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Narratives-Commentaries Related to the Kent State Shootings

Special Collections and Archives

Narratives-Commentaries Related to the Kent State Shootings

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Special Collections and Archives

Narratives-Commentaries Related to the Kent State Shootings

You are here

Narratives and Commentaries Related to the Kent State Shootings

May 4 Collection - Box 101

Finding Aid

Prepared by Nancy Birk, March 1, 1995; Last updated: February 2024


Inclusive Dates: 1970-2023
Extent: 1 cubic foot (1 record storage box)
Physical Location: 12th floor


Scope and Content: This collection contains personal accounts of and commentaries related to the Kent State shootings and their aftermath, primarily submitted in writing by various people. The collection currently includes two video narratives/commentaries and two audio recorded narratives.


Other Format Available: In some cases, the authors of these accounts and commentaries have given Special Collections and Archives permission to post their narratives online. Linked names below take you to the content of these narratives. Click on a linked name in order to view that person's narrative or commentary.

Related Materials: The May 4 collection includes a large number of oral histories, which are recorded under the auspices of the Kent State Shootings: Oral History Project. Please view the Kent State Shootings: Oral Histories site for access to these recorded oral histories.

Restrictions on Access: Some information included in this collection is restricted due to the presence of information protected by privacy laws. This information has been redacted where present on documents in the collection. Un-redacted originals, in all cases, have been retained by Special Collections and Archives.


Disclaimer: The content of oral history interviews, written narratives and commentaries is personal and interpretive in nature, relying on memories, experiences, perceptions, and opinions of individuals. They do not represent the policy, views or official history of Kent State University and the University makes no assertions about the veracity of statements made by individuals participating in the project. Users are urged to independently corroborate and further research the factual elements of these narratives especially in works of scholarship and journalism based in whole or in part upon the narratives shared in the May 4 Collection and the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project.


