Howard's Papers

In May 2024, while researching Barry's best friend Howard Christenson, I discovered a collection of Howard's papers that he donated to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Archives.  I reached out to them and for a small research fee they were able to provide some of the documents presented below.

Link to a description of the collection:

https://search.library.wisc.edu/catalog/9911126137802121

For some reason Google Sites breaks this link, but pasting it directly into the browser works - the finding aid which describes the collection of papers in more detail:

https://digicoll.library.wisc.edu/cgi/f/findaid/findaid-idx?c=wiarchives;view=reslist;subview=standard;didno=uw-whs-rf00e

Class 42-J Photo - June 1942

This photo, specifically, I obtained from the Wisconsin Historical Society, call number "PH River Falls MSS ES"

Flight School Yearbook - Rank'n' File - June 1942

Roll of Honor - Rankin Aeronautical Academy - December 1944

A poster showing awards and decorations awarded to Rankin Aeronautical Academy graduates as of December 26, 1944 .  The poster is presented in two halves; also a close up of the entries for Barry and Howard.

Howard's Memoirs

I considered just including the snippets that mention Barry, but decided to include the full PDF of Howard's memoirs below.  Barry (and his father Dr. Conway) are mentioned several times in the first few pages.  On page 5 it mentions Barry was an attendant at Howard and Edna's wedding.

Descriptions of the flight training in class 42J goes through about page 6.  After that, Howard describes his experiences in combat in the European Theater.

Barry's death is referred to on the second to last page, second to last paragraph.

Sequoia & Rankin Fields 60th Anniversary Celebration - February 2001

A newsletter from Feb 2001 with a description of the history of Rankin Aeronautical Academy, and a 60th anniversary celebration to be held that year.