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Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash.

This bulletin, sent by the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, announced the Japanese’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Image from, Jules James Papers (#223), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, stands as one of the most defining moments in American history, marking the United States’ entry into World War II. The surprise assault by the Imperial Japanese Navy on the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed in Hawaii killed over 2,400 Americans, destroyed numerous ships and aircraft, and shattered the nation’s sense of security. Following this catastrophic event, the U.S. mobilized unprecedentedly, driven by urgency and a profound sense of duty to retaliate and defend the nation. A critical component of this mobilization is captured in a bulletin issued on December 9, 1941, by U.S. Navy Secretary Frank Knox, emphasizing the urgency and determination needed to overcome the enemy.

Bulletin from United States Secretary of the Navy, Frank Knox, dated December 9, 1941. In this bulletin sent to all Naval Stations (ALNAVSTAS), Knox responds to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Image from, Jules James Papers (#223), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The bulletin, intended for naval personnel, provides a snapshot of the sentiments and immediate actions taken by the U.S. Navy following the attack. Dated just two days after Pearl Harbor, it conveys the gravity of the situation and the Navy’s resolute response. Secretary Knox’s language is notably intense and devoid of diplomatic nuances, describing the attack as a “savage, treacherous blow.” His words echo the widespread shock and anger felt by Americans at the time and served to rally all those involved in defense production and naval operations.

Knox’s message demands swift, decisive action: “We must have ships and more ships, guns and more guns, men and more men—faster and faster.” This call for immediate expansion of resources and personnel highlights the massive scale of the war effort required. The phrase “There is no time now for disputes or delay of any kind” underscores the urgency to prioritize national security over any bureaucratic or logistical obstacles. It reflects a shift in national focus, where every individual and resource was directed toward the war effort.

A notable aspect of Knox’s directive is the repetition of “comma” and “exclamation point,” indicating a telegram format in which punctuation was spelled out to ensure clarity and gravity. Such language, devoid of nuanced prose, amplifies the seriousness of the message, aiming to leave no room for ambiguity among the recipients. His phrase, “This is your Navy and your Nation,” directly appeals to personal responsibility, encouraging every person involved to understand their critical role in this collective fight.

Additionally, the bulletin stresses the importance of efficiency and removing restrictions that might delay production. By instructing naval activities to “post on all bulletin boards,” Knox clarifies that this message is not just for high-ranking officers but is meant to be seen and felt at every level of the Navy’s operations. He also authorizes inspectors to expedite procedures and invites “suggestions for removing restrictions,” signaling a shift toward a more flexible, purposeful approach in military operations and production.

The rallying message issued by Knox set the tone for a national mobilization effort that transformed American industry. Factories across the country rapidly converted to produce war materials, and citizens joined the armed forces or took on roles in defense plants, contributing to an unprecedented level of unity and sacrifice. The “speed up” command reflects how every minute was precious in the fight to recover from the Pearl Harbor losses and prepare for the global conflict that lay ahead.

This bulletin from Knox remains a poignant reminder of the intense determination that characterized America’s entry into World War II. It illustrates the nation’s transformation in the wake of Pearl Harbor—from a country still emerging from the Great Depression to a formidable military power, driven by a fierce resolve to protect its people and its values.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th and 5th posts. The following post was contributed by John Dunning.

The American holiday of Thanksgiving is historically a celebration where family and friends gather to give thanks for the good they have experienced over the past year. But what happens to those unable to gather as normal due to conflict? While World War II disrupted countless lives and affected the celebration of many cultural holidays, the men and women in the American Armed Forces still found ways to celebrate despite the circumstances.

U.S.S. Lang (DD-399) Thanksgiving Day menu. Gordon W. Hooper Papers (#663), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

For the United States Navy sailors aboard the USS Lang (DD-399) in 1944, Thanksgiving was celebrated aboard the destroyer in the Pacific. Sailors were dutifully served the traditional Thanksgiving staples like turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and cranberry sauce. To commemorate the occasion, each sailor received a menu that included a brief history of the holiday, a morale-rousing poem, and the roster of the men aboard the ship. An example of the menu is archived in the Gordon W. Hooper Papers (#0663) in the East Carolina Manuscript Collection.