May 4 Collection - Box 101
Contents

Name Submission Type Notes
Chris Abell personal narrative (written) As a student at Kent State University in 1970, Chris Abell took color 8mm footage of the Kent State shootings from the vantage point of a dormitory building. This narrative is an account written by his daughter Rachel Abell based on an interview she conducted with her father in 2006. The resulting piece was used as part of her application to the Newhouse School of Broadcast Journalism at Syracuse University. Donated by Chris Abell in June 2022.
Lorrie J. Accettola personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 recounts his eye-witness experience from May 4, 1970. Submitted via email, November 13, 1999.
Debbie Aiton personal narrative (written) A junior nursing student in 1970 recalls attending a nursing class the morning of May 4, and having later plans on that sunny, spring day. Aiton describes heading to The Commons to check out what was happening, where she experienced the unpleasant effects of tear gas due to the wind direction. She recounts meeting her husband and friends at the fourth floor of Taylor Hall to gain a better vantage point when the firing began. After the shootings stopped, she describes the stunned silence and leaving campus immediately to be greeted with scenes of normality. 
Christie Anderson personal narrative (written) A junior in a nearby high school, recounts learning of the shootings while in class on May 4, 1970.  She recalls fellow classmates stunned silence and shock in what was supposed to be a time of fantasizing about college.
Anonymous commentary (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 comments on what it is like to be asked to tell the story of what happened here. Submitted via email, April 30, 2000.
Myrna L. Apel-Brueggeman personal narrative (written) A 1973 Kent State graduate and landlord to William Schroeder, recounts the chaos during a seemingly peaceful day on May 4, 1970.  She describes being stopped by police after the shootings and her relationship with her tenant, Schroeder.
Alice A. Armentrout personal narrative (written) A high school senior in May of 1970, Alice was registered at Kent for the fall of 1970. She recalls her experiences on campus during the four years after the shootings. 
Kevin Baldwin personal narrative and commentary (written) KSU alumnus and Vietnam Veteran. 1995 [in the form of a letter; also included is a letter written by KSU President Carol Cartwright in response to Baldwin.
Kevin Baldwin commentary (written) A Kent State alumnus and Vietnam Veteran, Kevin Baldwin details his time stationed in Cu Chi, Vietnam, beside the Cambodian border, and how he was made aware of the Kent State shootings while serving overseas. This commentary is an excerpt from his Vietnam memoir entitled, REMF: Life Inside The Wire (Amazon Kindle). 
Dr. Raghbir S. Basi commentary (written) Director of the Center for Peaceful Change, Dr. Basi gave these remarks at a May 4 talk in 1972.
Steven Bauer personal narrative (written) Written narrative by Steven Bauer, a Kent Roosevelt high school student in the spring of 1970. Bauer also contributed an oral history to the Kent State Shootings: Oral Histories project.
Paul Beckwith personal narrative (written) A ninth grade student at Davey Junior High in Kent, Ohio describes what it was like for him on May 4, 1970. File also includes photographs from Beckwith of the students in his school and their May 4 project. Submitted via email, September 30, 1999.
"Von and Peg" Belknap personal narrative (written) City of Kent residents. Christmas 1970, narrative in the form of a Christmas letter sent to friends and relatives.
Michael Berens personal narrative (written) A Canadian attending undergraduate school during 1970 describes the tensions leading up to the shootings.  He recalls his experience as a volunteer the night before the tragedy, and his attempts of keeping people calm. After the burning of the ROTC building, Berens recounts wondering what immunity he would have as a Canadian, should there have been mass charges.
Art Bitzer personal narrative (written) A Kent State University Transportation Management student applied as a Reservist, post-graduation in 1969.  He describes the process leading up to his swearing in and recounts his confusion about the events of May 4, fifty years later. 
Nancy Yockey Bonar personal narrative and commentary (written) A Kent State University alumna (class of 1958) reflects on the university's perspective over the years during the annual commemorations through her public relations viewpoint. Submitted via email, April 18, 2000.
Judie Bosau-Allen personal narrative (written) A commuting freshman in 1970, Judie recalls her experience on campus as she attempted to avoid the rally on the Commons on May 4, 1970. 
James R. Brand personal narrative (written) Alumnus James Brand sent these reflections on the 20th anniversary of May 4th. He recounts his memories of the shootings as a high school student in Canton and his later work for the May 4 Task Force at Kent. 
Ralph E. Bruner personal narrative (audio) Alumnus Ralph E. Bruner, a student at Kent State in 1970, recounts his experiences in the lead up to May 4, during an over-the-phone interview with Maureen Oravec, James (Jim) Oravec, and Mrs. Oravec, as part of a high school project for Maureen. Submitted via website, May 4, 2020.
