Question of the Week: 6/20-6/26/22
Do you know of some unpublished primary sources that are historical treasures? Can you give us a little explanation or preview in the comments?
Do you know of some unpublished primary sources that are historical treasures? Can you give us a little explanation or preview in the comments?
my personal primary source treasure is the personal papers, memorabilia, photographs, uniforms, and personal and official correspondence of Vice Admiral (VADM) William Ward Smith … VADM Smith, while not a Civil War vet, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1909, served in both world wars, and retired in 1949 … what makes Admiral Smith’s material rather interesting is that he was Admiral (ADM) Kimmell’s Chief of Staff from February to December 1941 … ADM Kimmell was, of course, commander in chief of the United States Pacific Fleet when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
Fortunately, Smith survived the post-Pearl Harbor personnel “purges”, was promoted to Rear Admiral and commanded Cruiser Task Force Eleven during the battles of the Coral Sea and Midway … Smith later commanded Cruiser Division Nine during the campaign in the Northern Pacific to take the Aleutian Islands from the occupying Japanese forces.
Smith finished the war as a Vice Admiral (3 star) commanding Service Force Pacific Fleet which comprised hundreds ot tankers, supply and ammo ships, and repair vessels … and while perhaps not the most glamorous job, Smith’s logistics ships were instrumental in the highly successful “island hopping” campaigns that defeated the Japanese … as General Omar Bradley remarked, ” … amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics … ”
i purchased Smith’s collection from a friend who got from the Admiral’s granddaughter who simply didn’t want it anymore … among it’s many treasures, is Smith’s two-star Admiral’s Flag … this flag would have flown in USS ASTORIA, Smith’s flagship, during the Coral Sea and MIdway campaigns.