Hamilton "Ham" Coolidge (1895-1918) was one of many young men from wealthy New England families who enlisted during World War I. Coolidge served as a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Service 94th Aero Squadron. He achieved Ace status, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, and was killed in action. The collection contains materials related to Coolidge's military service.

The collection contains a photograph album from the World War I career of Herman J. Sommerhauser (1895-1949), who may have served with the U.S. Army Air Service, 650th Aero Squadron in France.