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Richard Denbo Personal Papers

 Collection
Identifier: SDASM-SC-10036

Scope and Contents

There are two boxes with dimensions 12 ¼ x 10 ¼ x 5 inches. The range of materials in this collection range from photographs, a negative, newspapers, paper, leather, and fabric. There is a photographic poster rolled up and stored in the second box with a protective cardboard buffer. The collection is arranged by material type. The collection consists of World War I Army Air Corps memorabilia, clippings, diaries, photographs, postcards, correspondence, and documents. Additional paraphernalia and artifacts can be found in SDASM’s curatorial department.

Dates

  • 1897 - 1989

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Conditions Governing Use

Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.

Biographical / Historical

Richard M. Denbo was born on March 10, 1897 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Denbo served as an aviation engine mechanic. He transferred his interest as an auto mechanic to aircraft engines when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1917. He was assigned to the 80th as Chauffeur-Mechanic in the 805th Aero Squadron in France and England between January 22, 1918, and June 5, 1919. He returned to Texas in 1919 where he received an honorable discharge. Denbo continued working with engines and heavy equipment, and built runways for the Post Air Mail Services.

His serial number was 31589.

Richard Denbo passed away in Los Angeles on September 14, 1989.

Extent

0.7 Cubic Feet (Two boxes with dimensions 12 ¼ x 10 ¼ x 5 inches. )

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Richard M. Denbo was born on March 10, 1897 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Denbo served as an aviation engine mechanic. He transferred his interest as an auto mechanic to aircraft engines when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1917. He was assigned to the 80th as Chauffeur-Mechanic in the 805th Aero Squadron in France and England between January 22, 1918, and June 5, 1919.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

Related Materials

The SDASM Library & Archives contains hundreds of images of World War I (AL-19) and Air Mail Pioneers (AL-13).

Secondary Sources: Leary, William M. Aerial Pioneers: the U.S. air mail service, 1918-1927. Washington D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1985.

Title
Descriptive Finding Guide for the Richard M. Denbo Personal Papers
Author
Alan Renga
Date
11/5/2014
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives Repository

Contact:
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego 92101 USA US
(619) 234-8291
(619) 233-4525 (Fax)