospital. Gray's half-used tag book was used at Camp MacArthur and in Europe. Also included are many orders and memoranda from the headquarters of the 32nd Division while they were occupying Germany after the war. These documents include commendations of individual soldiers and units, training schedules, athletic activities, and orders to embark for home. Some of Gray's personal papers include a diary that very briefly covers his travels from 1916-1919, certificates of promotion, a roster of the 6th Wisconsin Medical Department, and a certificate of appreciation from the city of La Crosse. A map of the Coblenz bridgehead, which the 32nd Division occupied immediately after the war, includes hand-drawn lines showing the limits of U.S.-controlled territory. Materials collected by Norma Partridge show her interest in home front activities like the Red Cross, and newspaper clippings from La Crosse newspapers follow the progress of Gray and other local members of the 32nd Division from their call up in 1917 through the end of the war.
Photographs (1917-1919) include many group shots of members of the 32nd Division and the 107th Ammunition Train. The former includes some shots from Camp MacArthur and others from Europe, while the latter consist mainly of shots taken aboard the U.S.S. Louisiana, while sailing home after the war. Eight photographs show different units within the 32nd Division preparing for an inspection by General John Pershing. These photographs, taken from quite a distance, are not too detailed, but they do convey the size of the Division and the immense number of men that belonged to it. This series also contains two individual shots of Robert Gray, along with a photograph of his future wife, Norma Partridge.
