Scope and Contents

The James Dingeman collection is an integrated military history collection. Generally, the collection consists of books, periodicals, monographs, news clippings, photocopied articles and books, reports, and studies. The collection contains approximately 4000 books and 50 linear feet of paper materials. The following is a size estimate of the collection’s eight series, excluding books.

1. African/African-American 5 linear feet
2. American History 2 linear feet
3. China 1 linear foot.
4. Defense Policy 5 linear feet
5. General Military 9 linear feet
6. Middle East 6.5 linear feet
7. Vietnam 13 linear feet
8. World War II 6 linear feet

Vietnam Series Scope and Content Note: The Vietnam Conflict series contains items relating to the anti-war movement during the 1960s, military procedures, and general information about the Vietnam conflict. This series also contains information about other Southeast Asian countries, primarily Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. This series is comprised of news clippings, photocopied books, handwritten notes, and published materials. The periodicals and Government documents have been separated from the collection and are located within the Vietnam Archive’s periodical and Government documents holdings. The periodicals and Government documents are listed in a separation sheet and can be accessed if needed. The majority of periodicals are Ramparts, Liberator, Army, Harpers, Indochina Chronology, Indochina Chronicle, New York Review of Books, and some single issues from miscellaneous magazines. At this time the original order of this series has been maintained; however, additional loose paper items have been located and will be added to this series. After reviewing the new items, the original order may be changed in order to integrate the loose papers.

Biographical / Historical

James Dingeman has spent his life involved in a wide range of activities. His family has deep military roots. James Dingeman states that a member of his family has fought in every war that has involved the United States. His father commanded the 2nd/12th 1st Cavalry from 1968-1969. In 1967 James Dingeman received a Presidential Appointment to West Point. However, he turned it down because he began to question the war in Vietnam. Instead of joining the military, Dingeman chose to go to college. He attended Wesleyan University from 1968-1970. He participated in the Wesleyan University Chapter Students for a Democratic Society. His activities included planning Moratorium Activities and an alternate-free University movement. For two years he played free safety on the football team.

Starting in 1970, James Dingeman became involved with Union organizations. Also during the 1970s, he worked with the Vietnam Veterans Against the War and anti-apartheid movement. He worked as a publicist and legislative lobbyist for the Citizens Committee on Africa. In the early 1980s, James Dingeman helped create the Arms Control Workshop at Columbia University; known later as the New York Military Affairs Symposium. He also worked with Fortune 500 companies. In the 1990s, Dingeman worked as a radio talk show host at WBAI Radio in New York discussing history and current affairs. When the Gulf War started, he became a popular commentator on shows like CNN and Good Morning America. He also participated in activities that pushed for legislation regarding missing children and people.

Between all of these activities, James Dingeman has written and published many articles and a book on various topics of history and current affairs. His collection has been generated from his research. He continues to play an active role in media affairs, recently testifying at the President.s Advisory Board for Digital Broadcasting. He also plays fast pitch softball in Central Park.