Search

This collection relates to Donald and Portia Ackerman. Donald Ackerman served as a pilot on B-24 bombers with the 44th Bomb Squadron, 506th Bombardment Group, in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. He continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years and served during the Korean War.This collection contains an oral history transcript, artifacts, audio tapes, documents, letters, maps, pamphlets, and photographs relating to Donald and Portia Ackerman.

The collection primarily consists of materials related to D.B. McKay and his immediate family, but also includes materials from the Gutierrez and Martin families as well. Collection content consists of manuscripts, biographical materials, newspaper clippings, estate papers, architectural plans, diaries, poetry, family papers, correspondence, certificates, awards, photographs, and articles from the Tampa Tribune's "Pioneer Florida," a column edited by McKay for ten years.

Donald Nelson served in the 59th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, 6th Armored Division and the 36th Field Artillery in the European (ETO), North African, and Mediterranean Theaters. Nelson was a technician, 5th grade (medic). The collection includes a memoir of his experience covering the period January 27,1942 to October 30, 1945.

Newspaper articles and clippings, academic/professional journal articles, letters and correspondences, photographs, books, interview transcripts, author's personal research notes, plans, theses, screenplay, college transcripts, pamphlets, and brochures.