Guide to the Edward A. Bruning papers
1942-1945
Collection number: HMC-1472.
Creator: Bruning, Edward A.
Title: Edward A. Bruning papers.
Dates: 1942-1945.
Volume of collection: 0.25 cubic feet.
Language of materials: Collection materials are entirely in English.
Collection summary: Papers of a soldier who worked on Smith Island during World War II.
Biographical note:
Edward A. Bruning was a soldier in the U.S. Army during World War II. He moved through the rank of private and staff sergeant to become a corporal by the war’s end. He was stationed in at least Alaska and Manila between 1942 and 1945. His home state was New Jersey.
Collection description:
This collection contains a photograph album of Edward Bruning’s time in the military while he was stationed on Smith Island, Alaska and in Manila during World War II. The images depict construction, construction equipment, and camp life on the island, military personnel, a pet bear and dogs, a 4th of July celebration, town scenes in Cordova and Whittier, and before and after images of bombings in Manila and Bataan. The collection also contains a postcard warning soldiers not to spread military secrets to their dates and Bruning’s correspondence home to his wife. One letter has been censored (likely by the War Department) and laminated. Finally, there are three bear stickers for the Alaska Defense Command.
Arrangement: This collection is in the original order in which it arrived at the Archives.
Digitized copies: This collection has been digitized. For information about obtaining digital copies, please contact Archives and Special Collections.
Access restrictions: One photograph includes nudity. Due to the condition of the album, the digital copy should be used whenever possible.
Rights note: The Archives does not hold copyright to this collection. If you believe you are the copyright holder to this collection, please contact the Archives.
Preferred citation: Edward A. Bruning 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.
Custodial history: This collection was donated by Barbara Browne, the creator’s daughter, to the Alaska State Library in 2024.
Acquisition note: The Alaska State Library transferred this collection to the Archives in 2024.
Processing information: This collection was described by Becky Butler Gallegos in 2024.