Randy Burke personal narrative (written) A high school student in New York, recounts his experiences attending anti-war protests in Washington and New York with his father. He recalls learning of the news about Kent State on May 4 and being in disbelief that students were shot for protesting. 
James Burkhart personal narrative (written) Involved in the Music and Speech sit-in during 1969, and arrested for his involvement, Burkhart describes his experiences at his trial. He was also present near Taylor Hall on the day of the May 4 shootings and recounts seeing the body of a student who had been killed [Jeffrey Miller?] in the Prentice Hall parking lot. Submitted via email, 1998
Guenveur Burnell personal narrative (written) A resident of Kent, Ohio and Kent State University alumna (class of 1950), writes to her sister, Mary Lu Walker of Corning, New York, on May 9, 1970 describing the events of May 4. She recalls visiting her brother, Edward Harper, a helicopter pilot serving in the Ohio National Guard, at the University airport on Monday morning. 
Paul Cameron personal narrative (written) A Vietnam veteran who was in Vietnam in 1970 tells about the reactions around him to the shootings at Kent. Submitted via email, November 2, 2000.
Richard Carlisle personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 was en route to report to the U.S. Army in Ft. Lewis, Wa. Submitted via email, May 4, 2000.
Harold Carpenter commentary (written) In 1970, an Assistant Professor of Education at University School, describes witnessing the advance of the National Guard resulting in four deaths and several wounded. Carpenter recounts scenes of fixed bayonets and rifles at the crest of Blanket Hill and hearing the the firing of guns.
Sharon Cavileer personal narrative (written) A  Kent State University student in 1970, Cavileer was an eyewitness to the events leading up to May 4, and recalls the gunshots that she intially believed were firecrackers.  She describes meeting Jeff Miller at Michigan State and recounts his wit and humor.
Richard Ceckowski personal narrative (written) A student attending State University of New York College at Plattsburgh in 1970, describes the events he witnessed during the Plattsburgh State protest at the Federal Building May 4-5, 1970, in response to the Kent State shooting on May 4, 1970. The author provided scans of a "student target" t-shirt, and a document containing protest instructions, which are available in Box 101. Submitted via email in 2011.
Charles Dale personal narrative (written) A graduate of Kent State in 1966, Charles recalls hearing about the shootings from his graduate program at the University of Georgia. 
Homi K. Dastur commentary (written) An ordained priest writes about the four dead students at Kent State, the growing conflict in Vietnam, and the Cambodian invasion.
Denise M. D'Aurora personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 shares her memories of being on campus May 1-4, 1970. Submitted via email, January 24, 2000.
Marilyn DeFrange personal narrative and commentary (written) Residents of Kent, Ohio, at the time of the shootings, Marilyn and her family experienced profound personal loss during the time before and during the Kent State shootings. Her brother Mark was killed nine months earlier while serving as a soldier in Vietnam, and her father Nicholas (Nick) died at Robinson Memorial Hospital on May 4, 1970. In this facebook post narrative and commentary, Marilyn shares her thoughts about how her family's losses were intertwined with the Kent State shootings and shares a letter written by her brother Timothy (Tim), which recounts events that occurred on May 4, 1970 while the wounded and killed students from the shootings were being brought to Robinson Memorial Hospital at the same time as their father was in the hospital and ultimately died that day. Tim DeFrange also shared this story through the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project in 1990. Marilyn DeFrange's May 4, 2017 post and associated comments received via facebook are printed and filed in Box 101.
Gary Doebler personal narrative (written) A student attending high school in rural Pennsylvania in 1970, describes his involvement in the anti-war movement and his growing engagement in the events surrounding the Kent State Shootings and their aftermath. Doebler recounts organizing and participating in several activities including a memorial for the wounded and killed students, two large anti-gym demonstrations, and his involvement in several organizations such as: Student Mobilization Against the War, Students for a Democratic Society, and the Vietnam Peace Committee. Submitted via website, February 13, 2024.
George Drake personal narrative (written) The Academic Dean and Professor of History at Colorado College in 1970 describes demonstrations at his university following the shootings at KSU. He also relates what happened at Grinnell College, where he was President at the time of this recording. Submitted via email, April 19, 2000.
Glenda R. Elliott commentary (written) A Doctoral Student at Kent State University in 1970 who participated in "Reconciliation Groups" in the Kent community in the summer of 1970 talks about the effect that May 4 had on her as an educator, a counselor and as a human being. Submitted via email, May 4, 2000.
Carolyn Mallon Fair personal narrative and commentary (written) A KSU alumna, who was working as an employee at Lake-Olson Dining Hall where National Guardsmen were fed following the shootings talks about her perceptions of what happened on the campus. Submitted via email, May 3, 2000.
