Veterans History Project

The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war.

A bundle of roofing shingles weighs 86 pounds. Clarence W.R. Mellott (Clarence) was working for a roofer and was carrying bundles of shingles over his shoulder up a long extension ladder. They needed to be placed at various spots on the roof of a three story house. He checked a nearby thermometer and read the line at 115 degrees. On the roofs of hous...