Table taken from "The World at Arms, the Reader's Digest Illustrated History of World War II" showing size of armed forces, casualties, etc. from major participant countries.
Excerpts from two books concerning Buchenwald concentration camp. Top: From "Paris in the Third Reich -- A History of the German Occupation, 1940-1944'" by David Price-Jones, 1981. Bottom: From "The Arms of Krupp" by William Manchester, 1964.
"Mementoes of Days in Service" details Lawrence Layden's service in World War II from his induction in June 1941, six months before Pearl Harbor, until his formal discharge in December, 1945. Part of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, Layden's squadron provided aerial reconnaissance for Operation Overlord and the assault on Nazi Germany. Through photos and text, Layden's scrapbook follows him from his initial assignment in Louisville, Kentucky to bases in England and continental Europe. The album contains reconnaissance photos used in the assault on Europe, photographs of Layden at various bases throughout the war and several photographs of Buchenwald concentration camp, visited by Layden six days after its liberation.
Shoulder patches worn by Layden's unit from 1941-1943. In October 1943, Layden's group was assigned to the IX Air Force. Page also includes an article from the Stars and Stripes about the not-so secret arrival of the IX Air Force in England.
Certificate detailing Layden's promotion to corporal. Layden comments in the boxed caption that the promotion certificate is signed by a brigadier general, indicating the (small) size of the U.S. army prior to Pearl Harbor.
Layden's first military security pass from Bowman Field, Louisville, Kentucky, issued June 26, 1941 and another card enabling him entry to the local Service Club.
Map of southern England highlighting several locations Layden was stationed. Page also includes a postcard of "Compton Beauchamp" and an estate Layden dined at Christmas day, 1942.
Photographs of Layden at Membury Air Base and the base barracks. Page also includes his Red Cross Washington Club card, his "home" during trips to London.
Photographs of Lawrence Layden and others at Esler Field, Louisiana, February - June, 1942. In his caption he mentions his marriage to "Kay" on June 3, 1942 and his subsequent move off base.
Visitor tag for Fort Dix, New Jersey, assumedly used by his wife Kay during a quick visit. The 67th Observation Group was sent here for processing for overseas shipment and left August 29, 1942 on a five day "zig-zag" journey across the Atlantic (on the original "Queen Elizabeth") to Membury Air Base, England. His "official" note home to Kay telling her of his arrival overseas does not explicitly tell her where he is.
Photograph of Lawrence Layden, Phil Reverman, Charlie Kofler and others at the PX after transfer of Fifth Air Support Command to New Orleans in January 1942. Included is a postcard of Antoine's Restaurant in New Orleans.
Special order transferring Layden to the 67th Observation Group (later re-named 67th Tactical Reconnaissance) at Esler Field, Alexandria, La. Layden would be attached to this group throughout the war.
Photograph of colleagues welcoming Layden back after officer candidate school. Layden would command the same squadron he served with as an enlisted man in the 67th Observation Group. Page also notes a week long furlough taken by Layden in London and includes a flyer from the Holy Trinity Gazette in Louisville mentioning Layden's promotion to 2nd Lieutenant.