Rick Felber personal narrative (written) Rick Felber was a former Kent State University student living in Kent, Ohio, in 1970. He was present for some of the demonstrations that were held on campus in the days leading up to the shootings; he witnessed the ROTC Building fire on Saturday, May 2 and was involved in the demonstrations on Sunday, May 3. He was also indicted as on of the "Kent 25." Felber wrote this narrative in 1971 while serving a prison term for drug-related charges. The narrative includes his impressions and experiences on April 30 through May 4, 1970. Felber has also recorded an oral history as part of the Kent State Shootings Oral History Project. Submitted to the archive on February 18, 2020.
Donna Marie Ferrari commentary (written) A SUNY-Oneonta Student in 1970 describes the reaction at her school to the Kent State killings and how it impacted upon her view of the world. Submitted via email, May 2, 2000.
Harry Fitch personal narrative and commentary (written) Written narrative/commentary by Harry Fitch, a transfer student to Kent State in 1965, who graduated in 1967. On May 4, 1970, Fitch was in the military, stationed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. His account details his feelings and actions following the news about the shootings that took place at Kent State.
Kenneth Foscue personal narrative (written) A freshman at East Carolina University in N.C. in May of 1970 talks about the lifelong effects that what happened on May 4, 1970 have had on him. Submitted via email, September 3, 2000.
A. Duane Frayer personal narrative and commentary (video) Video-recorded personal narrative and commentary by A. Duane Frayer, a Methodist minister who served the students of Kent State University at the time of the shootings. The recorded narrative is overlayed, periodically, with digital images from the Frayer family collection. This video was created by Frayer's son, Jeff Scott Frayer. Permission for use other than personal research use must be obtained from Jeff Scott Frayer. This video is also available on YouTube, and a DVD copy is on file in Box 101.
Joseph Gains personal narrative (written) A 1972 Kent State University graduate describes his time in the ROTC while later witnessing the damage created by the ROTC building fire.  He recalls his friendship with fellow ROTC cadet, Bill Schroeder, and learning of his death on May 4, 1970.
Darcy Bortner Geders personal narrative (written) A Kent State University freshman in 1970 describes what it was like to be on the Commons and teargassed on May 4, 1970 and recalls hearing the sounds of the Guard firing on the students. Submitted via email, February 21, 2000.
James W. Geisey personal narrative and commentary (written) A senior at Kent State University in 1970, and a US Army Veteran, recounts in a letter to "Sue" his observations of police and fire response to the burning of the ROTC building and later the helicopters flying overhead on Sunday. Geisey also offers two commentaries of the events he witnessed in the lead up to May 4. Included are three letters written in response to his commentary, from US Senators, William B. Saxbe and Stephen M. Young, and Congressman, Frank T. Bow. 
Gregory Gibson personal narrative (written) Gibson, a 1969 graduate, was a Kent State student during the time leading up to the 1970 shootings. He shares his memories and thoughts about the major events that occurred on campus in the years before May 4, 1970, including SDS activities, the BUS walkout, and the occupation of the Music & Speech Building. He also provides his personal commentary and viewpoint on the atmosphere at Kent State during this period.
Kathleen Collins Goldsmith personal narrative (written) A freshman art student at Kent State University in 1970, recalls attending the rally on May 4 as a curious observer.  Goldsmith describes the daze she was in walking back to her dormitory after the shootings took place.  She describes varied emotions and questions, fifty years later. 
Thomas Grace personal narrative and commentary (written) Remarks made at the 17th anniversary of the Kent State shootings in 1987.
Dave Green personal narrative and commentary (written) A senior in high school when Kent State shootings occurred. Submitted by email, May 12, 2003.
Barbara Gross personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 who was student teaching and off campus on May 4, describes coming back to campus. Submitted via email, April 26, 2000.
Sandra Perlman Halem commentary (written) A Kent resident and local playwright reflects on the tragedy and its meaning. Written May 4, 1970 (?)
Vearl Mathis Harrington personal narrative and commentary (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 recounts what it was like for her during May 1-4, 1970 and reflects on what she has learned. Submitted via email, April 22, 2000.
Linda Harsh personal narrative and commentary (video) Video-recorded personal narrative and commentary of the longest serving staff member of Kent State University, Linda Harsh, conducted by Cynthia Williams. Linda Harsh was the secretary for the Director of Student Affairs at the time of the shootings. She describes the atmosphere of Stark Campus in the days after May 4, 1970. The recorded narrative contains digital images from Linda Harsh's personal collection. A DVD copy is on file in Box 101.
