This collection contains 9 letters and 1 document concerning Major Powell Glass, Jr., who served at the 5th Marine Corps Division headquarters during the Second World War.
The first item is Glass's request for a 16-day leave from the United States Marine Corps Reserve, dated April 30, 1941 and approved on the following day by Harvey B. Miller and James F. Moriarty. Glass wrote the remaining 9 letters to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Powell Glass of Lynchburg, Virginia, between January 19, 1944, and August 12, 1945. Glass ("Red") reported briefly on his activities with the marines, often noting boredom, and discussed family news. He frequently referred to family members Marianne and Anne, mentioned his father's illness, and provided news of acquaintances who also served in the military. In later letters, Glass remarked about his relationship and leisure activities with Fran and Bill Weber, a couple who lived near headquarters. Glass occasionally commented on current events, such as the Allied offensive to liberate the Philippines (November 27, 1944). On April 26, 1945, he shared his opinions on the late Franklin Delano Roosevelt, including his apprehension about the abilities of Roosevelt's successor, Harry S. Truman.
Three letters are written on United States Marine Corps stationery.
Powell Glass, Jr., was born in Lynchburg, Virginia, on February 21, 1917, to Powell and Anne Glass. His grandfather, Carter Glass, served as United States Secretary of the Treasury between 1918 and 1920, and his father, Powell Glass, Sr., served as a major in France during the First World War, and later worked as a newspaper editor. The family published a Lynchburg newspaper, the News and Daily Advance. Glass joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve before 1941, and served as a major with the 5th Marine Corps Division headquarters in 1944 and 1945. He married before 1945. He died in February 1979.