Part 1 (M91-198): Original Collection, 1986-1992
Physical Description: 13.7 cubic feet (11 records center cartons, 3 archives boxes, 1 flat box, and 1 oversize tube) and 2 videorecordings 
Scope and Content Note

Papers of peace activist Brian Willson, documenting a September 1, 1987 incident in which a Navy train ran over Willson, severing his leg, during a demonstration by the group Nuremberg Actions in protest of U.S. government shipments of military aid to the Nicaraguan Contras. The collection consists of legal documents relating to Willson's subsequent lawsuit, as well as records of the various investigations, Willson's medical records, photographs, videotapes, and news clippings.

These papers have been arranged into six series, the largest of which contains the most important LEGAL DOCUMENTS AND EXHIBITS relating to that case, including the deposition by expert witness, radical historian Howard Zinn; INVESTIGATIONS by the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Department, the U.S. Congress, and others, Willson's MEDICAL RECORDS, and NEWS CLIPPINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS, and VIDEORECORDINGS about the incident. The collection documents not only the incident and the Navy's handling of it, but also the philosophies and peace activities of Willson, the Veterans Peace Action Team, the Veterans Fast for Life, and most notably, Nuremberg Actions.

Series: Legal Documents and Exhibits

Depositions

Ballin, Christine, plaintiff witness, June 9, 1989

Banta, John M., defendant, March 21 and June 13, 1989
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Baron, Dr. Robert B., August 29, 1989

Bell, Milo D., defense witness, September 15, 1989

Berrol, Dr. Sheldon, October 10, 1989

Bovard, Robert N., plaintiff witness, August 1, 1989

Brooks, Stephen D., February 1, 1990

Burke, John V., plaintiff expert, September 27, 1989 and February 5, 1990
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Butigan, Kenneth M., plaintiff witness, February 8, 1990

Cagle, Lonnie Francis, defendant, May 19 and May 22, 1989
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Ching, Clayton W.K., March 27, 1989

Coffy, Marilyn, plaintiff witness, July 18, 1989

Cohen, H. Harvey, defense expert, March 2, 1990

Conley, James E., defense witness, September 18, 1989 and February 5, 1990
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Conner, Maybelle A., defense witness, June 16, 1989

Davis, Clarence L., defense witness, August 8, 1989

Dawson, Ralph, defendant, February 10, March 23, and June 26, 1989
Physical Description: 3 folders 

De Lapp, Kenneth, November 14, 1989

Densberger, John, defense witness, August 13, 1989

Dorinson, Dr. S. Malvern, October 10, 1989

Duncombe, David Cameron, plaintiff, March 31, 1989

Earle, Albert Norris, August 7, 1989

Earth, Ellen, plaintiff witness, March 3, 1989

Elmer, Leroy H., plaintiff witness, April 25, 1989

Falk, Richard, plaintiff expert, September 13, 1989

Fields, Jimmy D., defense witness, January 24, 1989

Fisher, William T., plaintiff witness, September 12, 1989

Foster, Joan, defense witness, May 21, 1989

Foster, Thomas, defense witness, June 16, 1989

Freeman, William E., defense witness, January 25, 1989

Fuller, Annette, plaintiff witness, August 1, 1989

Goodmacher, Charles D., plaintiff witness, volume 2, August 22, 1989

Hagan, Laura, plaintiff witness, February 1, 1990

Hagen, E. Dan, defense witness, December 15, 1988

Hartsough, David R., plaintiff witness

Volume 2, March 15, 1989

Volume 3, August 2, 1989

Herrera, Francisco, plaintiff witness, August 15, 1989

Hilsabeck, Walter G., defense witness, September 20, 1989 and February 2, 1990
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Holmes, Ovid Luttrell, August 7, 1989

Hubbard, Edward W., defendant, January 6, August 10, and November 6, 1989
Physical Description: 3 folders 

Hulbert, Slade F., plaintiff expert, October 12, 1989 and January 29, 1990
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Humiston, David A., defendant, February 16, March 8, August 25, 1989 and January 30, 1990
Physical Description: 4 folders 