Those among the Lang were not alone. Wherever able, service members gathered in fellowship to celebrate and give thanks. The East Carolina Manuscript collection includes many menus similar to the one distributed on the Lang, including menus from celebrations aboard the USS Trathen (DD-530) in 1943, those part of the Headquarters Company stationed in the India Burma Theater in 1944, and those aboard USS Intrepid (CV-11) in 1945, among others. While each menu varies slightly, the turkey and the desire to give thanks no matter the situation were the centerpiece.

To view these and other menus, please click the links in the article or see them in person by requesting menus from the collections listed below.

Visit the Ship’s Log, as well as Joyner Library’s social media channels, to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

Collections with Thanksgiving Celebrations During World War II:

• Dr. Louis Carroll English Papers (#0844)
• Gordon W. Hooper Papers (#0663)
• Itimous T. Valentine, Sr., Papers (#0066)
• Robert Walter Jennings Papers (#0996)

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd and 4th posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash. 

The Battle of Leyte Gulf

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, fought from October 23-26, 1944, was a pivotal World War II naval engagement between the U.S. and Japan. It marked the last major clash between the U.S. Navy and the Imperial Japanese Navy and is the largest naval battle in history. Taking place near the Philippine islands of Leyte, Samar, and Luzon, the battle was part of General Douglas MacArthur’s plan to retake the Philippines. Its outcome severely crippled Japan’s naval capabilities, securing Allied control of the Pacific.

Japan’s strategy involved dividing and destroying the Allied fleet with multiple naval forces, but superior Allied intelligence allowed them to counter this. The battle unfolded in four main engagements: the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, Surigao Strait, Cape Engaño, and Samar. Each encounter weakened the Japanese Navy, rendering it ineffective for the remainder of the war.

The USS Portland’s war diary entry describes the vessel’s involvement in the Battle of Surigao Strait at Leyte Gulf. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Carl Hicks Papers (#677-037), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. 

The USS Portland (CA-33) and The Battle of Surigao Strait

The USS Portland (CA-33), commissioned in 1933, had already seen action in key battles like Coral Sea and Guadalcanal by the time it joined Task Force 34 in the Leyte Gulf. Under the command of Admiral William Halsey, Task Force 34 was tasked with protecting the Allied landings on Leyte and preventing Japanese reinforcements from reaching the island.

The USS Portland’s most significant role came in the Battle of Surigao Strait on October 24-25, 1944. Despite heavy enemy fire, the USS Portland helped inflict severe damage on the Japanese fleet and protected Allied forces. One of the battle’s defining moments occurred when Japanese Admiral Kurita’s Center Force attempted a surprise attack but was repelled by Allied gunfire, including from the USS Portland. This victory was crucial in eliminating a major Japanese threat to the planned Allied invasion. Surigao Strait would also be the last time in history that battleships would engage one another in a line of battle.

A history of the USS Portland and its participation in the Battle of Surigao Strait can be found in the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Carl Hicks Papers (Manuscript Collection #677-037). The USS Portland’s “War Diary” documents the vessel’s participation in key operations from 1941-1945, including the Coral Sea (May 1942), Midway (June 1942), Guadalcanal (August & November 1942), Santa Cruz Islands (October 1942), Gilbert Islands (November 1943), Marshall Islands (December 1943-March 1944), Carolina Islands (March-September 1944), Leyte (October-November 1944), Luzon (December 1944-February 1945), and Okinawa (March-April 1945). It highlights battle damage at Guadalcanal, including a jammed turret that caused the ship to steam in circles. Additional entries document kamikaze raids and submarine attacks as well as the Japanese surrender at Truk on September 2, 1945.

