George Fokakis Memorabilia

Collection

Identifier: SC-MS-304

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains letters and WWII memorabilia from George Fokakis' military service and items of personal importance, including reunion books, badges, and maps. The dates of the letters span from 1943 to 1951, during WWII and the Korean War. The letters contain correspondence mainly between George and his family during his time of service in WWII. George wrote often to his siblings: sisters Katherine and Clara, and his brother Nick. George's conversations with his sisters would pertain to their daily life back home in Wilmington and important events that were happening, such as graduations. George's conversations with his brother often talked about being stationed over seas and what was happening with the war. Also included in the collection is a war savings bond and prayer book for servicemen. The WWII memorabilia contains books and brochures from veteran events George attended as well as a picture of George's unit. Most of the veteran memoribilia commmeorates the 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Division.

Dates

Creation: 1943-2001, Undated

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research use.

Copyright Statement

Copyright retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

Biographical / Historical

George Fokakis was born on October 3, 1924 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Ever since high school, George has lived in Wilmington, North Carolina with his parents, sisters Katherine and Clara, and brother Nick. He served as a Sergeant in the Pacific Theatre during WWII with the 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Division and was a part of the Battles of New Guinea, Tarawa, and Saidor. After serving in the war, George worked with Nick on many business endeavors, such as opening a resturant.

Extent

3 Containers (Contains 3 document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

The George Fokakis memorabilia collection is arranged into two main series: letters and memorabilia. The letter series is divided into sub-series by year from 1943 to 1951. The memorabilia series is divided into two sub-series, which are WWII memorabilia and ephemera. Undated letters listed within specific timeframes were kept with the original groups of letters in which they were found.