The papers consist of two volumes: the first, a typed transcription of a diary (Jan. 20-May 21, 1945) kept by Donald D. Johnson describing his army experiences during World War II, particularly during the period he was a prisoner of war in Germany; the second, a collection of typed transcriptions and photocopies of correspondence which supplement the diary.

Johnson won the blank diary volume in a lottery held by the International Red Cross Committee for prisoners. The diary begins with Johnson's reminiscences of the 12 months prior to his capture including his induction at Fort Douglas, Salt Lake City, Utah (Jan. 1944); his basic training at Camp Wolters, Texas; a brief stay at Fort Meade, Maryland prior to shipping out; his voyage to Naples, Italy (July-Aug. 1944); and camp life in Italy while waiting to move to the front. He describes the two-day trip to the front, where he was assigned to Company G of the 351st Infantry Regiment, and his participation in the company's battle for the town of Vedriano. Company G captured the town but was unable to hold it and 80 men, including Johnson, were taken prisoner (Oct. 24, 1944).

The remainder of the diary describes Johnson's experiences as a prisoner of war. Entries discuss his transport by boxcar to Stalag 7-A, which was located 35 miles from Munich, Germany; the daily routine and deprivations of prison life (in extensive detail), which included a constant shortage of food, heat, clothing, and sanitation; the prisoners' forced labor on the railroad in Munich; the bartering and smuggling Johnson and others engaged in to secure food; Allied bombing raids; and Johnson's observations on the war's impact on the living conditions and attitudes of the German civilians.

Entries following Johnson's transfer to a camp near Amberg, Germany (Jan. 27, 1945) discuss his improved living conditions, the camp guards, his thoughts of home and his wife's pregnancy, his work on a woodcutting detail, an illness he suffered (Feb. 7-15, 1945) and the condition of the camp hospital, the advancement of the allies and the German retreat (April 1945), the evacuation of the camp (April 18, 1945), Johnson's liberation (May 1, 1945), and his return to the United States (May 11-June, 1945).

The volume of correspondence is comprised almost entirely of letters Johnson sent home during the war to his wife and child. The letters focus primarily on personal matters such as Johnson's loneliness, his concern for his wife's health during her pregnancy, and his uneasiness about the management and finances of their variety store. There is some description of Johnson's activity in Italy and living conditions in camp, but for the most part the letters contain less detail on these matters than the diary. The letters Johnson sent during his internment were less frequent and quite brief, basically assuring his wife that he was well, and asking that she send packages of cigarettes, candy and food . Johnson's letters conclude with those he sent after his liberation during his anxious wait to return home.

There is also a small section of photocopied letters and telegrams from the military to Johnson's wife informing her that her husband was missing in action, and of his internment and subsequent liberation; a copy of Johnson's evacuation orders; and copies of a small number of Johnson's original letters .