Aftermath

The Battle of Leyte Gulf was a decisive victory for the Allies, with Japan suffering heavy losses in ships and aircraft, ensuring that they could no longer effectively conduct large-scale naval operations against the Allies. The USS Portland played a significant role in the Battle of Surigao Strait, permitting the Allies to claim victory and eventually retake the Philippines. Following Leyte Gulf, the USS Portland continued to serve with distinction, participating in the invasions of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, before being present at Japan’s formal surrender in Tokyo Bay on September 2, 1945.

Visit the Ship’s Log, as well as Joyner Library’s social media channels, to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

Contributed by Kayla Cavenaugh, Graduate Student Intern, Duke University Medical Center Archives

Every October, the Society of North Carolina Archivists celebrates Archives Month. This year’s theme, What Puts You on the Map?, brings to mind Duke University Medical Center’s SEDO system, a wayfinding system rolled out in 1971 that left its mark on the hospital.

Front cover of a 1970 lookbook created by Hugh Spencer, "consulting ergonomist," showcasing Duke University Medical Center's chic new wayfinding system called SEDO (Elon H. Clark Papers, "Duke University Medical Center signage, SEDO system, 1970-1971," Box 2).

On March 5, 1971, a special issue of Intercom, the hospital’s weekly bulletin, devoted three of its four pages to the implementation of the new System of Environmental Direction and Orientation, or SEDO. SEDO was a mid-century modern wayfinding system based on eight color zones and hanging lighted signs, “similar to the idea behind routing systems at major airports,” designed to help visitors, patients, and employees better orient themselves through Duke University Medical Center (DUMC). The system was designed by industrial designer Hugh Spencer and the modular, triangular signs were manufactured and installed by Graphicon, Inc., of Greensboro, at a cost of roughly $60,000.

A SEDO pamphlet designed for patients, visitors, and Duke employees, with color-coded map and labeled zones (Elon H. Clark Papers, "Duke University Medical Center signage, SEDO system, 1970-1971," Box 2).

Throughout the 1960s, the hospital experienced rapid growth in both the services offered to its increasingly diverse patient population and its physical footprint. Prior to integration, wayfinding systems and signage posted throughout Duke Hospital, like other hospitals in the South, reflected the demarcation of spaces and services based on racial segregation. While the DUMC Archives holds a selection of photographs depicting segregated waiting areas for Black patients and families, finding clear visual evidence of Jim Crow-era wayfinding signage is challenging. As Elizabeth Guffey observes, “Despite their once pervasive presence in the American South, the little visual documentation left has led design historians to overlook this aspect of visual communications history” (42).

A 1970 memo from Louis E. Swanson, Director of the Medical Center Planning Office (Jane Elchlepp Papers, "Hospital signage, SEDO procedures, undated," Box 1).

DUMC’s growth ultimately meant more buildings, more patients and visitors, and more confusion about how to navigate an increasingly complex medical center—or as Intercom puts it, “more people get lost in more places.” The papers of Elon Clark, coordinator and professor of the Department of Medical Illustration from 1934 to 1974, offer possible insight into wayfinding in the hospital immediately prior to SEDO: A map designed for the patients and families, dated March 1970, utilizes all 26 letters of the alphabet and then starts over with AA through DD in order to label the many sections of the hospital, including outpatient clinics. The papers of Dr. Jane Elchlepp, who served as Vice President of Health Affairs, Planning, and Analysis, indicate the presence of idiosyncratically designed, hand-painted signage posted throughout DUMC. Dr. Elchlepp was copied on one SEDO planning memo dated April 24, 1970, stating, “It is hoped that all [new] signs will conform to a standard and that painted signs and room numbers will be eliminated.”

Typographical specifications from the 1970 lookbook (Elon H. Clark Papers, "Duke University Medical Center signage, SEDO system, 1970-1971," Box 2).

