MS – 237 Jack Savage Papers

Introduction

The Jack W. Savage Papers were accessioned into the Wright State University Special Collections and Archives in October 1992.  They were donated by Jack Winfield Savage of Centerville, Ohio.

The materials in this collection date from 1861-1993 and fill eight Hollinger boxes and span 4.5 linear feet.  The collection is arranged into nine series as follows:

Series I: Biographical Information

Series II: World War II Letters

Series III: World War II Scrapbook & Miscellaneous Material

Series IV: World War II Signal Corps Soldier Book

Series V: World War II Photographs

Series VI: Civil War Materials

Series VII: World War I Materials

Series VIII: Jack W. Savage Publications

Series IX: Video Tapes

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

Biographical Sketch

Jack Winfield Savage was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 2, 1925. On November 4, 1943, he was inducted into the U.S. Army Signal Corps. After training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, Mr. Savage served in the Pacific Theater of WWII including New Guinea, Luzon (Philippines), and occupied Japan. After returning to civilian life in 1946, he finished high school (which had been interrupted by the war), and then attended the Engineering School at Wayne University in Detroit, Michigan. In June 1950, he completed his Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Toledo. In July 1950, Mr. Savage started at DELCO Products Division of General Motors Corporation located in Dayton, Ohio, where he worked for 37.25 years. While working at DELCO he designed/engineered many items which we use daily. Jack Savage has a profound sense of history, which led to his family research on the Civil War and World War I, as well as his impressive collection of World War II materials. He has also written a number of books on his family, along with his own experiences during World War II and while working at DELCO.

Scope and Content

Series I, Biographical Information, consists of biographical sketches of Jack Savage and his parents. Information about his post WWII employment with DELCO is detailed in this series. A map showing Jack Savage’s WWII Pacific travels is also included. In addition, there are photographs of Mr. Savages WWII Uniform Insignia and Medals, along with a folder containing information concerning Mr. Savages membership in the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.

Series II, World War II Letter, contains letters-communications between Jack Savage and a variety of people, mostly his parents. The letters are divided into groupings: before Army induction, after induction but before going overseas, overseas letters (some “V Mail”), letters from friends, and end of and after WWII letters. Jack Savage’s address book is also included toward the end of this series. Included in this series is a copy of his book A Signal Corpsman’s Letters, 1943-1946, which was printed in 1990.

Series III, World War II Scrapbook and Miscellaneous Material, contains a monumental scrapbook. It has photos, postcards, news clippings, certificates, Army patches, invasion money, and even copies of “Yank” (soldier’s news). There is a nice “WAR OVER” headlined newspaper in the scrapbook, as well as a name and address list.  This series also contains a variety of miscellaneous material including a booklet for the 65th Infantry Division at Camp Shelby, Mississippi in 1944, WWII ration books, a August 15, 1945 copy of the Daily Pacifican announcing “War Over,” and a book G-I’ve Been Around.  Finally, the series includes several items pertaining to Mr. Savage’s brother, Richard, who served in the Navy during WWII and made the Navy a career.

Series IV, World War II Signal Corps Soldier Book, consists of a book, Signal Corps Soldier 1943-1946, written by Jack Savage about his war experiences. The series also contains a handwritten manuscript and college theme on the same subject. Supporting photos, maps, and illustrations used in the book round out this series.

Series V, World War II Photographs, contains a photo album mostly of New Guinea, the Philippines, and Tokyo. The series also includes an envelope containing miscellaneous WWII photographs.

Series VI, Civil War Materials, contains a book written by Jack Savage entitled Fighting for Union 1861-1865, An Ohio Family Saga. The book is about Jack Savage’s 5 great grandfathers who fought in Ohio companies during the Civil War. Fascinating supporting documents included are photos, an original Civil War discharge paper, and original letters from a Civil War soldier. Series IX contains a video tape made in 1993 on this subject as well.

Series VII, World War I Materials, consists of WWI era materials, mostly about Jack Savage’s father, Russell Savage. There is a 1917 dollar bill, original WWI discharge, employee cards, military Rest and Recreation pass, and a WWI panoramic Troop Photo.

Series VIII, Jack W. Savage Publications, contains fourteen Jack Savage books written on a wide-variety of subjects. The books include such topics as the “Life and Times” of his father, his own experiences during World War II, his engineering career at DELCO Products, his romance with railroading, his the courtship of his wife, Jeanne. The books were published during a 13-year period from 1994 to 2007.

Series IX, Video Tapes, contains three video tapes. The tapes include “Fighting for Union” (see Series VI), “An Interview of Jack & Jeanne Savage,” and Jack Savage, “WWII Soldier Interview.”

Container Listing

Series I: Biographical Information

Series II:  World War II Letters

Series III:  World War II Scrapbook & Miscellaneous Material

Series IV:  World War II Signal Corps Soldier Book

Series V:  World War II Photographs

Series VI:  Civil War Materials

Series VII:  World War I Materials

Series VIII:  Jack W. Savage Publications

Series IX:  Video Tapes