Jay A. Hatcher personal narrative (written) A University of New Mexico Student in 1970 tells about what happened there after May 4, 1970 and how it impacted upon his life. Submitted via email, December 1, 1999.
Lois Smart Helmick personal narrative (written) An eighteen year old Kent State student in 1970, recalls the tense atmosphere on Kent State's campus in the lead up to May 4, 1970. Helmick recounts Black United Students advising Black students to avoid campus the week of May 4, and for Black female students to get an escort if traveling across campus. She vividly describes the moment she discovered the shootings took place, the immediate evacuation of campus, and her return. Submitted in person, January 24, 2024. 
Lawrence L. Hersey, PhD, RA personal narrative (written) A Vietnam veteran and architecture student in 1970, describes preparing for class in Taylor Hall to be met with noise of a rally, followed by the firing of weapons. He reflects back on his time in war and the similar images and sounds he encountered on May 4, 1970. 
Jayci Himes personal narrative (written) A 2001 Kent State University graduate reflects on her time as a beat reporter, spending time in the memorable Taylor Hall.  She discusses avoiding walking on Blanket Hill, which she viewed as hallowed ground.
Dan Hollon personal narrative (written) Dan writes about his sister Regina and her role on the May 4 Task Force before she was killed in a car accident in 1986. He includes a poem by her and a statement on behalf of the Central American Solidarity in Action Committee. 
Suzanne Irvin personal narrative (written) A student at Kent State University in 1970, she recounts attending her morning classes on May 4, and then coming out onto the Taylor Hall area before the shootings occurred. She provides an eye-witness account of the events after 11:50 a.m., and describes the actions of Glenn Frank and Jerry Lewis, following the shootings. She also discusses her exit from campus and returning home. Submitted via email, February 1, 1996.
Linda Janosko personal narrative (written) An Art major at Kent State, Linda recounts her experiences on May 4, 1970. Submitted via letter to Pamela Anderson, May 20, 1995.
Bob Kahl personal narrative (written) A nineteen-year-old student who left Kent State in mid-April 1970, describes watching the news in Florida in the lead up to May 4. He recounts a day of hitchhiking for a job until he arrived home where he mother broke the news about the Kent State shootings. Kahl mentions the trials surrounding the Kent 25, specifically when CBS television journalist, Ike Pappas notified him that he used a courtroom drawing of Kahl on the news, which is included with the narrative. Submitted via email April 24, 2023.
Jan Kennedy personal narrative (written) A Kent State graduate, reflects on the changes made to the graduation ceremony and the moods revolving around the ceremonious day.
Robert Knowles personal narrative (written) KSU alumnus, Class of 1970. He briefly recounts what happened at the scene of the shootings on May 4, both before and after the shootings took place. Submitted via email, February 17, 2003.
Jay Kuntz personal narrative (written) In 1970, a sophomore in high school, with a brother in Vietnam, Kuntz reflects on the possibility of being drafted. He describes his decision to attend Kent State University and being assigned to a dorm that was less than 500 feet from the pagoda where the National Guardsmen began shooting. While in college, he attended the candlelight vigils which provided him a time of personal solitude and a sobering realization that he had been lucky to have avoided Vietnam. Kuntz mentions that while the 50th commemoration has been cancelled due to the coronavirus, he will never stop asking questions and never forget.
Thomas Lakso personal narrative (written) A Vietnam veteran and a student in 1970, describes living in a trailer with his wife, Linda, parked next to the then-current Gymnastics Coach, Rudy Bachna and his wife, Janet. He recounts driving to the campus with Coach Bachna on May 2, to witness the ROTC building in flames. On May 4, he recalls tear gas seeping into his classroom and later, the sound of M-1 fire. 
Sally Layton commentary (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 still has questions about what happened on May 4. Submitted via email, May 16, 2002.
Kenneth Levy personal narrative (written) Starting in fall 1969, Levy was a Kent State University student majoring in architecture. In his essay entitled "KENT STATE: A Retrospective 50 Years After," Levy recounts his experiences in the years leading up to, during and in the aftermath of Kent State shootings, and offers his own analysis of these events. He was an eyewitness to the moments of the shootings from his seventh floor dorm room window on May 4, 1970. The author also reflects on local and national events occurring in 1968, 1969, and 1970. Levy's narrative is illustrated by his own photographs, including one image that is part of the exhibits at the May 4 Visitors Center.
Jim P. Long personal narrative (written) At Louisiana State University in New Orleans in 1970, recounts what it was like hearing about what happened at Kent and how if affected him. Submitted via email, February 4, 2000.
