Skip to main content

Archives at The Museum of Flight


Duane Kaiser World War II Collection

 Collection — Box: One
Identifier: 2020-12-07
The Duane Kaiser World War II Collection is a small collection documenting Kaiser's service in the 487th Bomb Group and political career in the Washington State House of Representatives. Materials include photographs (primarily digital prints rather than vintage prints); a scrapbook related to his military service with photographs, military orders, and 487th Bomb group association materials; correspondence and clippings related to his military service; 487th bomb group information; and a clipping and flyer related to his service in the Washington State Legislature.

Dates

  • circa 1942-1945, 1983-2002

Creator

Language of Materials

All materials are in English.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research and is accessible in the Dahlberg Research Center by appointment. For more information

contact us.

Extent

.2 Cubic Feet (1 half-width letter size document box)

Biographical Note: Duane Kaiser

Duane Kaiser served in World War II, was a farmer and educator, and served for three years in the Washington State Legislature.

Kaiser was born in Wyoming in 1920. He served as a B-17 tail gunner in the 487th Bomb Group during World War II, flying 33 missions over Germany. He received an Air Medal and four Oak Leaf Clusters. Afer graduating from Washington State College in 1948 with a degree in education, he earned a Master's in Education from Oregon State University. He taught agriculture and was an advisor for the Future Farmers of America. Additionally he operated a tree farm from 1962-1993. Later in life, he was elected to and served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1981-1984.

Kaiser was married to his wife Kay in 1947 and they had two daughters. After Kay died in 2001, he married Katharine Gronen in 2002. She died in 2011 and he died in 2018.

Biographical note derived from donor information.

Separated Materials

The following items have been separated from the archival component of this collection and are kept in the Library:
  • Photo History of the 487th Bomb Group
  • The History of the 487th Bomb Group
  • Gentlemen from Hell: Men of the 487th Bomb Group
  • 487th Bombardment Group compiled report booklet


The following items have been separated from the archival component of this collection and are kept in Objects storage:
  • Air Medal, ribbon bar with oak leaf, original box
  • 8th Air Force patch
  • 487th Bomb Group lapel pin
Title
Guide to the Duane Kaiser World War II Collection
Status
Completed - Level 2
Author
A. Matthews
Date
2021
Description rules
dacs
Language of description
English
Edition statement
1st edition

Repository Details

Part of the The Museum of Flight Archives Repository

Contact:
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle Washington 98108-4097
206-764-7874


The Museum of Flight | 9404 E. Marginal Way South | Seattle WA 98108-4097 | 206-764-5874
Contact us with a research request
curator@museumofflight.org