Jimmy Ley Collection

James “Jimmy” J. Ley attended Grinnell College for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. Ley’s papers include an extensive series of correspondence written by Ley during his time at Grinnell and in the army air force, as well as personal items, photographs, and military documents.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 1, 1942

After graduation Jimmy spends his free time on base.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 12, 1942

Jimmy elaborates on his new living conditions in detail.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 13, 1942

Bob enlisted in the Marines. Jimmy is already talking about Christmas.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 15, 1942

Jimmy writes about his visit to Baltimore over the weekend.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 17, 1942

This letter is missing.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 19, 1942

A Christmas card

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 22, 1942

Jimmy enjoyed another visit to Baltimore and to a girl’s house for dinner.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 27, 1942

Jimmy describes his Christmas experience including gifts and cards he received. He encloses a paragraph from a friend named Sidney.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 29, 1942

Jimmy explains pre-flight procedures.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 4, 1942

Jimmy is still waiting and eager to ship out.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - December 9, 1942

Jimmy describes his new life in Maryland and adds a note on the B-26.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - July 21, 1942

Jimmy arrives in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He has received his uniform and writes about his daily schedule at the Reception Center Division.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - July 24, 1942

Jimmy arrives at Sheppard Field, Texas for training for the Air Corps. He hopes to become a mechanic. He describes the hot desert climate.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - July 29, 1942

Jimmy outlines his daily schedule and describes the various divisions that he would like to join such as aerial gunnery.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - July 30, 1942

Jimmy thanks his parents for their letter and birthday gift. He tells about his vaccinations and disease in the army.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - March 12, 1942

After informing his parents of a missing check, Jimmy discusses his weekend plans to visit Des Moines.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - March 20, 1942

Jimmy talks about recent new concerning the war and mentions for the first time that he will most likely have to serve for a long time. He wonders if he should attend summer school to try to speed up his graduation.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - November 12, 1942

With only twelve school days left, Jimmy talks about ‘pre-flighting’ checks and a letter from Betty.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - November 15, 1942

Jimmy begins by discussing football , describes why a furlough is not possible, and ends with a comment on the quality of the soldiers.

Ley, Jimmy

Jimmy Ley to Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Ley - November 17, 1942

It is Jimmy’s four month anniversary in the army and he admits that everyone is eager to be done with training.