Kirk Kerkorian collection, 1942-1951, bulk 1942-1945

Summary

Creator:
Kerkorian, Kerkor , 1917-2015
Date:
1942-1951, bulk 1942-1945
Extent:
4.25 Linear Feet (1 box, 1 oversize folder, 1 trunk)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Kirk Kerkorian collection, ms3962, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of papers and artifacts from Kirk Kerkorian's service during World War II. A personal photograph album and several issues of the Gosport, a publication of the Morton Air Academy, are also included.

Biographical / historical:

Kirk Kerkorian was born in California to Armenian immigrants in the year 1917. He left school in the eighth grade and found success as an amateur boxer. In anticipation of World War II, Kerkorian began taking flying lessons. After receiving his pilot's certification, Kerkorian flew for the British Royal Air Force and was based in Canada. Following the war, he worked as a pilot eventually settling in Las Vegas, Nevada. Kerkorian became well-known through his ventures in the airline, gambling resorts and film industries. Notably, he built the world's largest hotel in Las Vegas three times: the International Hotel (opened in 1969), the MGM Grand Hotel (1973) and the MGM Grand (1993). Kirk Kerkorian was also a very active philanthropist reportedly donating over one billion dollars to charity throughout his career.

Access and use restrictions

Preferred citation:

Kirk Kerkorian collection, ms3962, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries.