Guide to the Jerry Coleman papers
1943-2024
Collection number: HMC-1469.
Creator: Coleman, Kenneth Gerald “Jerry.”
Title: Jerry Coleman papers.
Dates: 1943-2024, bulk 1943-1945.
Volume of collection: 0.25 cubic feet.
Language of materials: Collection materials are in English.
Collection summary: Photographs and poems from a man who served in the U.S. Army Alaska in World War II.
Biographical note:
Jerry Coleman was born in 1902 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 1919-1923 and in the U.S. Army Transport Service in World War II and in the years until his retirement in 1955. He was stationed in Alaska from 1943 to 1948, primarily at Fort Richardson, but also traveled during the war to the Aleutian Islands and to the Marshall and Gilbert Islands. He retired from the military as a Major in 1955 and died in 1974.
Collection description:
This collection includes photograph album pages with captions and handwritten and typescript poetry. The photographs are primarily related to World War II and include content from Alaska and the Solomon and Gilbert Islands. The poems include subjects such as his war experience and love poems to his wife.
Arrangement: Materials are grouped by type.
Digitized copies: This collection has not been digitized. For information about obtaining digital copies, please contact Archives and Special Collections.
Access restrictions: Some photographs include partial nudity or individuals killed in action.
Rights note: The Archives holds copyright to this collection.
Preferred citation: Jerry Coleman papers, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.
Related materials: For more materials related to World War II, please see the World War II in Alaska topic guide.
Acquisition note: The collection was given to the Archives by Valery Garrett, granddaughter of Jerry Coleman.
Processing information: This collection was described by Arlene Schmuland and Rachel Gill in 2024.
Container list:
| Box/Folder | Description | Dates |
| 1/1 | Copy of album pages with Jerry Coleman identified | 1943-1945 |
| 1/2 | Album pages | 1943-1945 |
| 1/3 | Poetry | 1944-1974?, 1980 |
| 1/4 | Biographical sketch | 2024 |