Dorothy Lutz personal narrative (written) A secretary for the Associate Dean of Regional Campuses in 1970, describes in a letter dated May 5, 1970, the various events she witnessed on campus, to her son, David Lutz, who was at the time serving in Vietnam. She details the National Guard presence in the days leading up to May 4, Martial Law, and the closure of the university. 
James L. Mack personal narrative (written) James mailed these reflections to the May 4 Twentieth Anniversary Commission in 1990. He recounts his experiences as a senior at Gannon College and a phone call he received from a friend at Kent State the afternoon of May 4, 1970.
Dale McCleary commentary (written) A Vietnam veteran, McCleary comments on how he has been treated as a veteran and his feelings about the shootings at Kent State, May 23, 1997.
Dale McCleary personal narrative and commentary (written) A Vietnam veteran comments of where he was when he heard about the shootings at Kent State and the meaning he has derived from it. Submitted via email, May 3, 2000.
Donald C. Miller personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 relates his experiences on May 2-4, 1970. He describes his difficult return to his dorm immediately after the shootings and the high level of fear on campus at that time. Submitted via email, April 24, 2003.
Russ Miller commentary (written) Russ Miller, older brother of Jeff Miller, shares his memories of them growing up in New York. He describes their time at Michigan State University, Jeff's eventual transfer to Kent State University, and his last memory with Jeff before his death. Submitted in person, September 21, 2023, originally written July 21, 2019.
Yvonne Elizabeth Mitchell-Bragg personal narrative and commentary (written) Written narrative/commentary by Yvonne Mitchell-Bragg, a student at Kent State from 1968-1971. Mitchell-Bragg lived off-campus and worked as a student employee in the Publications Office at the time of the shootings. She details her experiences May 3-4, 1970. She was an eyewitness to the shootings. She also had a brother who had served as a paratrooper in Vietnam and had recently returned from the war when the Kent State shootings occurred.
Michael Morgan commentary (written) A veteran reflects on the meaning of the shootings. Submitted via email, October 9, 2000.
Peggy Smith Morgan personal narrative (written) A student at Central Elementary School in Kent, Ohio, recounts the principal evacuating the school and instructing students living nearby to quickly walk home on May 4, 1970. Morgan describes the nervous atmosphere at her home while learning of the events that took place at Kent State University.  She comments on her awareness of some of the events leading up to the shootings and the anxiety she had as an 11 year old.
Daniel A. Nell personal narrative (written) Describes the experience of returning to the KSU campus in 1970 to pick up his sister who was a student. Submitted via email, April 23, 2000.
John F. Ohles personal narrative (written) A Kent State professor recounts his memories of May 4, 1970. Also includes correspondence with Diane Harris discussing memories of the Kent State shootings.
Glenn A. Olds commentary (written) President Glenn Olds gave these remarks on the meaning of the Kent State shootings at a May 4 dedication on May 3, 1974.
Mary L. Olimpio personal narrative (written) Mary submitted this narrative as a part of the 20th anniversary of the May 4 shootings. It recounts her experiences as a student at Kent State before, on, and after May 4, 1970.
Dr. Ronald Harris Parker commentary (written) Dr. Ronald Harris Parker, a 1972 Kent State graduate, recounts the National Guardsmen opening fire on May 4, 1970. In his account, he reflects on the lack of accountability for the killing of four students and wounding of nine others. He goes on to describe an institutional pattern over the last fifty-two years, with an emphasis and connection to current day police reform efforts. Submitted via email, March 25, 2022.
Dr. Ronald Harris Parker commentary (written) Dr. Ronald Harris Parker, a 1972 Kent State graduate correlates the Kent State Shootings to the contemporary and societal issues we face presently. Submitted via email, January 30, 2023.
Penny commentary (written) A 10-year-old at the time comments on her feelings today. Submitted via email, October 28, 2000.
Beth Petrequin commentary (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 talks about the "fear" felt by many on campus and in the community. Submitted via email, May 1, 2000.
Emily Burnell Petrou personal narrative (written) A fourth grade student at Walls Elementary School recounts the events leading up to May 4, 1970.  She describes witnessing the orange glow of the ROTC burning from her front porch and driving to campus the following day to view the wreckage. Emily recalls a young National Guardsman allowing her to hold a bullet and noting its surprising weight. As a 10-year-old living through these monumental events, her unique perspective provides detailed memories. Submitted via website, October 22, 2021.
Dolores Pinchot personal narrative (written) Dolores remembers May 4, 1970 as a student teacher at Shore Jr. High School in Euclid Ohio and SDS (Students for a Democratic Society) march in 1969. 
Alex Primm commentary (written) A founding member of Veterans for Peace comments on the deaths at Kent State. Submitted via email, April 30, 2000.
