Converted to EAD3 : Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Version 3 : Release: 1.1.1 : Release Date: 2019-12-16. Validating against latest version of schema.
Contact information: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/vhp.contact
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2015655443
In English.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
Arranged in three series: manuscripts, photographs, and recordings. Manuscripts are arranged alphabetically by type of material. Correspondence is divided into two parts: letters from Tuczak to his mother and other family members (MS02); and letters to Tuczak from his family and friends (MS03).
Accessioned, 2010.
Duplication of collection materials may be restricted.
Collection is open for research; access restrictions apply. To request collection materials, please contact the Veterans History Project at http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.afc/vhp.contact
James David Tuczak Collection (AFC/2001/001/69450), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress.
James David Tuczak was born November 1, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, to Frank V. Tuczak and Julia (Milewski) Tuczak. He attended Frank Cody High School in Detroit, from 1961 to 1964, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in February 1966. After completing recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Tuczak attended Combat Engineer School at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and served as a combat engineer in Vietnam with the 9th Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. In February 1968, he transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve, and he was honorably discharged in 1972. Following his active duty service, he began a civilian career with the Ford Motor Company. Tuczak died on September 23, 2013.
The John David Tuczak collection consists of clippings, correspondence, creative works, maps, military papers, periodicals, printed matter, photographs, and a video recording relating to Tuczak’s service in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. The bulk of the collection consists of photographs depicting Tuczak and his fellow Marines on and off duty in Vietnam and letters exchanged between Tuczak and his family while he served overseas. Topics covered in the correspondence include the weather; thoughts of home; news of friends and family; job duties; learning of riots in Detroit; losing weight; guard duty; a friendly fire incident; thoughts about marriage.
The collection also includes a video oral history interview detailing the veteran’s service.
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/2015655443
MV01
MS01: A clipping that includes Tuczak receiving promotion in Chu Lai, Vietnam; article on 9th Engineer Battalion repairing bridge due to explosion which ripped bridge apart; article on Marines killing 100 Viet Cong in surprise attack.
MS02: One hundred and thirty-three letters written from Tuczak to his mother and family. Topics covered include: Weather conditions in Vietnam; thinking of home; inquiring about family back home; going to the gun range; sending pictures of himself and his service buddies; R&R; his unit supporting 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment; engineer duties; suffering from heat rash; reading "Stars and Stripes" and discovering news of riots in Detroit; going on patrols and ambushes; explaining torpedoes and mines; losing weight; frustration of girlfriend, Penny, not writing to him and moving and getting her own apartment; working in the company office; testifying in front of the Major regarding a Marine killed in a friendly fire incident during guard duty shift; and long guard duty shifts.
MS03: Forty letters written from family and friends to Tuczak. Topics covered include: Family inquiring about Tuczak's health and well-being; weather conditions back home; his girlfriend Penny expressing her feelings about marriage; family being proud of Tuczak being a Marine; receiving pictures; family complimenting Tuczak's weight loss; family disappointed due to being unable to see Tuczak because of orders; questions about military training; expecting letters from Tuczak; and family updates.
MS04: Lyrics to a song entitled "The Counter Attack" which was dedicated to the men of the 1st Marine Division; poem entitled "What is a Marine?"
MS05: A "Stars and Stripes" map of war area in Vietnam; also includes highlighted area of where Tuczak served in Chu Lai.
MS06: Registration certificate (11/20/1963); Marine Corps identification card (01/23/1972); Geneva conventions identification card; Marine Corps Reserve tag; notice of classification (03/25/1968); immunization certificate; Lance Corporal promotion (02/01/1967); Private First Class promotion (08/01/1966); Corporal promotion (09/01/1967); report of separation; veteran's application for program of education; discharge certificate; battalion special order (5 pp); release from active duty (02/20/1968); original orders (45 pp); travel voucher; letter addressed to 9th Engineer Battalion; division special order (01/16/1968) (7 pp).
MS07: Entire issues of the "Sea Tiger." Issues include various articles on the III Marine Amphibious Force in Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
MS08: A pamphlet of a Michigan road map.
MS08: United Nations Association guide.
PH01-PH167: Photographs include: Tuczak and service buddies throughout Vietnam; posing in full military uniform; holding rifles; standing near sandbags; standing on the beach; playing games for entertainment; Vietnamese locals; 8th Engineer Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; boot camp in San Diego; Tuczak on patrol in Chu Lai; rice patties; Chu Lai River; deceased Viet Cong; and aftermath of battle.
MS02