John P. Maertz Papers and Photographs
1942-1945
WVM Mss 901
0.8 linear ft. (2 archives boxes) of papers and 0.4 linear ft. (1 archives box) of photographs.
Wisconsin Veterans Museum
(Map)
Letters, diaries, and photographs of John P. Maertz, a photo laboratory technician with the 9th Bombardment Division (Medium) during World War II. Collection contains large amount of correspondence between Maertz and girlfriend La Verne Tramitz, who he married in June 1943. The letters written by John describe his training in various stateside airfields from 1942 through 1943, including his duties developing photographs, his anticipation for their wedding, and his love for her. Letters written from Europe reflect his awareness of censorship and reveal few specific details about his service. He writes about seeing movies, the frequency with which he received letters and packages from home, his feelings for La Verne, and vague comments about his duties as a photographer. La Verne's letters to John describe happenings at home, including her work in a factory supporting the war effort. Two letters written to John from a pastor discuss Maertz's pending conversion from Catholicism to Lutheranism for his marriage to La Verne. Also included are two small diaries kept by Maertz during his service, the latter of which mentions his reaction to V-E Day. Photographs include numerous snapshots taken by Maertz during his stateside and European service. There are pictures of Maertz in uniform, including a wedding photograph showing La Verne with a wedding dress made partially of parachute material. More than a dozen photographs depict the German concentration camp Buchenwald after its liberation by Allied soldiers. Shots show torture victims, emaciated corpses, and some survivors. A booklet contains photographs showing the duties performed by Maertz's unit during the war in Europe. Other pictures show recreational activities in Europe, basic training, Maertz's first assignment at Pocatello, Idaho, and numerous fellow servicemen.
English
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