The need for up-to-date, standardized, simplified signage was clear, and by early 1968, the medical center began to organize its resources for a new wayfinding system. Implementing such a system would require extensive planning and coordination from a variety of hospital administrators and stakeholders, including the Medical Center Planning Office as well as employees with design and planning insight, such as Elon Clark, Robert Blake, and Dr. Jane Elchlepp. Going with an outside firm to design the signage, DUMC hired Hugh Spencer of Design Collective in 1969. A self-described “consulting ergonomist,” Spencer was an industrial designer active in Britain and Canada who employed mid-century modern design aesthetics in his work with electronics companies, car manufacturers, and the University of Toronto. Spencer also helped design the famed Project G Hi-Fi Stereo Cabinet for the Clairtone Sound Corporation in Toronto in 1963 (which, according to the Canadian Society of Decorative Arts, you just might recognize from the 1967 film, The Graduate).

Graphic design specifications from the 1970 lookbook (Elon H. Clark Papers, "Duke University Medical Center signage, SEDO system, 1970-1971," Box 2).

In planning and implementing Spencer’s vision within a two-year time frame, tensions on the SEDO committee sometimes ran high. A copy of meeting minutes for a SEDO Evaluation Meeting held on July 19, 1971, reports that the rollout of SEDO “has been plagued with more than its fair share of problems. The nature of these problems varied from the conceptual to those related to implementation.” The “conceptual” problems likely allude to Hugh Spencer’s nebulous design ideas, which did not always align with the very practical needs of a hospital. The meeting minutes then take a lengthy digression, pondering the philosophical distinctions between wayfinding and orientation (while also noting Spencer’s spelling and grammar idiosyncrasies):

According to Hugh Spencer’s CONSULTANT’S REPORT, the following are the Basic Principles of SEDO: ‘You are counselled to view this project as creating human orientation rather than the giving of directions for movement. To this purpose the establishment of an area identification by color will be effective while giving a number of extra benefits to a community with pschyosocial subdivisions.’ (Spencer’s spelling and grammar.)

Cutting through the philosophy, “a serious question arises,” concludes the report. “What does Duke University Medical Center want: A system telling people where they are in relation to something, or a system telling people where they want to go?” 

A flyer for SEDO orientation sessions offered to Duke employees, with clip-art of a man who looks upsettingly lost (Elon H. Clark Papers, "Duke University Medical Center signage, SEDO system, 1970-1971," Box 2).

Further “implementation” problems included difficulties in translating Spencer’s design ideas to local sign vendors and manufacturers, as well as strong feelings from staff and employees. The July 2, 1971, issue of Intercom included an insert: a questionnaire to evaluate “the new COLOR ZONE DIRECTIONAL SYSTEM.” Results of the questionnaire can be found in Elon Clark’s papers. Comments ran the gamut:

Drop it.
Tacky.
What about blind, color blind, and illiterates.
It's the best directional system we’ve used.
Probably a good system if one takes the time to learn it.
Adds charisma to Duke.
Older employees must use it for it to succeed.
I like the cubes on the ceiling at Memorial Hospital better.
Many do not understand that URO is urology; for someone not familiar with medical terminology, the signs do more harm than good.

In a memo dated March 18, 1970, Louis E. Swanson, Director of the Medical Center Planning Office, wrote to Dr. Jane Elchlepp that SEDO would be a “major innovation in the Medical Center and will get alot [sic] of attention and we can expect a variety of comments.” Swanson ends his memo with a careful musing about how SEDO might be communicated to and received by the wider hospital, perhaps articulating the hope and uncertainty that many people on the SEDO planning committee surely felt in planning a project of such magnitude: “Frankly, I think that most of the people that should know about the program are quite well informed, but equally frankly, I am never quite certain. This is my way of testing.”

References

• Elizabeth Guffey. “Knowing Their Space: Signs of Jim Crow in the Segregated South.” Design Issues 28, no. 2 (Spring 2012): 41-60. https://www.jstor.org/stable/41427825.
• Elon H. Clark Papers, Duke University Medical Center Archives.
• Jane Elchlepp Papers, Duke University Medical Center Archives.

