The papers of Robert T. Sasman are divided into three series: Correspondence, Military Papers, and Photographs.
Correspondence (1943-1946) consists almost entirely of the letters that Sasman wrote home to his parents during his stateside and overseas service. Starting during his officer training in the states, through his preparations to go overseas, Sasman described his daily activities, impressions of Army life, and recreational activities at numerous bases throughout the country. He asked for news of home and advice on various matters from his parents, and acknowledged receiving both. In August 1945 he began writing letters while traveling across the Pacific to fight the Japanese. About half way over he heard the news of the Japanese surrender, and his letters speculate about whether the ship will just turn around. He also wrote that many soldiers were skeptical about the atomic bomb and its effects. Upon arriving in the Philippines he described his occupation duty there and his sense of boredom. The one major event Sasman described from the Philippines was the inauguration of President Manuel Roxas, which required security from the US Army.
The final letters written from overseas describe his wait to return home. The series also includes two letters written to his grandmother.
Military Papers (1943-1983) contains the orders, pay records, and other military documentation of Sasman's career in the Army and Army Reserve. The majority of the records relate to his World War II service and provide details of his officer training and occupation duty in the Philippines. A diary provides additional information about his service in the Philippines, with daily entries describing his duties and the recreational activities he enjoyed, such as movies and short trips. Other military papers provide details about his 30-year service with the Army Reserve as an instructor and officer. Also included in this series are two scrapbooks filled with ephemeral items and some photographs that Sasman sent home to his mother during his World War II service. In chronological order, the scrapbooks start with his R.O.T.C. service at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and go through his time in the Philippines. An autobiography details his military service and provides other biographical information about Sasman. Programs from the inauguration ceremonies in the Philippines in 1946 shed light on that important event.
Photographs (1943-1946) include two scrapbooks filled with photographs from Sasman's service in the Philippines, which include many shots of fellow soldiers on occupation duty, local scenery, and photos from the inauguration of President Manuel Roxas. The photos in the album are identified and provide an interesting view of post-war service in the Philippines. Two loose photographs show Sasman in his R.O.T.C. uniform and his Army uniform.
