The papers of Paul Bergmann are divided into two series: Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1936-1989) consist mainly of correspondence and military papers. The letters written by Bergmann to his cousin, Bill Seizer, span between 1942 and 1945, with the majority being written after June 1944. Letters from 1942 and 1943 cover Bergmann's time in basic training and officer school, along with his time serving as an instructor of jungle warfare tactics in Trinidad. Letters pertaining to his service with Merrill's Marauders begin with a letter dated January 4, 1944, in which he informs his cousin that he won't be able to write for some time. Letters pick up again on June 4, 1944, in which he informs his cousin that he was on maneuvers with the Marauders. His discussions on serving with the Marauders continue through the end of 1944. Letters from 1945 are from his recovery from illness back in the United States. Some letters included souvenirs sent home to Bill. The souvenirs were separated and placed in the souvenir folder in the series, but a record of the letter they were sent in was kept with both the letters and the items when known. The military papers span Bergmann's career in the Army. The bulk are personal military papers. There are 201 Files (1943-1951) which contain general and special orders, medical files, financial records, and official communications. Other military records include certificates, official correspondence, and training materials issued at the Infantry School (Fort Benning). Military correspondence pertains to promotions, regulations, and form letters thanking Bergmann for his role in the service. Of note are items relating to military education including test materials and graduation programs from Trinidad Mobile Force Jungle Warfare School and Fort Benning. A detailed service narrative provides context to the collection and details Bergmann's service in Merrill's Marauders.
Materials relating to the Merriall's Marauders Association include information about the first reunion. There are newspaper clippings about the reunion and picture postcards collected at the reunion. There is also a program for the 43rd Annual Reunion.
Photographs (circa 1940-1947) contain images of training camps, interesting images of mountain training, and pictures of sights in Egypt. There are also individual photos of people who served with Bergmann. Also included are several snapshots of the 1947 Merrill's Marauders Reunion.
