Labor Book [Arbeitsbuch] (German), 1937-1946

The Rudi Berndt Papers primarily document Berndt’s work in parachute development, in both Germany and the United States, from the WWII era through the Cold War. Educational records, as well as a significant amount of material pertaining to Berndt’s arrival in the United States as part of Operation Paperclip, are also included. Of particular note are Berndt’s memoirs, which describe his early life in Germany through his retirement in 1991, in Series IV.

Series I, German Life and Work, pertains to Berndt’s education and early engineering career. Materials include school report cards [zeugnisse] and school-leaving certificates (similar to American diplomas or degree certificates); letters of recommendation and employment verification; employment documents; and photo identification cards. Of particular note are his Labor Book [Arbeitsbuch], listing all places of employment as both a student and professional engineer while in Germany; his Military Passport [Wehrpass], which includes an immigration stamp for Niagara Falls in 1949; and a civilian identification pass from the French government in 1945. Materials in this series date between 1927 and 1946, with the exception of the 1949 entry in the Wehrpass (in addition to other entries dated 1940-1945). All materials in this series are in German, with the exception of the French civilian pass, which is in French. Note: Researchers interested in this time period should also consult Berndt’s memoirs in Series IV.

Series II, German Parachute Research, contains specific technical materials related to Berndt’s work in parachute research and development at the Graf Zeppelin Research Institute (FGZ) Stuttgart-Ruit during WWII. The majority of this series consists of folders all originally stored together in a single binder labeled “Bildbericht” (Photo Report), containing photographs, diagrams, and reports related to scientific testing of ribbon parachutes on various aircraft, bombs, and devices. In addition to the Bildbericht, this series also includes two narrative reports by Theodor W. Knacke about parachute development at the FGZ. All materials in this series date between 1941 and 1946, with the exception of one report, which was written in 1983 (though it describes the time period from 1934 to 1945). All materials in this series are in German except one report, which is in English.

Series III, Operation Paperclip, includes documents related to Berndt’s inclusion in the secret program of the same name in which German scientists were recruited for U.S. government employment following WWII. The majority of these documents are immigration and security investigation forms and reports, as well as employment contracts. Other materials include photo identification cards for Berndt and his wife, correspondence pertaining to the immigration of Berndt’s family, memoranda to foreign scientists at Wright Field, and a few photographs. Materials in this series date from 1946 to 1953. The majority of the materials in this series are in English; some are in German.

Series IV, American Life and Work, pertains to Berndt’s engineering career in the United States, including technical reports, resumes, and photographs. Of particular note are: Berndt’s memoir, describing his early life in Germany through his retirement in 1991 (electronic copy available); and his retirement keepsake album, which includes many labeled photographs of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base personnel as well as congratulatory notes from colleagues (including Hans von Ohain). Materials in this series date from 1953 to 2003. The majority of the materials in this series are in English; one folder includes German.