Scope and Content
The Kenje Ogata collection consists of artifacts, audio recordings, biographical material, civilian papers, clippings, correspondence, a journal, maps, military papers, photographs, and a video recording relating to Ogata's military service during World War II. The bulk of the collection consists of letters written by Ogata to his wife, Wilma, while he served with the United States Army and Army Air Forces. He detailed his work assignments, finances, experiences with racial discrimination, efforts to transfer to the Army Air Forces, news of family and friends, and his experiences being shot down. Photographs include a portrait of Ogata in uniform, family photos, wedding photos, B-24 crew, fellow airmen, reunions. The collection also includes two oral history interviews detailing the veteran's early life, experiences in the military, and his post-war life.