The papers consist of letters written by Bert Rosen while serving in the Army Air Force dating from 1943 to 1945. There are also five theatre programs from the U.S. Army’s I.B.S. Special Service productions in Sicily dating from December 1943 to February 1944. The papers are arranged chronologically.

Rosen wrote to his wife, Ellen, and to his mother, Lucille Rosen. Most of the letters in the collection date from March to December 1943. The December 1943 letters are written after Rosen’s arrival in North Africa but contain no references to his work there due to censorship. There is only one letter from 1944, a V-mail letter from North Africa dated 24 April 1944. By 24 May 1944, Rosen was back in the U.S. and sent two telegrams to Ellen to let her know when to expect him home on leave. The only correspondence from 1945 are two telegrams sent on 9 November 1945, informing Ellen when he will arrive home.

From March to May 1943, Rosen was in Texas. Ellen was in Texas with him for a time, she wrote one letter to Lucille (25 April 1943). In most of the letters, Rosen told about his daily schedule and some of his assignments, like a three day hike. He often asked after family and friends. Rosen rarely mentioned his specialized training with gliders except to discuss a presentation he gave and to explain that he needed to be reclassified in order to be promoted to sergeant (17 Sept 1943). After the birth of their daughter, baby Lee and their family became the primary topic.

The five theatre programs for performances at the Teatro Massimo are published in mostly English but the title pages are in Italian. The top of each program reads, “I.B.S. Special Service.” The I.B.S. Special Service also created personal health and safety posters and educational materials for the troops during the Second World War.