The Jesse M. Pollitt papers portray a young man’s experience of the phases of war training, stationing, and naval service of World War II, and the written relationship men maintained with their families. Specifically, correspondence between Pollitt and his mother Agnes Malone Pollitt during his service in the United States Marine Corps from 1943-1946. The letters document his experiences at boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina and his subsequent postings in Washington, D.C. and North Carolina.

Jesse Morris Pollitt Jr. was born in Allen, Maryland on September 21, 1925, to Jesse Morris Pollitt Sr. and Agnes Malone.  He graduated from Wicomico High School; in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.  During his World War II service, he was stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina, Bellevue, Washington D.C., New River, North Carolina, and he served with a naval fleet that docked in San Francisco.  Pollitt was aboard a convoy that extended to the South Pacific and as far East as China.  After the conclusion of the war, Pollitt received a degree in engineering from Indiana Technology College, Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was hired as a Civil Engineer by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Service. He was married to Elizabeth Edward Pollitt, and they had one daughter, Kathleen Pollitt.  His life abruptly ended at the age of 35 when he was stricken by a sudden illness; he passed away July 14, 1960.  He was buried in Asbury Methodist Church in Allen, Maryland where his father and mother would later be buried.

Folders are listed by their location in each box; any given subject may be dispersed throughout the entirety of the collection.