The Robert A. Bonin collection is organized into two series: Robert A. Bonin and Family Research.
Robert A. Bonin (1928-1952) materials include manuscripts and photographs from Bonin's life. Of note are biographical materials compiled by Bonin's daughter and an oral history conducted with some of his siblings about Bonin's life. His early life materials include papers from the Boys Technical School in Milwaukee, school work, the school newspaper he worked for, graduation programs and certificates. Also included are candid photographs and a class graduation photograph. School materials also include photographs and postcards from Annapolis. Bonin's marriage license, invitations and announcements as well as ceremony photographs are included in his personal materials. Military papers include Bonin's final V-Mail to his wife and the telegram informing her of his disappearance, then later letters regarding his legal status as missing, then dead, are also included with Bonin's papers. Military photographs include Bonin on the USS Grayling, the USS Gudgeon, and an experimental submarine, the USS S-20 in Australia. Of interest is a “score sheet” from the USS Gudgeon, detailing the date and tonnage of ships the Gudgeon destroyed and battles the Gudgeon took part in. After Bonin's disappearance, the family received condolence letters from family, friends, the military and family members of others serving on the Gudgeon. Included are two letters from a father asking if Mrs. Bonin has had any information about the submarine and crew that he might not have received pertaining to the disappearance of the ship. Letters, photographs, news clippings and memorabilia from the launch of the new Gudgeon are included with Mrs. Bonin receiving a samurai sword for Bonin's service in the Navy. For more information and research on the disappearance of the Gudgeon, see the Family Research series.
Family Research (1928-2011) covers a broad range of topics and formats. The Bonin family attended many ceremonies and visited memorials to the Gudgeon and other submarines all over the country. Bonin's wife and daughter were in contact with many submarine veterans organizations and other submarine veterans. Materials from these groups include letters to Regis and Jean from veterans who served with Bonin or on other ships. Many of these veterans sent Regis and Jean articles, news clippings, photographs and letters about their service and memories of Bonin. The letters about Bonin from his classmates at Annapolis were requested by Jean to be sent to her mother, then placed in a scrapbook for Regis. Materials about the USS Grayling include correspondence from Denver Smith, who served with Bonin on the Grayling. Smith sent the family letters, cards and photographs of himself, the Grayling and memorials around the country. Research materials are copies of articles and news stories on the Grayling, the Gudgeon, Bonin and submarine activities during World War II. Other photographs and materials include memorials to the Gudgeon and other submarines lost in action during World War II, the Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii and other memorials. Also included in the family material are photographs and certificates from August 31, 1996, which was declared to be Robert A. Bonin Memorial Day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
