Jacques Leyninger papers (MS.2013.015)

This collection consists primarily of the letters written by Jacques Leyninger to his parents during 1947-1980. It also contains documentation of his military service, maps of countries in North Africa where he was stationed, photographs and photograph albums, and the insignia and medals for his uniform.

There are approximately 1,500 letters. Jacques wrote at least once a week to his parents. Only one letter written by his mother, Eugenie, in 1968 is included. He was stationed in North Africa (1954-1963) during the struggles in that region for independence from France. His letters reflect his experiences as a member of the French military in that political environment.

The photographs provide a lot of detail about his military career and the places he was stationed. The photograph albums are particularly interesting for the number of images of camels, camel drivers and the customs of the people native to Mali, the Sahara, and Morocco. The albums containing images of Vietnam show Jacques with other French military personnel as well as Vietnamese families in their homes.