Diary of 1st Lt. Thomas A. Kindre,, June 3, 1943-May 6, 1944

Kindre's service began in 1942, upon his graduation from Rutgers University as a 2nd Lieutenant. His diary begins in July 1943 and ends in May 1944, though his service in the Army officially ended on December 24, 1945. The diary is a significant document when compared to those of enlisted men (or draftees), as Tom was not only an educated college graduate, but an officer. Although some parts resemble those found in diaries of his fellow soldiers, his comparatively more erudite style of writing is apparent, despite being somewhat incomplete at certain times. It seems that Kindre was more interested in developing a scenic narrative than a record of his routine activities. Moreover, his journalism major in college probably had a great influence not only on his writing style, but his observations, interpretations, and reasons for recording certain experiences during his tour (i.e. conversations with townspeople).

Kindre's records help augment our understanding of the operations during certain WWII battles (i.e. Cassino), particularly the role of the supporting divisions. Although Kindre does not go into detail about the functions of the Ordinance Corps, he does describe their movement around the armies in their operations throughout Italy. Additional information to fill in some of such gaps would best be found in Kindre's oral history archive, that is part of the Oral History Archives of World War II. Further, collections about World War II can also be found throughout the Rutgers University Libraries, in the Center for Historical Studies on College Avenue Campus, and Special Collections and University Archives in Alexander Library.