The most significant materials in the collection pertain to the defense of Wake Island and Putnam's imprisonment in Japan. Of particular importance are Putnam's three diaries which mention his capture on Wake Island and describe his imprisonment by the Japanese (1942-1945). Portions of the diaries were written in shorthand; however, they have been transcribed. Also included is a POW recipe book from the prison camp in Zentsuji, Japan.
The diaries discuss life in prisoner-of-war camps: problems with food, unsanitary conditions, the difference in treatment of officers and enlisted men, and day-to-day routines. The routines included work around the camp, raising rabbits, and agricultural activities. Putnam also recorded the prisoners' move to Rokuroshi (June, 1945) and the reaction of the Japanese to the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Aug. 6-17, 1945).
Also in the collection are a report, rosters, and other records that reflect the activities of the Marine Fighting Squadron 211. Putnam recorded information about his squadron's defense of Wake Island and noted details of the service of each man in the squadron.
Among the chiefly routine correspondence pertaining to Putnam's military career (1926-1953) are letters reflecting the service of Putnam and his men on Wake Island and their subsequent imprisonment. Included are copies of letters Putnam wrote to his family from Japan and correspondence recommending some of his men for citations. In addition, the correspondence includes a confidential letter regarding a clandestine naval operation to Wake Island (1941), and post-war correspondence between Putnam and the men that served under his command on Wake Island and between Putnam and his superiors (1942-1947). In the post-war correspondence Putnam recognizes the spirit of the men during captivity and the justice of their receiving delinquent flight-order pay.
Additional material pertaining to the defense of Wake Island includes copies of awards, citations, and a variety of publications, including newspaper articles and the score of a song, "Wake Island."
Routine orders (1926-1952) provide details concerning Putnam's military career.
Among the miscellaneous material in the collection are a photograph of Putnam and his wife and a chronology of Putnam's service in the Marine Corps. Oversized material includes three watercolor prints done by Arthur Beaumont of Wake Island fighting scenes dramatized in the Paramount movie "Wake Island."