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Burlen Family Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 000044

Scope and Contents

The Burlen Family Papers contains materials from Robert and Albert Burlen’s time in the United States Army Air Force. The materials in this collection feature photographs, correspondence, booklets, and other documents regarding the Burlen brothers’ experience during World War II. The photographs and negative, display Robert Burlen in uniform, funeral flowers, scenery in the Pacific, and group photos of soldiers. The letters and postcards included in the collection are sent from Robert and Albert Burlen to each other, along with Albert’s souvenirs collected from U.S. military bases. There are Army Air Force documents and Special-Order plans from Robert Burlen that are also featured, as well as various training manuals.

Also included in this collection are correspondence with Margerete Burlen, Robert and Albert’s mother, following Robert’s death and certificates recognizing him for his sacrifice. There are documents regarding Robert Burlen’s life insurance and correspondence relating to that matter. Also located in this collection are maps of Japan and southeast Asia, as well as newspaper clippings and magazine stories regarding Robert Burlen’s death and the war.

Dates

  • Creation: 1935 - 1951

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Folder 3 contains sensitive material that has been redacted. The original copy has been removed to box RE00001. Contact the archivist for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection in any form must be obtained from the National Museum of the Pacific War, Center for the Pacific War Studies.

Biographical / Historical

Sgt. Robert Burlen (February 6, 1925 – April 16, 1945) was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in New York City. In 1943, Burlen enlisted in the United States Army Air Force, joining the 29th Bombing Group, where he was a radio operator aboard a B-29 called the “Witch on a Broom.” Being stationed out of Guam, Sgt. Burlen’s crew conducted bombing raids over Japan towards the end of the war. In April of 1945, during a bombing raid in Japan, the “Witch on a Broom” was shot while flying out of Tinian, killing Sgt. Burlen and the rest of the crew. Robert Burlen’s younger brother, Albert Burlen, also enlisted during World War II. Pvt. Albert Burlen (July 7, 1926 - August 16, 2010) enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in January 1945 but was an Aviation Cadet before enlistment. While in the Air Force, Burlen trained at various bases, including Keesler Field, Fort Dix, Pecos Field, Las Vegas, Fort Douglass, and Amarillo. Pvt. Burlen survived the war but separated from the Army Air Force in October 1945.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The Burlen Family Papers contain materials from Robert and Albert Burlen’s time in the United States Army Air Force. The materials in this collection feature photographs, correspondence, booklets, and other documents regarding the Burlen brothers’ experience during World War II.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Bruce Burlen donated these materials to the Burlen Family Papers in 2015 (Accession number 2016.034).

Separated Materials

3D artifacts have been separated from this collection, including a United States flag. Contact the archivist for furter information.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Sarah O'Malley on January, 2025.

Title
Burlen Family Papers
Status
Completed
Author
Sarah O'Malley
Date
2025-01-27
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Center for Pacific War Studies / National Museum of the Pacific War Repository

Contact:
328 E. Austin St.
Fredericksburg Texas 78624 United States of America