Inventory of the B-26 Marauder Archives, Marvin C. Colton Papers, 1942-1994


Title:
B-26 Marauder Archives, Marvin C. Colton Papers, 1942-1994
Repository:
Archives and Special Collections, University Libraries, The University of Akron
Phone: 330-972-7670
http://www.uakron.edu/libraries/archives
Creator:
Colton, Marvin C.
Dates:
1942-1994
Quantity:
.5 cubic feet
Abstract:
Marvin C. Colton served in the 555th Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group (M) as a bombardier during World War II. This collection consists of photographs from the World War II era and the 1980's and 1990's "Return of the Crusader" reunions. It also includes a brief history of the 555th Bomb Squadron and rosters for the 386th Bomb Group (M) Association.
Identification:
Record Group Number 100/5
Location:
Archival Services
Language:
The records are in English

Biography of Marvin C. Colton

Marvin C. Colton was born April 10, 1920. He was a 1st Lieutenant and Bombardier in the 555th Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group (M) during World War II. The 386th Bomb Group was also known as "The Crusaders." He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement against the enemy during the March 24, 1945 mission. He was a member of the 386th Bomb Group (M) Association and participated in their "Return of the Crusader" reunions in the 1980s and 1990s when veterans returned to Europe to tour and visit their old stomping grounds. He passed away April 1998.

Scope and Content

Of note in this collection are the World War II era photographs of Colton and his friends on base and on leave in the United Kingdom and France. Many of these photographs are of identified individuals. Colton also took a large number of photographs and slides on his return trips to Europe with the 386th Bomb Group (M) Association during their "Return of the Crusaders" reunions. There are several folders with material from the "Return of the Crusaders" reunions in 1987 and 1990. The 1990 reunion saw the dedication of the Little Easton church's "Window of the Crusaders" and "Window of Friendship and Peace." These stain glass windows were dedicated to the airmen of the 386th who lost their lives during the war. This collection also includes a brief history of the 555th Bomb Squadron and a roster of the 386th Bomb Group (M) Association membership.

Statement of Arrangement

This collection is arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Restrictions on Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Permission to reproduce or publish materials in this collection must be secured in writing from Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron.

Restrictions on Access

No restrictions on access; except not available through interlibrary loan. Copyright restrictions may apply. Permission to reproduce or publish materials in this collection must be secured in writing from Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron.

Related Material: Related Material

B-26 Marauder Archives, Robert J. McCallum Papers, 1942-2005


Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

Subjects:

World War, 1939-1945 - Aerial operations, American

Persons:

Colton, Marvin C., 1920-1998

Organizations/Corporations:

386th Bomb Group (M) Association
United States. Army Air Forces. Bomb Group (M), 386th
United States. Army Air Forces. Bombardment Squadron, 555th

Preferred Citation

[Identification of Item], B-26 Marauder Archives, Marvin C. Colton papers, Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.

Processing Information

Processed by Gil Stadler and Mark Bloom 2011


Detailed Description of The Collection


BOX 1 / Folder 1
Correspondence, 1942




BOX 1 / Folder 2
Crusader Newsletter, November-December 1988




BOX 1 / Folder 3
History of the 555th and reunion roster of the 386th Bomb Group, 1955




BOX 1 / Folder 4
Memorabilia: Diplome D'Honneur Ville de Beaumont-sur-Oise to Marvin C. Colton and The Crusaders Honor Roll, 1990




BOX 1 / Folder 5
Photographs, 1991-1992




BOX 1 / Folder 6
Photographs of 8th Air Force reunion [negatives included], Undated




BOX 1 / Folder 7
Photographs of 386th Bomb Group, identified, 1942-1945




BOX 1 / Folder 8
Photographs of 386th Bomb Group, unidentified, 1942-1945




BOX 1 / Folder 9
Photographs of 555th Bomb Squadron airfields, 1983




BOX 1 / Folder 10
Photographs of 555th Bomb Squadron reunion, Las Vegas, Nevada, 1985




BOX 1 / Folder 11
Photographs of England [negatives included], 1989




BOX 1 / Folder 12
Photographs of England [negatives included], 1994




BOX 1 / Folder 13
Photographs of England, Undated




BOX 1 / Folder 14
Photographs of Normandy, Undated




BOX 1 / Folder 15
Print material A-26 Invader in Action, 1980




BOX 1 / Folder 16
Print material Military History Review, September 1984




BOX 2 / Folder 1-2
Return of the Crusaders reunion material, 1990




BOX 2 / Folder 3
Slides of European trip, 1982-1985




BOX 2 / Folder 4
Slides of European trip, 1985-1990




BOX 2 / Folder 5
Squadron 57-J class photograph, 386th Bomb Group print, and wool uniform shirt with color 9th Air Force patch, c. 1943-1945