Walter Young papers

Abstract

The Walter Young papers (dated 1914-1947, undated; 0.46 cubic feet; 2 boxes) document Kentucky native Walter Young's military service in World War I as well as medals he received in the 1940s.

Descriptive Summary

Title
Walter Young papers
Date
1914-1947, undated (inclusive)
Creator
Young, Walter Gleason
Extent
0.46 Cubic Feet
Subjects
Military decorations
World War, 1914-1918 -- Personal narratives, American.
World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- Kentucky
World War, 1914-1918 -- Veterans -- United States.
Young, Walter Gleason
Arrangement
Collection is arranged by format.
Finding Aid Author
Jordan Connelly
Preferred Citation
2016ms050 : [identification of item], Walter Young papers, 1914-1947, undated, University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.
Repository
University of Kentucky

Collection Overview

Biography / History
Walter G. Young was born in Kentucky in 1895. He was 22 years old when he enlisted to serve in the military during World War I. He spent approximately nine months overseas as a member of Company I of the 355th Infantry. A week prior to the Armistice, he was injured while running messages for Battalion Headquarters, an incident that would later earn him a Purple Heart. Following the war, he returned to his prior occupation as a farmer, married, and had six daughters.
Source:
Walter G. Young Gets Purple Heart Medal for Military Merit, Leitchfield Gazette, 1940. 2016ms050 : Walter Young chapter from A Soldier's Anthology, Walter Young papers, 1914-1947, undated, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Scope and Content
The Walter Young papers (dated 1914-1947, undated; .46 cubic feet; 2 boxes) document Kentucky native Walter Young's military service in World War I as well as medals he received in the 1940s. The collection comprises documents such as military papers (including induction and report orders), postcards to his mother and fiancée, and the Walter Young chapter in A Soldier's Anthology (by Denny Hart). The collection also includes a panoramic photograph of his unit, the 355th Infantry (1919) and 2 packages of recruit photographs from Camp Zachary Taylor. The collection also contains a number of objects, including 3 medals (such as a 1941 Purple Heart), 2 pins, and small objects (such as foreign currency, patches, patches, dog tags, field mess kit, knife, etc.).

Restrictions on Access and Use

Conditions Governing Access
Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Use Restrictions
The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Libraries Special Collections Research Center.

Contents of the Collection

Walter Young chapter from A Soldier's Anthology, 2014 November 11

  • Box 1, folder 1
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Correspondence: postcards (2), soldiers' mail card (2), and Christmas card from France (1), 1918 September 7, 1918 November 23, 1919 February 27, undated

  • Box 1, folder 2
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Printed material, undated

  • Box 1, folder 3
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Military papers, 1931 April 15, 1947 September 2

  • Box 1, folder 4
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Military papers, 1917 May 5, 1918 March 9, 1918 May 6, 1918 June 24, undated

  • Box 1, folder 5
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Military papers, 1947 September 3, undated

  • Box 1, folder 6
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Photographs of Camp Zachary Taylor sent by Walter Young to his mother (Mrs. Isaac Compton Young) and girlfriend (Miss Olga Payton), 1918 July 1

  • Box 1, folder 7
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4-18-S67G rifle round and .38 pistol round, undated

  • Box 1, item E-1
Scope and Contents

Contains a 4-18-S67G rifle round and a .38 pistol round.

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Foreign currency, 1914

  • Box 1, item E-2
Scope and Contents

Contains paper currency from Germany (2 Mark).

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Coin collection, undated

  • Box 1, item E-3
Scope and Contents

Contains a coin collection comprised of 30 various coins from different years.

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Coin necklace, undated

  • Box 1, item E-4
Scope and Contents

Contains a travel coin necklace comprised of 5 coins. Coins are from various locations and years.

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Buttons and ball round, undated

  • Box 1, item E-5
Scope and Contents

Contains 2 buttons and 1 ball round.

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Uniform patch and buttons, undated

  • Box 1, item E-6
Scope and Contents

Contains military patch and uniform buttons.

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Dog tags, undated

  • Box 1, item E-7
Scope and Contents

Contains WWI dog tags.

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Field knife, undated

  • Box 1, item L-1
Scope and Contents

Contains a WWI field knife. It is engraved with Walter Young's initials.

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Snuff container, undated

  • Box 1, item L-2
Scope and Contents

Contains a WWI snuff container.

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Purple Heart medal, 1941 March 6

  • Box 1, item L-3
Scope and Contents

A Purple Heart medal awarded to Walter Young.

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WWI Victory Medal, undated

  • Box 1, item L-4
Scope and Contents

A WWI Victory Medal for the Meuse-Argonne Defensive Sector, awarded to Walter Young.

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WWI Germany Occupation Medal, undated

  • Box 1, item L-5
Scope and Contents

A WWI Germany Occupation Medal awarded to Walter Young.

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Photograph of Company I, 355th Infantry Regiment on return from Germany, 1919

  • Box 2, image 1
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UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. Appointments are encouraged but not required. Schedule an appointment here.

Researchers must have an SCRC Researcher Account to request materials. View account set-up and use instructions here.

Questions? Contact SCRC via our Contact Form.

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You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.

If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.