Larry Raines personal narrative (written) A student at Kent State University in 1970, Raines was friends with Dean Kahler, one of the students injured on May 4, 1970. Raines provides an eyewitness account of the events before, during, and after the shootings, and describes what it was like to realize that the Ohio National Guard was using live ammunition. He also knew Tom Grace and Sandra Scheuer, both of whom were shot. Submitted via email, March 24, 1997. Resubmitted via email, September 7, 2021.
Phyllis (Harkins) Ralley personal narrative (audio) A Southeastern Ohio resident, and future Kent State University student, Phyllis recalls learning about the May 4, 1970 shootings while in her living room. Over the years, she recounts varied connections she had with Allison Krause, to include finishing her college career on a scholarship from Allison Krause's parents.  Submitted via website, May 4, 2020.
H. F. Raup personal narrative (written) KSU faculty member in geography in 1970. "Rough notes of a Faculty Senate meeting considering the May 4, 1970 shootings on the campus." [Appear to be notes written by Professor Raup of what transpired at a special Faculty Senate meeting held shortly after May 4, 1970. Raup wrote the notes in January of 1982. Raup includes notes about resolutions under consideration at this meeting including a resolution condemning the shootings.]
John D. Rezabek personal narrative (written) A Kent State University alumnus (class of 1964), who served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, describes his feelings when he arrived stateside on May 5, 1970 and read in the newspaper what had happened at his alma mater. Submitted via fax, May 31, 2000, in response to an article about the oral history project in the KSU Alumni Magazine.
Cynthia Watkins Richardson commentary (written) A University of Massachusetts student in 1970 describes the imprint that the Kent tragedy had on her life. Submitted via email, April 26, 2000.
Douglas Roberts personal narrative (written) An excerpt from his personal memoir, Our Purple Heart, Douglas recounts his first and final time meeting Sandy Scheuer. He describes meeting the dog Sandy was spotted with on May 3, 1970, and recalls her kind demeanor before she was killed on May 4, 1970. Submitted via website, October 13, 2023.
Jeff Rohan personal narrative and commentary (written) "An Open Letter to the Students and Faculty of Kent State University -- Past and Present." A fourteen-year-old at the time of the shootings, Rohan describes his feelings about visiting the Kent State University campus and the May 4 Memorial in 1998. Submitted by mail, April 7, 1998.
Eve S. Rosahn personal narrative (written) A member of the December 4th Movement (D4M), in New York City, describes the response of a judge to the shootings at KSU in response to the arrest of Columbia University students. Submitted via email, April 25, 2000.
Dr. Jacqueline Wilson Rose personal narrative (written) Dr. Rose, a junior cataloger at the Kent State University Library in 1970, describes her emotions leading up to the shootings in her May 2020 diary entries. At eight and a half months pregnant, she recalls the library being on high alert for fear that protesters would storm the building.  She recalls the numb feeling she and her husband had while driving home after the shootings. 
Ken Schaub personal narrative and commentary (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 describes his experiences on May 4, 1970, when he arrived at the scene of the shootings afterwards and then had a tape created from eyewitnesses that was later broadcast. After graduating from KSU in 1971 he served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force and he reflects upon the behavior of the National Guard from the perspective of a veteran. Submitted via email, May 16, 2000.
Joel Schackne personal narrative (written) Joel gives his first hand account of what he witnessed at Kent State on May 4, 1970 and his remembrances of Sandy Scheuer, his former girlfriend.  
Harold E. Schroeder, PhD personal narrative (written) A Kent State University faculty member describes campus tension on the days leading up to May 4, 1970.  He discusses spectating the demonstrators on the edge of The Commons before the shootings took place. He recalls rumors of a sniper being present in the area and helping remaining students evacuate the Psychology building. 
William W. Scranton commentary (written) Remarks made by William Scranton at the opening of hearings in Kent, August 19, 1970.
Paula Sharaga personal narrative (written) Paula reflects in a letter to her friend Harriet Korim, that Jeff Miller had asked her to dance in junior high.  While she regretfully said no, she was later inspired by Jeff's passing to become a peaceful warrior in his memory.  Paula passed away on February 15, 2019.
John W. Simons personal narrative (written) The chaplain of the National Guard at Kent State gives his account of what happened from his perspective. Remarks presented at program sponsored by United Christian Ministries, undated.
John W. Simons commentary (sermon) (written) Sermon given by National Guard chaplain John W. Simons at St. Philip's on May 10, 1970.
Kalyan Singhal personal narrative (written) On May 3, 1970, Singhal, an international student from India, recounts a young woman asking if they could speak about Mahatma Gandhi's approach to nonviolence. He recalls agreeing to meet her the following afternoon.  Singhal describes the gathering on The Commons and standing at a distance to watch the protest.  After witnessing the shootings, he describes learning that the woman he was to meet and speak about nonviolence, was Allison Krause.
