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.

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.

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

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.

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Preferred Citation: Cite unpublished materials: Rolf Brandt Preus Papers, RG15 Manuscripts, Luther College Archives, Decorah, Iowa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