Robert J. Levy papers, 1918-1969, bulk 1943-1946

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Series I. Military Documents

This series consists of correspondence, reports, rosters, and similar documents related to the military operations of the Allied Forces circa 1940s. Much of the documentation centers around the time leading up to and following the liberation of Paris from German forces. The series also contains instructional printed material and first-hand accounts of events written by Levy.


Subseries 1. Administrative Files, 1944-1945

This subseries consists of rosters of French, British, and American officers and of records related to daily military occurrences and events, including daily orders, details of correspondence and reports, troop and supply movements, ceremonies, and personnel issues.



Box 1 Folder 2 Reports, circa 1940s, 1944-1945, undated


Box 1 Folder 6 Daily Orders and Timelines, 1943-1945


Box 1 Folder 9 Officer Rosters, 1944-1945


Subseries 2. Correspondence, circa 1940s, 1944-1945

This subseries consists of long- and short-form correspondence, communiqués, and reports. Most of the correspondence is addressed to and/or from de Gaulle, Eisenhower, and S.H.A.E.F. and dated in the months after the liberation of France (August-November 1944). Many of the documents are labeled "secret" or "restricted."


Box 1 Folder 2 Military Reports, circa 1940s, 1944-1945, undated


Box 1 Folder 3 Messages, circa 1940s, 1944-1945, undated


Subseries 3. Printed Material, circa 1940s, 1943-1944

This subseries contains military instructional guide books. It also contains a provisional edition map of France illustrating "Control of Refugees and Displaced Persons" and two identical company rosters from the Military Government School at Fort Custer, one of which is autographed by classmates and teachers.



Box 2 Folder 3 Instruction and Guide Books, circa 1940s, 1943-1944

Series II. Personal Documents

This series contains documents, printed materials, and realia related to Levy's personal experiences, primarily focusing on his military tour in Europe, 1944-1945.


Subseries 1: Correspondence, 1944-1946, 1968

This series contains personal letters to Levy, primarily dated April 1944-November 1945. It includes correspondence from André Siegfried, political writer and member of the Académie française, and a brief exchange between Levy and Eisenhower regarding Eisenhower's article inReader's Digest(included) on domestic response to the war in Vietnam.



Box 1 Folder 4 Correspondence, General, 1944 January-1945 November, 1946


Box 1 Folder 11 Correspondence with Dwight David Eisenhower, 1968


Box 1 Folder 12 Correspondence with André Siegfried, 1945


Subseries 2: De Gaulle Manuscript, undated

This subseries contains undated handwritten and typed notes and manuscript pages detailing Levy's personal experiences with and perspectives on de Gaulle. A partial manuscript, written by Levy with Noel F. Busch, is titled "Is General DeGaulle Through? --an expert appraisal of an enigmatic hero on whom, the author says, France may soon call again."


Box 1 Folder 13 De Gaulle Manuscript, undated


Subseries 3: Personal Administrative Files, 1918, 1943-1953

This subseries primarily consists of official military correspondence and documentation regarding Levy's military assignments; honors, awards, and commendations; and personal forms and identification cards. Included alongside the commendations are schedules and details regarding military ceremonies held on September 8, 1944 and September 8, 1945. This subseries also contains some non-military documentation, including a personal history statement which provides an overview of Levy's military and non-military careers.


Box 1 Folder 5 Forms, 1943, 1945, 1951


Box 1 Folder 7 Travel Orders, 1943-1945


Box 1 Folder 8 Appointments and Assignments, 1943-1953


Box 1 Folder 10 Honors and Citations, 1918, 1944-1945


Subseries 4: Printed Material and Realia, circa 1940s, 1943-1945

This subseries contains ephemera and personal mementos related to Levy's time in Europe during World War II. Printed materials include theater programs, invitations, and related printed materials for entertainment events and occasions, many of which were diplomatic or military in nature. Realia includes Levy's S.H.A.E.F. uniform patch and a 10 reichsmark note and stamps.



Box 2 Folder 2 Realia, circa 1940s


Box 2 Folder 4 Invitations, Menus, Theater Programs, Placecards, circa 1940s, 1944-1945

Series III: Photographs and Clippings, circa 1940s, 1944-1945, 1955, 1969, undated

This series contains photographic prints and newspaper clippings, primarily documenting Levy's time in the U.S. Army, circa 1940s. Included are multiple photos of the S.H.A.E.F. plaque dedication ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris (September 8, 1945). Also included: a handkerchief made by French textile manufacturer Marcel Fremaux from cotton delivered from the U.S. to France on the shipLou Gehrig; the handerkerchief is mounted together with a photo of Levy with Mrs. Lou Gehrig and a clipping describing the occasion.



Box 1 Folder 1 Photographs, circa 1940s, 1944-1945, 1955



Box 2 Folder 1 Clippings, 1944-1945, 1955, 1969, undated