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PRIVATE RICHARD [BARNEY] R. MATSON : 1942 - 1946 ORIGINAL ARCHIVE OF HUNDREDS OF MANUSCRIPT LETTERS, EPHEMERA AND TELEGRAMS DETAILING ONE PRIVATE FIRST CLASS' AIR FORCE EXPERIENCE FROM NEW MEXICO TO ALASKA

4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. On offer is a super archive of original World War II manuscript letters handwritten by Private Richard R. Matson, [Barney to all who knew him], of Aberdeen Washington. The letters, addressed to his parent were lovingly kept by his mother, who in two [2] binders, created a scrapbook tribute to her son and his service. Titled "Letters From Barney", Mrs. Matson did her son proud as she never failed to file the letters leaving an homage that both researchers and historians will be appreciate for the breadth of this man's armed service experience from induction to his return home but the true strength of these letters are Barney's relationship with his folks and the bond of love between that was shared throughout the war. Stories of the missed foods, humor and lots of it, learning to gamble with the soldiers, missed friendships, waiting for the "packages from home", more funny stories, sad stories and unbelievable stories including when he heard of the Atomic Bomb going off in Japan. So many personal touches throughout the letters that strike home even today and of course the everyday correspondence that helped Barney in tune with the world during this bombastic time. Adding to the scrapbook feel we find his original insignias are glued to the front of volume I. The letters start from the first one in boot camp [dated Oct. 30th, 1942 ] to the last entry in volume two that is a Telegram [ Jan 24, 1946 ] telling mom to "Stop writing now as I am flying home and will see you in a couple of days". Hardly anyone will not feel the way his mother must have felt reading that final telegram. From the Advanced Flying School in hobbs New Mexico to Other ephemera include a great cards and postcards that Barney sent to mom on her birthday and Mother's Day, Easter and more. All kept by mom and treasured. There is a period of time when dad leaves the household for a better job and Barney addresses the letters to Mom only and then reverts back to mom and dad several years later. And he always signed the letters "Love Barney". Rarely have we read a more comprehensive retelling of one man's experience and from such a basic perspective one truly feels as if one was there. The binders are 11 x 9 x 1.5 inches in great shape and the letters are overall G.. Book Condition: Good

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