The Papers of Rolf Brandt Preus

The Papers of Rolf Brandt Preus, 1937-1997 | Luther College Archives

By Hayley Jackson

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Collection Overview

Title: The Papers of Rolf Brandt Preus, 1937-1997

ID: LCA/RG15/Preus, R

Primary Creator: Preus, Rolf Brandt (1916-1959)

Extent: 3.9 Linear Feet. More info below.

Abstract

Papers and memorabilia of Rolf Brandt Preus (1916-1959), an assayer and pilot in the United States Army Air Transport Command. The collection documents Preus's work as an assayer for the Kimberley Gold Mines as well as his training and work as a pilot, first in the Army, later for the China National Aviation Corporation.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

Documentation consists of memorabilia including gold digging hat, porcelain doll.

Biographical Note

Rolf Brandt Preus was born April 5, 1916 in Beloit, Wisconsin to Johan Carl Keyser Preus and Dikka Brandt Preus. After attending Pacific Lutheran Academy and College, he worked as an assayer for Kimberely Gold Mines in Burgdorf, Idaho, 1935-1939. Preus was a pilot, and flew in the US Army Air Transport Command, beginning in 1942. As a pilot, Preus flew over a section of the eastern Himalayas known as "the Hump" 89 times. These flights, which began in Assam, India and landed in Kunming, China, was part of an organized airlift to bring supplies to U.S. Army Air Force units based in China and for supporters of Chiang Kai-Shek. After the war, Preus continued to fly for Kai Shek's China National Aviation Corporation until 1946, when he and two pilot friends crashed in Shanghai. Preus survived but had his left leg amputated in 1947. He then worked in the office of Olson Equipment Co. He passed away on March 27, 1959 from leukemia.

Administrative Information

Repository: Luther College Archives

Alternate Extent Statement: 4 boxes

Use Restrictions: Though we may hold the property rights, Luther College Archives does not hold the copyrights for all materials. Individuals may use materials for non-commercial, private use, but commercial users must secure permissions from the copyright holders and/or Luther College Archives to reproduce, publish, or quote protected materials and photographs. For more information about the Luther College copyright and fair use policy, please visit https://www.luther.edu/library/copyright

Acquisition Source: Donated by his father, Dr. Johan Carl Keyser (J.C.K.) Preus

Preferred Citation: Cite unpublished materials: Rolf Brandt Preus Papers, RG15 Manuscripts, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa

Finding Aid Revision History:

6/15/24: Abby Bates updated copyright policy link.

11/25/19: EC updated the preferred citation.

Box and Folder Listing

Browse by Box:

[Box 1: Realia & Notebooks, 1937-1997],
[Box 2: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Doll), undated],
[Box 3: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Hat), undated],
[Box 4: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Misc), undated],
[All]

Box 1: Realia & Notebooks, 1937-1997

Folder 1: Rolf Preus Realia List, 1996-1997
Folder 2: Processing Sheets, 1976
Folder 3: Certificates, Diplomas, and Memorandum, 1940-1959
Folder 4: Student Pilot Rating Books, M. A. C. Pilot's Log, and Student Pilot Log Book, July 1940-Sept. 1941
Item 1: Kimberly and Gold Crest Groups of Claims Map, undated
Folder 5: Office Procedure Manual from Engineering Division Air Transport Command, copy no. 42, 1943
Folder 6: Reference Manual for Cross Country Flight, 1943
Folder 7: Notebook for Civil Pilot Training, 1942
Item 2: M. A. C. Improved Pilot's Log, 1941
Item 3: Notebook, 1937
Item 4: Royal Air Force Transport Command Information for Passengers, undated

Box 2: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Doll), undated

Item 1: Porcelain Doll, undated

Box 3: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Hat), undated

Item 1: Gold Digging Hat, undated

Box 4: Rolf Preus Memorabilia (Misc), undated

Item 1: Gold Sifting Pan, undated
Item 2: C. Brandes. Inc. Matched Tone Headphones, undated
Item 3: National Small Frying Pan, undated
Item 4: Tan Belt, undated
Item 5: Brown Belt no. 0072, undated
Item 6: Tin Container, undated
Item 7: Pouch with Hand Mirror and Money Bag, undated
Item 8: Cigar Box, undated
Item 9: Cigar Box, undated
Item 10: Tobacco Products, undated
Item 11: 0085 Emergency Kit Flask, undated
Item 12: 0087 Emergency Signaling Mirror, undated
Item 13: 0088 Blister Gas Cover, undated
Item 14: 0086 First Aid Kit for Parachute, undated
Item 15: Minature Pegged Chessboard Game, undated
Item 16: Knife, undated
Item 17: R. B. Preus Nameplate, undated
Item 18: Compass, undated
Item 19: 0084 Dutch Masters Cigar Box holding Sewing Equipment, undated
Item 20: Cloth Bag, undated
Item 21: China National Aviation Button, undated
Item 22: C.N.A.C. Buttons and American Buttons, undated: C.N.A.C stands for the China National Aviation Corporation.
Item 23: C.N.A.C. Patches, undated: C.N.A.C stands for the China National Aviation Corporation.
Item 24: 0093 China National Aviation Corp. Compass, undated
Item 25: Carter's Household Indelible Ink Outfit and Stamp, undated
Item 26: R. B. Preus Stap, undated
Item 27: Box of Fountain Pen Tips, undated
Item 28: 0079 Blasting Caps Tin with Rocks and a Pottery Shard, undated
Item 29: 0078 Two Rocks with Mineral Threads, undated
Item 30: 0100 Padlock with Two Keys, undated
Item 31: Compass Sight, undated
Item 32: Empty Waterproof Sport Clothing Container, undated
Item 33: 0103 Bottle of Insect Repellant, undated
Item 34: Glass Vial of Unknown Rock Shavings, undated
Item 35: Volt Reader, undated
Item 36: Tax Commission Coins, undated
Item 37: 72 in. Extension Tape-rule, undated
Item 38: Crucible with Reaction Mark Inside, undated
Item 39: Crucible with Reaction Mark Inside, undated
Item 40: 0102 Metal Match Container, undated