Herman F. Fritzenkotter Papers
Scope and Contents
The Herman F. Fritzenkotter Papers primarily document Fritzenkotter’s military service during the Second World War. The collection includes scrapbooks composed of photographs, news clippings, and letters; service medals, including the Bronze Star; photographs of several of Fritzenkotter’s sculptures, and several military artifacts. As a soldier in the 8th Infantry Regiment, Fritzenkotter took part in numerous battles in both France and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. His scrapbooks capture camp life as well as the devastation of war. Of particular interest are candid photographs of soldiers before and after battle; as well as graphic photographs of concentration camps during liberation. These scrapbooks also contain photographs from Fritzenkotter's later visits to various battle sites decades after the end of the war. The collection also includes several German military artifacts, including a ceremonial dagger as well as a German map and leather map case. Although the collection is arranged alphabetically, the artifacts are not in any particular order.
Dates
- Creation: 1941-1990
Creator
- Fritzenkotter, Herman F. (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The copyright interests in some or all of these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creator(s) of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of archival collections is such that multiple creators are often applicable and copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. In any case, the user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, obtaining publication rights and copyright infringement. When requesting images from Special Collections & University Archives for publication, we require a signed agreement waiving San Diego State University of any liability in the event of a copyright violation.
Biographical Note
Herman Fredrick Fritzenkotter was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1923. Two years later his family moved to San Diego. Fritzenkotter graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1941 and enrolled at San Diego State College that same year. Shortly thereafter, he left college to join the Merchant Marines. In September of 1943, he enlisted with the United States Army. He was sent to Europe where he served as Message Center Chief for the 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th (Ivy) Division. Fritzenkotter and his regiment saw action in Normandy, Ardennes, the Battle of the Bulge, the Rhineland, and in Central Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 1945 for bravery on the field.
After the war, Fritzenkotter returned to San Diego State College where he was an active member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. In 1949, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in art. A year later he married Patricia Allard. Fritzenkotter worked as an industrial canvas salesman, and created wood sculptures in his spare time. During his semi-retirement, he and his wife travelled throughout Europe, returning to many of the battlefields he had fought at. He remained active at San Diego State as a member of the Retirement Association, Alumni Association, and the President’s Leadership Fund.
Fritzenkotter died on May 29, 2009. He had two children, Kurt and Anna.
Extent
1.21 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Source of Acquisition
Patricia Allard Fritzenkotter
Accruals and Additions
2011-008, 2011-062
- Title
- Herman F. Fritzenkotter Papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Amanda Lanthorne
- Date
- 06/08/2012
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- eng
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections & University Archives Repository