Scope and Content Note
The papers of Paul McDonald Robinett (1893-1975) span the years 1915-1972, with the bulk of the material concentrated in the period 1943-1957. The collection consists of personal and official correspondence, reading copies and drafts of speeches, research notes, typescript drafts of articles, and the typescript draft of his book Armor Command. The periods 1943-1945, when Robinett was combat commander and commandant of the Armored Force School in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and 1948-1957, when he was chief of the Special Studies Section of the Office of the Chief of Military History, are well documented in the collection. The papers are organized by type of material including a large addition received by transfer from the Department of the Army in 1973.
The papers reflect Robinett’s interest in military history in general and the history of the cavalry in particular. Although he served the War Department in several capacities, he saved only those papers that might shed light on the functions of the armored divisions in World War II. As commander of the 13th Armored Regiment, and later of Combat Command “B” of the 1st Armored Division, General Robinett participated in several battles in the Tunisian Campaign. The papers, particularly the group of North African notes, are comprehensive for this campaign.
The addition contains correspondence and other material relating chiefly to the period when Robinett served as chief of the Special Studies Section of the Office of the Chief of Military History. Bound volumes of personal papers include speeches and writings relating in part to efforts to upgrade the military’s educational system and to research the official military history of World War II. The material reflects Robinett’s thinking on political and military strategy during the middle phases of the Cold War period. Also included in these volumes are personal letters and letters of solicitation and congratulation.
A file of general correspondence in the addition contains letters to and from Malin Craig, a friend of long acquaintance for whom Robinett served as aide-de-camp from 1927 to 1932. Summaries of directives to and from Adna Romanza Chaffee concern armored warfare, 1938-1943. There is also an appointment book and diary containing abbreviated notes and remarks entered on a random basis.
Prominent correspondents include William S. Biddle, Omar Nelson Bradley, Malin Craig, Lloyd R. Fredendall, St. Clair Streett, Arthur W. Vanaman, Orlando Ward, and Isaac D. White.