Paul M. Stults Papers

Correspondence, instructional manuals, and memorabilia related to the training of Lt. Stults as a pilot during World War II. The correspondence is comprised of approximately 57 letters dated between 1940 and 1945. Stults wrote the majority of these letters to his wife in Gainesville, Florida, from air bases in South Carolina, Ohio and New Mexico during flight school. He was training as a B-25 pilot as part of the 487th Bombardment Group.

The letters begin with Stults describing fraternity life at the University of Florida before shipping off to South Carolina to begin his flight training. Much of the correspondence highlights the trials and tribulations of long distance newlyweds. For example, Stults wants to purchase a car and is constantly writing to his wife about whether or not he can afford one. Much of the letters describe matters of daily routine, including frequent updates about his training.

In addition to the letters between Paul and Rebecca Stults, there is correspondence related to his death in a training accident over England on July 20, 1944 while checking out on a new B-17. Many of the crew as well as the squadron's commander and chaplain write letters to Rebecca concerning the death of her husband. There is one very descriptive letter from one of his crewmates that depicts the events of that tragic day and describes how some of the crew got out. Additionally, there is correspondence with her husband's brothers who are also serving in the war, one as a Navy pilot on a carrier and the other as a pilot with the Marines.

In addition to the correspondence, the collection includes photographs and newspaper clippings about the Stults' wedding and their lives together before and during the war. Also included are graduation papers, training manuals, medals, a Castle Heights Military Academy book and class photograph, a log book and a number of military documents necessary for a bomber pilot in World War II.