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Jack Kotthoff World War II Papers

 Collection
Identifier: M/A 0387

Description of Contents

This collection consists of a scrapbook compiled by Jack Kotthoff during his European service in World War II and documents from the Battery C 217th and Battery B 49th veterans' organization from the late 1940s to the early 2000s.

The scrapbook contains black and white photographs and other mementos of Kotthoff's service in Iceland, Scotland, England, France, Belgium, and the Rhineland. Documents from the veterans' organization are chiefly annual reunion minutes and mailing lists.

Dates

  • Creation: 1941 - 2003

Creator

Access Restrictions

The collection is available for use in Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library during the department's open hours.

Biography

John Mark "Jack" Kotthoff was born on January 3, 1916 to John and Julia (Eckstein) Kotthoff. In 1925, the family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where young Jack attended St. Elizabeth's Catholic School. He graduated from South High SChool in 1934.

In 1941, Jack Kotthoff was drafted into the U.S. Army. He began his training at Fort Snelling before being transferred to California. In August 1942, he was sent to Iceland. After 15 months, his unit was sent to Scotland and then England. After D-Day, he served in France, Belgium, and the Rhineland. Kotthoff was a maintenance mechanic and 2nd class gunner in the Battery B 49th. After the war, Kotthoff returned home to Minneapolis

Jack Kotthoff died January 10, 2003, and is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Donor Information

This collection was donated by Mary Katherine Johnson, niece of Jack Kotthoff, in February 2022 as accession 2022.07.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Jenna Jacobs in February 2022.

Subject

Title
Jack Kotthoff World War II Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Jenna Jacobs
Date
February 2022
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hennepin County Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis MN 55401 U.S.A.
612-543-8200