Johnson, Dr. Ralph, defense witness, October 2, 1989

Kayfetz, Paul, plaintiff expert, September 11, 1989 and April 18, 1990
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Khatsianow, Feliks, plaintiff witness, February 9, 1990

King, Paul, volume 2, February 14, 1990

Koniuk, Wayne, January 8, 1990

Kramer, B.E. Sam, plaintiff expert, October 16, 1989

Kroll, Michael, plaintiff, March 30 and October 16, 1989

La Forgia, Brian, October 9, 1989

Labovitz, Roberta, plaintiff witness, June 22, 1989

Landis, William D., August 7, 1989

Lassalle, Robert A., plaintiff witness, May 12, 1989

Lowery, Stanley D., defense witness, January 26, 1989

MacRae, Robert A., plaintiff expert, excerpt, September 26, 1989 and February 5, 1990
Physical Description: 2 folders 

McCallum, Patricia, plaintiff witness, September 22, 1989

Martin, Jimmie Lee, defense witness, November 16, 1988

Mayfield, Robert A., defendant, February 17, June 30, and August 23, 1989
Physical Description: 3 folders 

Mays, George Glennon, defense witness, September 18, 1989

Miceli, Joseph D., defense witness, September 21, 1989

Murphy, Duncan, plaintiff, July 1 and July 31, 1989

Nunn, Edwin L., defense witness, December 13, 1989

Peri, Andrew J., plaintiff witness, February 15, 1989

Phelps, William H., defense witness, November 30, 1988

Piazza, Eugene S., defense witness, November 29 and June 14, 1988
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Procter, Craig A., defense witness, July 14, 1988

Pryzby, Stanley J., defense witness, July 25 and September 19, 1989
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Rauen, Holley, plaintiff, August 11, 1988, September 25, 1989, February 6, 1990
Physical Description: 3 folders 

Razak, Kenneth, defense witness, supporting document: Razak's deposition in 1984 case, September 29, 1989

Reposa, Larry, defense witness, February 9, 1989

Resendez, Renee, plaintiff witness, October 3, 1989

Robert, Dr. Cavett M., February 15, 1990

Rotzler, Frederic, defense witness, July 28, 1989

Rutherford, Scott, plaintiff witness, June 8, 1989

Scarper, Lynne, plaintiff witness, October 11, 1989

Schoos, Richard, plaintiff witness, January 17, 1990

Seaman, Marie M., plaintiff witness, September 1, 1989

Skerce, John, plaintiff witness, April 13, 1989

Spitzer, Robert, plaintiff witness, April 4 and August 3, 1989

Stokes, Abner C., defense witness, January 24, 1989

Troyan, Stephanie, plaintiff witness, October 9, 1989

Umholtz, Thomas, plaintiff witness, July 20, 1989

Villen, Sydney, plaintiff witness, March 17, 1989

Von Zabern, Dominic, plaintiff witness, June 22, 1989

Wall, Marjorie J., plaintiff witness, August 15, 1989

Warren, Michael J., defense witness, August 4 and September 20, 1989

Williams, Helen S., plaintiff witness, August 14, 1989

Willson, S. Brian, plaintiff, lawyer's note, January 10, February 3, February 28, March 1, August 28, 1989
Physical Description: 5 folders 

Wright, Robert E., January 19, 1990

Zinn, Howard, plaintiff expert, October 6, 1989

Zwickel, Abraham, plaintiff witness, April 25, 1989

Abar, G. Gilman, July 11, 1989

Atwater, Raymond Dale, January 25, 1989

Avignone, Joseph, July 27, 1989

Banta, John

Summary

Notes

Bell, Milo D., summary

Cagle, Lonnie

Summary

Short summary

Summary

Ching, Clayton

Coffy, Marilyn

Dawson, Ralph
Physical Description: 3 folders 

Duncombe

Earth

Goodmacher

Hartsough
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Herrera

Hubbard

Larson, Harry, December 12, 1988

Lassalle

Rauen

Razak

Willson

Summons and Complaint for Damages (Intentional Infliction of Mental Distress; Civil Conspiracy; Negligent Infliction of Mental Distress; Violation of Statute), January 8, 1988
Note: Train crew vs. Willson, with manuscript notes.

