Title: Delbert D. Ekenstedt Papers
Inclusive Dates: circa 1980, 1984

Creator:

• Ekenstedt, Delbert D.

Call Number: River Falls SC 406; Tape 1323A

Quantity: 0.1 c.f. (1 folder) and 3 tape recordings

Repository:

Housed at the University Archives and Area Research Center, Chalmer Davee Library, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, ; owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Library, Archives, and Museum Collections

Archival Locations:

COLLECTION MAY BE STORED OFF-SITE: see catalog entry to request materials and for additional information.

UW-River Falls, Chalmer Davee Library / River Falls Area Research Ctr. (Map)

Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)

Abstract:

Recorded and written recollections by Ekenstedt of his experiences while serving in the U.S. Navy, circa 1966?1969, including: training as a Seabee, experiences as a transport driver in the Danang area in Vietnam (circa 1967?1968), leave in Australia, and a subsequent tour of duty in Cuba. He recalls the minutiae of daily activities, Vietnam scenes, and anecdotes. The written reminiscences concern some of the same topics but do not duplicate the recorded reminiscences. Apparently Ekenstedt was discharged after Cuba but later re?enlisted and served in Turkey and the collection includes some information on his civilian activities, a trip to Disney World, and his arrival in Turkey. Also included is some poetry he wrote and a photocopy of a letter from Nancy Reagan (1984).

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-rfsc0406

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Acquisition Information

Presented by Mr. Ekenstedt, Cumberland, Wis., 1980; letter added, 1987. Literary rights transferred to the Historical Society, 1990. Accession Number: M80-129

Processing Information

Processed by Natalie Tinkham and Karen Baumann, 1998.

River Falls SC 406	Paper documents
Tape 1323A Reel   1-2 Sides   1 and 2 of each	Vietnam recollections and anecdotes Scope and Content Note: Ekenstedt works from a numbered list of topics in no particular order. Topics include R&R experiences of others, Christmas in Vietnam, incidents covered up by the authorities, popular songs, lack of support by the U.S. government of soldiers who shot or injured civilians, attitudes toward protesters back home, sharing of books and comics, model airplanes, USO shows, whorehouses, religious activities, thefts by other military personnel and by Vietnamese, and many others.
Reel   3 Side   1	Cuba recollections Scope and Content Note: Topics include the plane almost running out of gas, the boredom of service at Guantanamo, his work there as a bus driver and in the desaltation plant, his success in a campaign to change Navy policy of extending Seabee's service in Cuba beyond a year if their discharge date was close, and others. He also talks briefly of employment in Colorado and the Dakotas after his discharge.