Contributed by Cade Carlson

Among the various resources of the Forsyth County Public Library's North Carolina Collection, the Digital Forsyth website is a robust repository of historic photographs that depict Winston-Salem’s history through the power of images, and you don’t even have to be in a library to access it!

Winston-Salem Christmas Parade, 1956

The website was initially developed over 10 years ago through a series of grants and partnerships between 5 local institutions to consolidate remarkable images from our photograph collections to be publicly accessible. These 5 intuitions are: C.G. O'Kelly Library (Winston-Salem State University), Coy C. Carpenter Medical Library (Wake Forest University), Forsyth County Public Library, Old Salem Museums & Gardens, and Z. Smith Reynolds Library (Wake Forest University).

Workers in the stemming room of a tobacco factory, 1938

Digital Forsyth is a wonderful place for searching for photographs that are relevant to your local history interests, as it sports more than 12,000 images through which you can browse and search, with each image containing additional information about the subjects and contents of each photograph. But that’s far from the only feature that Digital Forsyth offers!

The website additionally facilitates photograph requests via the “request a print” button on image pages. While each institution has different methods for fulfilling such requests, Digital Forsyth makes this easy to navigate. There is also the “Stories” section, which has 32 essays about historic subjects and events, with each one containing between 4 to 8 images that bring these stories to life.

 

Hotel Robert E. Lee implosion, 1972

My favorite feature (besides the images themselves) is the public comments section for each image, which enables anyone to post a comment that will appear on the image’s page itself! These comments are wonderful additions because they can directly link the person leaving the comment to the image itself, whether it be remarking that an ancestor is present in the image, recognizing a location from a childhood memory, or sharing question relating to the image itself.

Protest/freedom march by Winston-Salem State College students, 1965

These comments are a fantastic example of crowdsourcing, and they provide further information about the photographs and their historic contexts while also creating avenues for conversation, as some of the images have comments that number in the 30s and even 40s (see this image, for example).

Interior of a tobacco warehouse during the tobacco market, 1938

While Digital Forsyth is not exhaustive in the number of images it houses versus what each institution has in their collections, it provides a valuable starting point for photographic research that can then be parlayed into further inquiries with the institutions themselves. Truly a wonderful resource and tool!

Please join us for three webinars to celebrate Archives Month 2024! We've got a great lineup starting this Wednesday at noon. You will need to register in advance, so please click on the registration links below to sign up. We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, October 9 at 12:00pm 

Imaginative Uses of Online Mapping in the Archives  

Kathelene McCarty Smith, UNCG  

Registration Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_2Vv225UURrKt6VpUwwHU5g 

Wednesday, October 16 at 12:00pm 

What Puts Us on the Map: Exploring Unique Resources at Three NC Libraries  

Jessica Janecki, Duke: Lisa Unger Baskin Collection  

Jennifer Daugherty, ECU: North Carolina Periodical Index  

Stacey Krim, UNCG: Cello Music Collection  

Registration Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_6t21g_AWTGOhAfpHTqtasA

Wednesday, October 23 at 12:00pm 

Edward Moseley's "A New and Correct Map of the Province of North Carolina"

Jennifer Daugherty, ECU 

Registration Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_MSdDkxY2QdehIGl2M5zKDA

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd and 3rd posts. The following post was contributed by John Dunning. 

Warning: The following content features accounts of war and human suffering. Content may be upsetting to some.

The Battle of Okinawa

September 2, 2024, marks 79 years since the formal surrender of the Empire of Japan in World War 2. The dropping of two atomic bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, coupled with the impending threat of a third and a ground invasion of mainland Japan by U.S. forces, pushed Emperor Hirohito to sign the Instrument of Surrender on the deck of the USS Missouri. This moment was the culmination of intense fighting and the loss of many lives across three and a half years.