Attachments to S. Brian Willson Claim, January 19, 1988

Attachments to Holly Rauen Claim, January 19, 1988

Complaint, January 28, 1988

Answer to Complaint, Counterclaims, and Cross-claims by Defendant Robert Mayfield, March 10, 1988

Answer to Complaint, Counterclaims, and Cross-claims by Defendant Ralph Dawson, March 30, 1988

Answer to Complaint, Counterclaims and Cross-claims by Defendant David Humiston

Defendant John Banta's Answer to Complaint, April 1, 1988

Answer of Defendant Hubbard, April 1, 1988

Cross-claim for Indemnity and Apportionment of Fault, April 1, 1988

Answer to Complaint by Defendant Captain Lonnie F. Cagle, April 18, 1988

Counterdefendants' Answer to Counterclaims of Ralph Dawson, David Humiston and Robert Mayfield, April 18, 1988

Answer to the Cross-Claim for Indemnity and Apportionment of Fault of John M. Banta, April 19, 1988

Robert Mayfield

David Humiston

Ralph Dawson

Order Denying Motion to Substitute United States as Defendant, May 4, 1988

Memorandum and Order Regarding Defendants' Motions to Dismiss, September 23, 1988

First Amended Complaint, October 13, 1988

Answer to First Amended Complaint by Defendant Captain Lonnie F. Cagle, October 28, 1988

Answer of Defendant Robert Mayfield to First Amended Complaint, Counterclaims and Cross-claims, November 2, 1988

Answer of Defendant Ralph Dawson to First Amended Complaint, Counterclaims and Cross-claims, November 2, 1988

Answer of Defendant David Humiston to First Amended Complaint, Counterclaims and Cross-Claims, November 3, 1988

Defendant John M. Banta's Answer to First Amended Complaint, November 4, 1988

Answer of Defendant Hubbard to the First Amended Complaint, November 7, 1988

Counter-defendants' Answer to Counterclaims of Ralph Dawson, David Humiston, and Robert Mayfield in Answer of Each of Above Defendants to First Amended Complaint, Counterclaims and Cross-claims, November 9, 1988

Answer of Captain Lonnie F. Cagle to Cross-claims by Defendant Ralph Dawson, November 14, 1988

Answer of Captain Lonnie F. Cagle to Cross-claims by Defendant David Humiston, November 14, 1988

Answer of Captain Lonnie F. Cagle to Cross-claims by Defendant Robert Mayfield, November 14, 1988

First Set of Interrogatories to Plaintiffs, December 8, 1988

Defendants' First Set of Interrogatories to Plaintiff Holly Rauen, December 9, 1988

Answer of United States of America to First Amended Complaint, December 19, 1988

Defendant Cagle's Interrogatories to Plaintiff, January 26, 1989

Declaration of Margaret Ratner, February 2, 1989

Nuremberg Actions' Reply to Opposition to Motion to Quash Subpoena Duces Tecum, February 27, 1989
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Plaintiffs' Amended or Supplemental Responses to Defendant Banta's Request for Production of Documents, et cetera, June 2, 1989

Plaintiffs' Amended Responses to Requests number 3 and 4 of Defendant Cagle's Requests to Plaintiffs for Production of Documents, etcetera, June 2, 1989

Requests for Admission, September 12, 1989

Plaintiff Brian Willson's Answers to First Set of Interrogatories Propounded by Defendant United States of America, October 12, 1989

Plaintiffs' Response to Defendant United States' Requests for Admission, October 12, 1989

Orders

December 29, 1989

January 2, 1990

Joint Settlement Conference Statement on Behalf of All Plaintiffs, February 9, 1990

Declaration of Assistant United States Attorney John F. Penrose, May 14, 1990

Notice of Motion and Motion in Support of Memorandum of Motion for Additional Production from Documents of Nuremberg Actions, May 17, 1990

Reply Memorandum of United States regarding Motion for Additional Document Production from Nuremberg Actions, June 15, 1990

Plaintiffs' Objections to Defendant John M. Banta's Interrogatories, June 18, 1990

Plaintiffs' Objections to Defendant John M. Banta's Request for Production, June 18, 1990

