Purchase.
Accessioned and minimally described in July 2009 by Ute Schechter, Warren E. Burger Archivist. Arranged by Alex Dodd, SCRC Staff, in September 2009. To later accessions, 2011.114, and 2011.127, were interfiled and the recod was updated in March 2011 by Benjamin Bromley. Further description added by Jonathan Katora, Special Collections Assistant, in October 2012.
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Robert R. Bramlett Papers, Special Collections Research Center, Swem Library, College of William and Mary.
Arranged chronologically.
This collection is composed of letters from B.R. Bramlett to his wife and from his wife to B.R Bramlett, written while on active duty with the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, 1966-1967. He was stationed originally as Military Police in Phu Bai, Vietnam, then as Brig Warden in Da Nang, and finally as a Senior Instructor for the 3rd Battalion Force Logistics Command. A majority of his correspondence occured while he was Brig Warden.
Topics include everyday concerns for his family at home, and descriptions of his military duties. Notable events he wrote about in his correspondence with his wife include The Bob Hope Christmas Show in 1966, an attack on a Marine officer by prisioners, two attacks on Da Nang Air Base (February 28, 1966 and July 15, 1967). The brig which he was a warden for would experience a three-day riot eleven months after his departure. Racial tensions were often discussed. In describing racial tensions between the black and white American troops Bramlett labels the black troops repeatedly as 'trouble makers'.
In each letter he expresses his love and devotion to his wife and children, and often writes about worrying that he has left his wife with difficult responsibilities, such as getting the car fixed, dealing with household problems, and caring for two young children. The collection includes some letters to Bramlett from his wife, who frequently reassures him that she and the children are doing well. In several June 1967 letters, Bramlett advises his wife on paperwork regarding her pending United States citizenship.