One of the bloodiest and most crucial victories by U.S. forces to set up the surrender of Japan was the Battle of Okinawa. Beginning April 1, 1945, Okinawa was the final major obstacle in their path. Starting with heavy shelling by U.S. Naval Forces, a ground invasion of around 60,000 U.S. Marines and soldiers from the U.S. Tenth Army would follow. The battle would end in the capture of the island at the cost of approximately 49,000 American lives. The story of Okinawa, especially its planning and early days, can be found throughout the East Carolina Manuscript Collection donated by those who served.

Invasion of Okinawa, A Pictorial Review. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Paul R. Lash Papers (#677-073), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Having identified the strategic importance of Okinawa, the intelligence community began planning for an eventual assault months ahead of “L-Day” on April 1st, 1945. Nicknamed “Operation Iceberg,” the U.S. Armed Forces in the Pacific conducted reconnaissance of the island, producing maps and aerial photographs to assist with the planning. An example includes the Intelligence Map Nansei Shoto Okinawa Gunto produced in January 1945.

Intelligence Map of Nansei Shoto Okinawa Gunto (#MC0014-002), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Maps such as these identified natural obstacles to avoid, such as flooded areas in grid 8978; targets to eliminate, like a railroad station in grid 8280; or sites of strategic importance, such as the Yonabaru Airstrip in grid 8473. Additional examples of maps used in the campaign can be found in Cdr. Lynn F. Barry and Betty J. Barry Collection #1298 and U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Roy A. Dye, Jr., Papers #0677-065.

As the preparation sped up in the wake of the victory at Iwo Jima, written plans were developed and disseminated to the participants. Some examples of these include typed guides for rehearsals of the invasion, as well the plan for the first few days of the invasion titled “Informational Outline for Operation Iceberg” included in Lieutenant Roy A. Dye, Jr.’s papers. While officers, such as Dye, were absorbed in the logistical planning, the enlisted men prepared by eating one last good meal and attending religious services.

Invasion of Okinawa, A Pictorial Review. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Paul R. Lash Papers (#677-073), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

As the April 1, 1945, “L-Day” drew near, U.S. Navy ships from Task Force 58 (TF58) began “softening” up the beaches for an amphibious assault on Okinawa. Captain Leon Grabowsky was a part of TF58 aboard the USS Leutze and speaks about his experience in the Leon Grabowsky Oral History Interview June 7, 1991.

Also at the forefront of the battle was Captain Willard W. DeVenter aboard the USS Arkansas who discusses his story of the battle in the Willard W. DeVenter oral history interview, August 27, 1996.

Both Grabowsky and DeVenter discuss the overwhelming amount of Japanese kamikaze attacks that plagued TF58 at the beginning of the invasion as part of the Japanese operation “Ten Go.” Grabowsky recounts facing one onslaught of over 300 kamikazes attacking T58 during the early stages of the invasion and sinking the USS Newcomb, while DeVenter details his role in preventing suicide attacks from directly striking the Arkansas. Additional stories from TF58 and the perspective of the battle from the sea can be read in the Diary of John A. Yeager aboard U.S.S. Essex, whose log detailed daily events during the battle.

Diary of John A. Yeager aboard U.S.S. Essex, August 1943 to September 1945. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: John A. Yeager Papers (#677-053), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

For the men on the ground, the fighting was no less intense. While the East Carolina Manuscript Collection does not include much from the perspective of the Marines or Army enlisted who fought on the island, DeVenter’s account includes an anecdote that captures the difficulty of fighting on the rain-soaked, cave-dotted, rocky island under heavy fire from the entrenched Japanese soldiers. In an attempt to support forward progress on the island, DeVenter was sent with a detachment of Marines to radio-in positions, offering air support for those trying to take the Shuri lines. DeVenter details the difficulty finding cover under the barrage of Japanese bullets and the danger of getting to cover even when present: “I never got there. I never made it. So many bullets, you know, you end up down on the ground and boy, you start digging.”

