Donald F. Rodawig papers

The more extensive series of correspondence, primarily to his wife Mary but occasionally addressed to one of his children, covers a wide range of topics, but is more constrained due to censorship of V-Mail. He makes frequent references to friends and family affairs, particularly to activities of his children and economic decisions involving property and the medical practice he left in Spirit Lake. Within the limits of censorship, he also discusses medical situations of his work, the pride he takes in the job, references to new techniques being developed, and also such novelties as the new drug penicillin. Although work at the Station Hospital in Naples was intensive and there were some references to morale and the need for diversions, he also makes a point of describing the area and people around him, both while in North Africa and in Naples. One extensive series of V-Mails describes a visit to Rome, including an audience with the Pope.

As an example of the wartime experience of a member of the medical support services provided during World War II, the letters of Donald Rodawig provide a diverse and intelligent commentary.