The papers of the Harvey Klafke are divided into two series, Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1944-2002) contains scattered materials documenting Klafke's service in the United States Army as part of the American Graves Registration Command (A.G.R.C.) immediately following World War II. Included are printed instructions, with a diagram, for transporting remains that describe chemicals used to prevent odor; wrapping the remains in a mattress cover; and putting them in a lined reburial box. Blank interment report forms show the type of information gathered by members of the A.G.R.C. about the remains, the location, bodies buried around the remains, and any other evidence that could be used to identify the remains. Several typed statements taken from German civilians describe their memories of American pilots and soldiers who were captured or killed near their villages. Also included is a list of remains that were identified during “processing,” often by identification tags, personal effects, or physical descriptions. Military papers, including orders, provide some logistical details about his service in Europe. The “I am a doughboy” booklet, in which Klafke wrote numerous notes, describes the Infantry Replacement Training Center that trained soldiers toward the end of the war. Klafke received instruction at Camp Blanding, Florida before going overseas. Three postcards and a telegram to his parents inform them of his arrival at various places in Europe but do not describe his activities at all. Among the souvenirs he collected is a “hugs and kisses” ration book and numerous postcards from Europe. There are also several items belonging to Klafke's brother, Alvin, who served in the Navy during World War II.
Photographs (1943-1947) consist largely of shots taken during Klafke's service in Europe. There are dozens of identified photographs of Klafke, in Army uniform, at cemeteries and cities in Great Britain, France, and Germany. Of particular interest are the pictures of the American Cemeteries at Brookwood and Cambridge, England; St. Avold (Lorraine), France; and Hamm, Luxembourg. Most of these photos show row upon row of whitewashed grave markers representing the thousands of Americans killed in the European theater, and some of the shots taken at St. Avold (Lorraine) show timeworn markers just prior to repainting. Pictures taken during a trip to the Orkney Islands in Scotland show the retrieval and transportation of several flag-draped coffins containing the remains of American soldiers. Other photos show the cathedral in Strasbourg, France, a group of German prisoners of war who worked for the A.G.R.C. in that city, and two group shots of the headquarters, 3rd Field Command of the A.G.R.C. while stationed at Strasbourg. A photo from Cambridge, England shows Dwight D. Eisenhower and Bernard Montgomery in academic dress to receive honorary degrees while another picture shows the grave marker of George S. Patton. There are several photographs from Klafke's basic training at Camp Blanding, Florida. This series also contains some pictures of Klafke's relatives who served in the military during World War II, including his brother Alvin, cousin Richard, and uncle Raymond.