After 3 months of heavy fighting, U.S. troops would eventually wrest control of Okinawa from the Japanese. Having secured their staging base for the planned invasion of Japan, preparation for the final phase of the Pacific War began. For their efforts, the heroism and sacrifice of the enlisted men at Okinawa were recognized. Both Grabowsky and DeVenter distinguished themselves with Grabowsky being awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism rescuing survivors of the sinking Newcomb and DeVenter being awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during kamikaze attacks on the Arkansas. Additionally, entire units and ships were cited, including the USS Wadsworth, who received a Presidential Citation for the efforts of its crew and officers protecting TF58 from kamikaze attacks.

Presidential Unit Citation to the USS Wadsworth. George M. Hagerman Papers (#575), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Additional stories from the Battle of Okinawa can be found by searching our Collection Guides or through our Library Catalog.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See also the 1st and 2nd posts. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash. 

Warning: The following content features accounts of war and human suffering. Content may be upsetting to some.

American Prisoners of War

During World War II, a conflict from 1939 to 1945, it is estimated that approximately 120,000 to 130,000 American servicemen were held as prisoners of war by the Axis powers. According to the National Park Service, 94,000 Americans were imprisoned on the European front while the Japanese captured an additional 30,000 troops and civilian workers in the Pacific Theater. The experiences of American POWs during World War II are a testament to human resilience and the will to survive despite overwhelming odds.  

The Journey to Captivity

American involvement in World War II began in earnest after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. As American forces were deployed across Europe and the Pacific, the chances of capture by enemy forces became a harsh reality.  

In Europe, many American soldiers were captured during major campaigns, such as the Battle of the Bulge and the North African Campaign, or were captured after their aircraft were shot down during combat or reconnaissance missions. Meanwhile, in the Pacific, the fall of Bataan and Corregidor in the Philippines led to the capture of thousands of American soldiers by Japanese forces with some 40 percent dying in captivity.   

Vernon G. LaHeist 

Vernon G. LaHeist was one of many American soldiers who were captured and imprisoned by the Japanese military. Having initially enlisted in the United States Navy in 1933, LaHeist re-enlisted in 1939 following a brief stint working for the Works Progress Administration. After being assigned to duty aboard the USS Finch, LaHeist participated in the defense of Corregidor, a strategically important island located in Manila Bay in the southwestern region of Luzon in the Philippines. On May 6, 1942, the Japanese military overwhelmed the combined forces of the United States and the Commonwealth of the Philippines en route to capturing the island stronghold and taking thousands of soldiers prisoner, including LaHeist. In a memoir entitled Three Years, Three Months, and Nine Days, LaHeist recalls his time as a prisoner of war in camps in both the Philippines and Manchuria. 

Conditions in POW Camps

Vernon LaHeist’s memoir describes the prison camp and conditions that American POWs were forced to live in. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Vernon G. LaHeist Papers (#677-026), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The treatment and conditions experienced by American POWs varied significantly depending on their captors. In Europe, German POW camps, known as Stalags for enlisted men and Oflags for officers, conditions were brutal but still regulated by the Geneva Convention. Prisoners faced overcrowding, inadequate food, and forced labor, but they were not subjected to systematic torture or execution.  

Conversely, the conditions in Japanese POW camps were notoriously brutal. The Japanese military did not adhere to the Geneva Convention, and POWs were subjected to inhumane treatment, including severe physical abuse, starvation, and forced labor. One of the most infamous events was the Bataan Death March, where thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were forced to march over 60 miles under extreme conditions, leading to the death of thousands.  

In his memoir, LaHeist goes into detail explaining the conditions of the camps and the brutality that the men imprisoned in them suffered. LaHeist describes how he and his fellow prisoners suffered through the lack of needed nutrition and food and were forced to live and work in extremely unsanitary conditions, all resulting in the rapid spread of disease that led to a high death rate among imprisoned soldiers. While difficult to read at times, LaHeist’s account of camp conditions offers an invaluable glimpse into the horrors that POWs were forced to endure. 

