The papers of Wilbur C. Berget are divided into two series: Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1941-1952) consists mostly of the voluminous letters that Berget wrote home to his family. Starting at the beginning of his service in February 1941 through one week before his tragic death on Christmas Eve 1945, Berget wrote lengthy letters home in which he described his activities and made observations about his surroundings. Berget commented upon many important events and subjects in his letters: the attack on Pearl Harbor and mobilization for war (letter to parents, 12/8/41), the plight of African-Americans in the segregated South (letter to parents, 7/12/42), his experiences in battle, and the liberation of a concentration camp (letter to parents, 5/6/45). Even while describing the world-altering events he witnessed, Berget frequently asked for news from home or commented upon news previously sent to him, often revolving around the family farm or his siblings' education. The final letters show his desire to return home to see his family. Berget's military papers provide additional information about his service and include his enlistment papers, orders, pay and medical records, and promotions. The posthumous papers detail the aftermath of Berget's death. His family's quest to have his remains returned, the condolences from friends and military acquaintances of Berget, insurance claims, and obituaries. Ephemeral items include some German postcards, filled out in German and featuring Nazi stamps, that Berget must have picked up during his service.
Photographs (1941-1945) contain three quasi-chronological photo scrapbooks that provide a visual counterpart to Berget's letters, with pictures of fellow soldiers, military buildings and vehicles, and scenery. The photographs within the scrapbooks are undated and largely unidentified, but seem to run in a general chronological order. Researchers can consult Berget's letters to get a good idea of the picture subjects. The first scrapbook, with a leather 11th Cavalry cover, contains pictures of his early training in Campo, California. The second scrapbook begins while Berget is still in California and goes through his first days in Europe, including his voyage over the Atlantic. The final book contains photos of his European service and, though they are undated, likely document the final days of Berget's life. Other, loose photographs are largely unidentified and, without the context of the scrapbooks, are more difficult to place. Included are two shots of Berget, several of fellow soldiers, and many candid shots taken of soldiers in an armored vehicle, on horses, and in various vistas in Europe.
