This month, we are highlighting one of our more unusual collections. Unusual not only because of its captivating content, but because it highlights how the Archives’ policy to collect Norwich related materials is more expansive than it might appear at first glance.
This noteworthy collection is the Harold Hunter Emmons Papers. Major Emmons of Michigan did not attend NU, and I have not seen any evidence to indicate whether he did or did not ever visit the campus. However, his son, Charles C. Emmons, was a professor of English at Norwich. Thus, Maj. Emmons does have a Norwich connection that allows us to accession his materials, of which we are grateful.
Although he has a distinguished military record for service during WWII, receiving decorations for good conduct, a Bronze Star Medal, an American Theater Medal, an Asiatic-Pacific Theater Medal, a Philippine Liberation Medal, a Japanese Occupation Ribbon, a Victory Medal, and was given authorization to wear the Army Commendation Ribbon, the materials we have are focused on his work just after the war ended. He was assigned as Chief Defense Council for Japanese military personnel accused of war crimes against Allied prisoners – know as the Yokohama War Crimes Trials. Despite not asking for this assignment, all indication point to him performing an admirable job in defending men who were accused of terrible acts.
The collection includes a scrapbook featuring photos and clippings, transcriptions of the accused statements, and many related papers, including bulletins during his voyage to Japan. While this collection might be considered dark, it wonderfully demonstrates how someone can find themselves in an unenviable position and still perform to the highest standard. Come see this collection at the Norwich University Archives and Special Collections.
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