The papers of Craig T. Luther are divided into two series: Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1945-2005) consists of materials relating to Luther's service in the 132nd Military History Detachment (M.H.D.) during the Gulf War, his role as a historian in the Wisconsin National Guard, and his interest in collecting military memorabilia. The Gulf War materials are interesting and unique for the insight they provide into the role of an active-duty military historian. His reminiscences describe his role and the role of the 132nd M.H.D. in collecting artifacts and information by which Army officials could later compile a history of the war. The war trophy registration forms document the types of artifacts, largely Iraqi, collected by the 132nd M.H.D. and also the process by which units and individual soldiers could collect and keep captured enemy equipment. The series also contains some unique souvenirs such as Gulf War greeting cards, postcards, photocopied comic strips, and a paper Arabic flag. A magazine article and conference flyer provide information about Gulf War illness.
As a veteran, Luther joined numerous veterans groups like the V.F.W., Disabled American Veterans, and American Legion of which there are scattered materials. Two calendar books from the Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association detail some of the benefits available to its members and veterans in general. He also gained honorary membership into several World War II unit veterans groups, of which there are scattered reunion notices and correspondence. The post-Gulf War materials mostly relate to Luther's interest in military history. Several historical sketches of the 32nd Division/Brigade, materials relating to Wisconsin National Guard public service campaigns to help troubled youth and eliminate drug use, a Guard recruitment card, folder, and flyer, and a large number of brochures to Army bases and military museums show his interest in historical materials. Luther also collects military memorabilia and this series contains examples of the types of materials he collected. Two leaflets relate to the Fuertes Caminos program in which the United States teamed with Latin American countries to build roads and other infrastructure. There are also some World War II ephemeral items such as an individual injury report and several quizzes given to military personnel after viewing an industrial safety film.
Also included in this series are two letters to Luther, one relating to memorabilia and another from a person Luther must have met during the Gulf War. This latter letter briefly describes peacekeeping efforts in Bosnia, though the handwriting makes it difficult to identify the writer or their nationality. Two Memorial Day speeches given by Luther in the Madison area show his sense of patriotism and an account of a D-Day reenactment in Chicago documents his participation in living history events.
Photographs (1916-1991) are scattered and largely reflect Luther's collection of military memorabilia. There is one photograph showing Luther in uniform with an unidentified woman at a social gathering, presumably taken during the Gulf War. An oversized group shot of the 128th Tactical Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, has printed autographs of the members. Other photographs show an infantry company during the Mexican Border War, various bust shots of Wisconsin National Guard officers, and a young man in civilian clothing named Al Torrisi. Two unidentified photographs depict diplomatic events at the White House with no clear military connection. Another unidentified photograph shows a woman in Women's Army Corps uniform with a painted American flag in the background.
Audio consists of three tapes onto which Craig Luther recorded the sounds of combat and radio chatter during the opening stages of the Gulf War, while attached to the First Armored Division. Tape 2 in particular contains entries made by Luther as he recorded the time, date, and progress of the 1st.