George F. Skoch personal narrative (written) A student residing in Johnson Hall recounts the events leading up to May 4, 1970.  He describes his vantage point, and being able to hear and see the breaking of glass window panes on the ROTC building, followed by flames. While observing demonstrators on May 4, he recounts witnessing  the sights and sounds of the shootings from an open window in Johnson Hall.  
Paula Slimak personal narrative (written) Written in July 2010, Slimak reflects back on her experiences as University spokesperson at the 25th anniversary of the shootings in 1995. Slimak was Executive Director of University Communications from 1993-1997 and is an alumnus of Kent State (1968; MA 1971). This piece was originally published in Jargon, the Kent State JMC alumni magazine.
Patrick G. Smith personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 who worked at McDonalds describes his experiences in May of 1970. Submitted via email, April 22, 2000.
William G. Spearman commentary (sermon) (written) Sermon given at the United Presbyterian Church of Kent, Ohio on May 10th, 1970.
Donald Spencer personal narrative (written) A fraternity brother of TKE, describes being held in Rockwell Hall as National Guardsmen set perimeters around protesters on May 3, 1970. After the shootings, he recalls listening to the police channel and learning of Greek houses being ransacked. 
J. Ross Stevenson personal narrative and commentary KSU faculty member in 1970. "Memories and Thoughts Concerning May 4, 1970." Includes a two-page memo written by Stevenson to Dr. Louis K. Harris, Provost, on June 16, 1970 regarding events of May 1970 and security concerns.
Thaddeus Shura personal narrative (written) Thaddeus recalls seeing Jeeps rolling into campus at noon May 4, 1970 from his work on a track repair crew for the Erie-Lackawanna railroad.
Debbie Davis Sturm personal narrative (written) A Kent State undergraduate nursing student accounts the unforgettable sounds and scenes experienced from the dormitories on May 4, 1970.
Caren Trantas personal narrative (written) A Penn State University Student who was living in Spain in 1970 describes what it was like for her to hear about the Kent State shootings. Submitted via email, April 30, 2000.
Robert Treichler personal narrative (written) A Kent State University Professor of Psychology relates how faculty in the psychology department taught classes after the university was closed in what was called "the department in exile". He also discusses the problems in getting back on campus to care for the 1000 rats and 20 monkeys housed in Kent Hall. Submitted via mail, May, 2000.
Lois Van Buren personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 vividly recounts her experiences in the days leading up to and including May 4, 1970. She describes drug usage, counterculture during the 1970s, and her experience in speaking about the shootings in its aftermath.  The narrator has changed all names out of a respect to privacy. This excerpt is recorded in her memoir, In the Pillared Dark
Ron Vederman personal narrative (written) A Kent State University student in 1970 relates his experiences in witnessing the shootings. Submitted via email, April 30, 2000.
Leslie Wasson personal narrative (written) A junior high student in 1970 in a close community to Kent describes what it was like for her and her family. Submitted via email, May 5, 2000.
Christine Ann West personal narrative (written) A junior at Miami University in 1970, reflects on the protests that took place on Miami's campus to include a flushing toilet protest. She describes the days following the Kent State shootings and Miami University's response of a subsequent curfew and shutdown. 
David Wirick personal narrative and commentary (written) A member of the ROTC and sophomore at Kent State University in 1970, describes the days leading up to and including May 4, 1970.  This personal narrative and commentary is a transcript of audio recordings of David Wirick, recorded and transcribed by his daughter, Katherine Wirick on May 29, 2010.  As they explore the then-current day city of Kent and Kent State University campus, David recounts the ROTC burning, being in the same class as Bill Schroeder, the shootings, and arriving home to discover the parish priest was there waiting. Submitted via website by Katherine Wirick, February 27, 2024
Elaine Oswald Witwer personal narrative (written) KSU alumnus, Class of 1972. Discusses briefly rumors about Nixon wanting a female student to be shot at Kent State and the FBI investigations into the events of May 4, 1970. Submitted via email, March 9, 2003.
David Wolfson personal narrative (written) A sophomore at Kent State University in 1970, reflects on the Scranton Commission and the killings at Jackson State in relation to May 4, 1970 and society now.  He recalls the FBI coming to his house to interview him shortly after the shootings. File includes news clipping from Pittsburgh Point, May 7, 1970. 
Walter Yingling, PhD personal narrative (written) A first year PhD student in 1970, describes the demonstrations weeks leading up to the shootings.  He recalls relaying the tragic message that the National Guard had opened fire to his Dean, resulting in the faculty joining demonstrators in an attempt to bring calm to the scene.