Declaration of Jonathan D. Melrod in Support of Plaintiffs' Opposition to U.S. Government's Motion regarding Review of Redacted Documents, June 22, 1990

Declaration of Judy Alexander, June 22, 1990

Opposition of Nuremberg Actions to Defendants' Motion for Additional Production with Opposition of Nuremberg Actions to Defendants' Memorandum regarding Review of Redacted Documents, June 22, 1990

Declaration of Thomas Steel in Support of Plaintiffs' Opposition to Government's Motion regarding Nuremberg Action Redacted Documents, June 22, 1990

Reporter's Transcript of Proceedings, June 22, 1990

Plaintiffs' Opposition to U.S. Government's Motion regarding Review of Redacted Nuremberg Documents, June 22, 1990

Defendant's Proposed Order regarding Production of Documents by Nuremberg Actions and Lynne Scarper, June 26, 1990

Nuremberg Actions' Proposed Order regarding Defendant's Motion for Additional Production of Nuremberg Actions' Documents, June 27, 1990

Declaration of Assistant United States Attorney John F. Penrose regarding Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, June 28, 1990

Response of Plaintiff Brian Willson to Request of Defendant United States for Production, June 1990

Opposition Memorandum of United States to Plaintiff's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, July 12, 1990

Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Motion in Limine to Bar Evidence or Argument in Support of Defenses Based on the Justification Necessity or Compliance with International Law, July 30, 1990

Defendant's Motion in Limine to Exclude Testimony of Richard Falk and Howard Zinn, August 15, 16, 1990

Summary Judgments and Significant Orders

Summary Judgment motions including best summary of Willson evidence

Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Motions of Indivdual Defendants for Summary Judgment and/or for Separate Trials, October 12, 1989

Plaintiffs' Memorandum in Opposition to Defendant Cagle's Motion for Summary Judgment

Assumption of the Risk, Summary Judgment Pleadings

Opposition Memorandum of United States to Plaintiff's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, July 12, 1990

Memorandum of Points and Authorities In Support of Plaintiffs' Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, April 16, 1990

Significant Orders: District Court and Court of Appeals

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, Robert F. Peckham, District Judge, Presiding, Argued and Submitted September 15, 1989, Memorandum

Orders, January 2, 1990

Memorandum and Order Regarding Defendants' Motions to Dismiss, September 1988

Trial Simulation, jury, Willson et al. v. Cagle et al., July 17, 1990

Photographs of simulation of incident, “Visibility Studies of Conductor's, Brakeman's and Engineer's View When Front of Train at Indicated Distances from Willson”
Physical Description: 3 volumes 

Exhibits

Volume 1-3

Volume 4-5

Volume 6

Line drawing of incident site

Series: Investigations

Willson's lawyer, “Report of Investigation Relating to Criminal Responsibility for Injuries Suffered by S. Brian Willson on September 1, 1987”

Congressional, House Armed Services Committee Subcommittee on Investigations

“Concord Naval Weapons Station Train Incident, Hearing....,” November 18, 1987

“Statement of Captain Stanley J. Pryzby, U.S. Navy Director, ...before the Investigation Subcommittee,” November 18, 1987

“Summary of Events of September 1, 1987 at the Concord Naval Weapons Station,” November 18, 1987

“Testimony of Philip Olekszyk, Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety, Federal Railroad Administration...,” November 18, 1987

Draft report, “Concord Naval Weapons Station Train Incident,” December 1987

“Concord Naval Weapons Station Train Incident, Report of the Investigations Subcommittee...,” December 1987

Department of the Navy: Investigation to Inquire into the Circumstances Connected with the Train Accident Resulting in Injuries to Mr. Brian Willson (Civilian), which Occurred in Contra Costa County, California, in the Vicinity of Naval Weapons Station Concord, on September 1, 1987
Physical Description: 3 folders 

Contra Costa Sheriff, investigation records, press release, September 22, 1987
Physical Description: 2 folders 

Contra Costa Sheriff investigation records

Transcript of Detective Nunn interview with Willson

Series: Medical Records

Sibley Memorial Hospital

John Muir Hospital

Diablo Neurological Medical Group

Neuro Scan

Medical bills, Washington, D.C., November 1987

Wayne Koniuk, Prosthetist

Cavett, M. Robert, M.D.

