The papers of Warren L. Norkofski are divided into 5 series: World War II, Veterans Benefits, Veteran Organizations, Photographs and Audio.
World War II (1942-1946) contains materials from his service during the war. The majority consists of correspondence exchanged between Norkofski and girlfriend Gene Wetterau while he recovered from a leg wound in a stateside hospital. Initial letters show that the two were mere acquaintances but through the correspondence they quickly formed a romantic relationship and would go on to marry following his discharge. The letters Norkofski wrote to Wetterau described his activities while convalescing at O'Reilly General Hospital, located in Springfield, Missouri. He described attending movies, U.S.O. shows, and going out to bars at night. He expressed his frustrations with the delays in obtaining a discharge from the Army, inquired about events at home, and expressed his growing feelings for Wetterau and the hopes that they would marry soon. For her part, Wetterau relayed news from home, especially about her increasing interactions with Norkofski's parents, in addition to expressing her love for him and hopes that they might marry. Other correspondence includes some letters Norkofski wrote to his parents while he was stationed in Hawaii awaiting deployment to the front. These letters described recreational activities in Hawaii, briefly mentioned his first combat experience in the Marshall Islands, reported on local men he encountered, and asked about news from home. Other materials in this series include military papers from his service, such as the notification of his Purple Heart medal, draft registration cards, pay records, and discharge form. A missal and prayer card reflect his Catholic faith and war savings bond receipts show his participation in that program.
Veterans Benefits (1944-1999) consists of documents revealing some of the benefits Norkofski received following the war as a veteran. Correspondence with the Veterans Administration (V.A.) documents that he received a subsistence allowance in the years immediately after the war that varied based on any part-time wages he received, his marital status, and number of children. A card of introduction to prospective employers and appointment notices show that Norkofski received vocational training from the V.A. as well as leads to potential jobs. Appointment slips and receipts reveal his need for medical benefits due to the continuing effects of his war wound. Additional papers suggest that Norkofski received financial assistance for the purchase of an automobile through the V.A.
Veteran Organizations (1951-1999) contains materials that document Norkofski's involvement in several veteran organizations. The majority of the materials come from Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Florian-Lampert Post 1908, located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Newspaper clippings document his election as post commander in 1955 and as post chaplain in 1993. Post membership records show the efforts put forth by the V.F.W. in the mid-1950's to increase membership. Handwritten notes contain the names of hospitalized or homebound members who Norkofski visited. Membership cards reflect his membership in the Military Order of the Cootie, an honorary society within the V.F.W. A newspaper article from the 1980s highlights Norkofski's continued participation in Memorial Day parades through the V.F.W. Scattered documents show that Norkofski also belonged to the Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Disabled American Veterans. Materials from a reunion of the 27th Division Association in New York reveal that Norkofski stayed in touch with some of the men from his unit.
Photographs (1943-1945) consists of unidentified photographs and negatives of Norkofski in World War II uniform taken somewhere in the Pacific Theater. Other photographs show him with future wife Gene Wetterau while he was home on furlough. An undated photograph shows an elderly Norkofski marching for the V.F.W. in a Memorial Day parade.
Audio (1944) contains one recorded message that Norkofski sent home to his parents. The message, recorded November 2, 1944 by the Red Cross, is on a cardboard and paper record that appears badly damaged.
