Jerry J. Duffy papers
Collection
Identifier: Ms-0493-SC
Abstract
This collection contains correspondence from and photographs relating to Jeremiah “Jerry” John Duffy (1944-1990) during his time as an ROTC cadet at New Mexico State University and during his tour of duty in Vietnam during the period 1967-1970. The bulk of the correspondence reflects his experiences as a pilot for the Army during the Vietnam War, including his feelings about the war, the Army, and his attempts to transfer to the Air Force. The photographs include pictures of Duffy in Vietnam in 1970 as well as a photograph of his gravesite.
Dates
- 1967-1970 and undated
Access Restrictions
Open. All materials in this collection are available for research under supervised conditions in the Research Room.
Copy Restrictions
Copyrights associated with materials in this collection have not been transferred to New Mexico State University.
Biography / History
Jeremiah John Duffy—known as Jerry—was born on December 16, 1944. He attended New Mexico State University (NMSU), graduating with an undergraduate degree in 1968 and a master’s degree in 1978. Duffy was an officer cadet in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) at NMSU and following his graduation served in Vietnam as part of the Army. Following his military service, he returned to Las Cruces, where he lived until his death in 1990. Duffy was the plaintiff in the 1983 U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico ruling Duffy v. Las Cruces Public Schools, which ruled that a New Mexico state law allowing for a moment of silence for "contemplation, meditation or prayer" constituted an endorsement of religion and violated the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Extent
2 folders
Language of Materials
English
Processing Information
Processed by Caitlin Wells, December 2014. Letters were flattened and sorted into chronological order. Photographs were rehoused in plastic sleeves. All materials were placed in acid-free folders.
- Title
- Guide to the Jerry J. Duffy papers
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Caitlin Wells
- Date
- 2015
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the New Mexico State University Library Archives and Special Collections Repository