Series I. Thomas J. Durkin, 1931-1991
Scope and Content of Collection
This series features photographs detailing the life and activities of an Airman during the Cold War. A photo album constructed by Thomas J. Durkin during his service in the U.S. Air Force begins and ends with Independence Day holiday in Green Lake, Alaska, and contains scenes from life at Elmendorf AFB on 203 black and white photos (198 of which remain). Five additional sets of photographs detail elements of training, exercise, fraternization and professional recognition which composed military life, and additional photographs, negatives, documents and objects spanning Durkin's life are also included.
Dates
- Creation: 1931-1991
Access
Collection is open for research.
Biographical History
Thomas J. Durkin was an enlisted airman in the United States Air Force from at least 1954 to 1955. He was stationed with the 925th Engineer Aviation Regiment in Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, a unit which specialized in airfield construction and maintenance. This period witnessed a robust commitment of military resources to the Arctic, many of which were air power-related facilities (airfields, radar and telecommunications installations, etc).
Extent
From the Collection: 3 boxes (3.42 linear feet)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
This series is arranged alphabetically, with photographs organized chronologically by military service.
Repository Details
Part of the SJSU Special Collections & Archives Repository
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
San José State University
One Washington Square
San José, CA 95192-0028
(408) 808-2062
(408) 808-2063 (Fax)
special.collections@sjsu.edu