Medical records and bills

Medical bills, general

Physical therapy, Tom Koren

Sheldon Berrol, M.D.

Norman Livermore, M.D.

Clayton Heatley

Ross, Isabel

Dr. Barron

Omega Medical Clinic

John Muir Hospital

Blood Bank, Alameda Medical Association

Lindsay Gillis, M.D.

Diablo Valley Radiology

Crescent Health Services

Donald Hay, M.D.

Steven S. Jacobs, M.D.

Dewey Sanberg, M.D.

Wong, Nang, M.D.

Gregory Anderson, M.D.

Lawrence Orthotics and Prosthetics

Nourollah Ghorbani, M.D.

Lawrence G. Tew, M.D.

Lawrence Orthotics and Prosthetics

Medical Notes regarding condition and problems

Plaintiffs' expert, Carol Hyland

Dorinson, Malvern, psychiatrist

Hilly Harned

Brian La Forgia

John Muir Hospital
Physical Description: 2 folders 

John Muir Hospital

Willson's x-rays

Series: News Clippings

From press service, 1987-1990

General, 1987

Series: Photographs

Photographs, negatives, and contact sheets with inventory
Scope and Content Note: Images include the protest and train incident of September 1, 1987, and Willson in the hospital.

Photograph of collage made by St. Paul, Minnesota veteran for Brian Willson

Series: Videorecordings
Physical Description: VHS tapes 

Incident, September 1, 1987
Note: Robert Spitzer, videographer.

6.05 minutes in slow motion and zooms
Note: Robert Spitzer, videographer.

Part 2 (M94-084): Additions, 1989-1992
Physical Description: 0.4 cubic feet (1 archives box) 
Scope and Content Note: Additions, 1989-1992, including depositions given in the case Willson vs. Cagle; a speech given by Willson in Panama, December 1991; and flyers for Willson's organization, Community for the Practice of Non-Violence.

Part 3 (M95-151): Additions, 1985-1986
Physical Description: 4.5 cubic feet (4 records center cartons, 3 card file boxes, and 1 flat box), 76 photographs, and 5 videorecordings 
Scope and Content Note: This addition relates entirely to the Veterans Fast for Life, a peace action protesting U.S. policy in Nicaragua in which Willson participated during 1986. Materials include primarily letters of support for the protest. Also included are photographs; background material; and videorecordings related to the movement.

Letters from supporters, 1986

Negative and unusual letters

Press releases, citations, manual and other background

Speech notes (Brian Willson?), 1985-1986

Charlie Liteky

Poetry

Clippings

Postcards from supporters, 1986

Banners made by the children of St. John of God, San Francisco, California
Physical Description: 7 banners 

Photographs

Fasters and related subjects, Washington, D.C.

Miscellaneous images, Washington, D.C., including Willson with Senator Ted Kennedy

A California demonstration in support of Veterans Fast for Life

Miscellaneous demonstrations in support of Veterans Fast for Life

Chaplain Charlie Liteky in military uniform

Videorecordings
Physical Description: VHS tapes 

Interviews with fasters and supporters and other related events, Washington, D.C., September-October 23, 1986
Physical Description: 2 tapes 

“Veterans Fast for Life,” produced by Science and Behavior Books, Palo Alto, California; interviews with fasters and supporters

Charles Liteky and Bill Gandall speaking at a Meeting of the Florida Coalition for Peace and Justice, December 12, 1986

“I Witness: Nicaragua,” produced by Martha Mollison and the Somerville Producers Group; interviews with eleven guests who have been to Nicaragua, September 23, 1986

Part 4 (M96-019): Additions, 1986-1988
Physical Description: 0.2 cubic feet (1 archives box) 
Scope and Content Note: Additions, 1986-1988, consisting mainly of press coverage and press releases of Veterans Fast for Life/Veterans Peace Action Teams. Also included are clippings of interviews with Willson and clippings about related topics.

Part 5 (Audio 1738A): Addition, 1987
Physical Description: 1 cassette recording 
Scope and Content Note: Audio recording of an informal talk given by David Hartsough on September 7, 1987 entitled, “The Witness of Brian Willson.”