Thomas Reed Shay, 1943-1958

This series includes correspondence between Thomas Reed Shay and his parents and sister Patricia (Pat), discharge papers, photographs, and two Roman Catholic prayer books. The series primarily documents Thomas Reed Shay’s military service as an Army radio technician during World War II. He was stationed in England, France, and Germany. His letters home describe daily life in the Army. Most of the letters were censored by military personnel but soon after the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, Shay was able “to tell everything that has happened in the past year.” Beginning May 17 and in five following letters, he details his arrival in England to his time spent waiting to leave Germany. Materials are arranged chronologically.