Resilience and Resistance

Despite the dire circumstances, American POWs exhibited remarkable resilience. In German camps, prisoners formed clandestine organizations to boost morale, distribute contraband like news and letters, and plan escapes. The “Great Escape” from Stalag Luft III, where 76 Allied airmen tunneled out of the camp, stands as a legendary act of defiance and bravery.  

In the Pacific, survival often depended on solidarity and resourcefulness. POWs shared scarce resources, devised ways to communicate secretly, and maintained hope through camaraderie. Some POWs even participated in covert resistance activities, sabotaging Japanese operations whenever possible.  

Vernon LaHeist’s memoir recalls the attempted escape of four Americans from the prison and their eventual recapture and execution by the Japanese. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Vernon G. LaHeist Papers (#677-026), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Throughout his memoir, LaHeist’s writing tells the story of American soldiers who, despite their imprisonment, still attempted to hold on to hope and resilience for their survival as well as Allied victory in the war. One particularly striking moment from LaHeist’s writings is his recalling of a failed escape attempt of four prisoners who the Japanese unfortunately recaptured. As punishment for their attempt, the four men were tortured and eventually executed by the camp guards. Following this, prisoners were grouped into groups of ten and told that if any member of their group attempted to escape, all ten men would be executed. 

Despite these atrocities carried out by the Japanese camp guards, imprisoned soldiers still attempted to keep their spirits up through a variety of different means. LaHeist talks about how several prisoners would lead religious services, some smuggled materials to create rough musical instruments, and many others played games and gambled despite the men having nothing to spare.   

Vernon LaHeist’s memoir details how despite their dire situation, imprisoner American servicemen still took it upon themselves to sabotage Japanese military efforts, despite the danger this brought. U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Vernon G. LaHeist Papers (#677-026), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The most interesting part of LaHeist’s writings is when he discusses how he and other prisoners assigned to work in factory machinery took it upon themselves to sabotage the tools and parts being made to continue helping the war effort. The way that imprisoned soldiers attempted to support their fellow soldiers on the frontlines by purposely sabotaging enemy supplies at the risk of their own lives is inspiring. 

Liberation and Aftermath

The end of World War II in 1945 brought liberation for many American POWs. In Europe, advancing Allied forces liberated German camps. In the Pacific, the surrender of Japan led to the release of thousands of POWs. The joy of freedom, however, was tempered by the physical and psychological scars left by their experiences.  

LaHeist and his fellow imprisoned soldiers were liberated by Russian forces following the surrender of the Japanese in the summer of 1945. Following the end of the war, LaHeist explains how the prison camp was supplied by American forces dropping food, clothing, and other needed supplies to the soldiers as they awaited the arrival of the Russian military. LaHeist finally left the camp for good in September 1945 and details his journey back home, reaching American soil in October 1945 after being away for over six years.   

Legacy and Remembrance

The story of American POWs in World War II is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by soldiers and the human capacity for endurance in the face of unimaginable hardship. Their experiences have been documented in numerous memoirs, films, and scholarly works, ensuring that their stories continue to be remembered and honored.  

Institutions like the National WWII Museum and the American Ex-Prisoners of War organization play crucial roles in preserving the legacy of POWs. Memorials and commemorative events also serve as poignant reminders of their courage and the cost of war.  

In remembering American POWs of World War II, we honor their suffering, their strength, and their unyielding spirit. Their stories are not just a part of military history but a testament to the enduring human will to survive and overcome adversity. 

Visit the Ship’s Log, as well as Joyner Library’s social media channels, to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Joyner Library Special Collections will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. See the first post here. The following post was contributed by John Dunning.

Lester C. Haas and Operation Husky

Lester C. Haas. Image from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Beginning July 9, 1943, the Allied forces invaded the island of Sicily off the southern coast of Italy. A little over five weeks later, they would wrest the rocky island from the Italian and German forces, making Sicily the first piece of the Axis homeland to fall to the Allies. Nicknamed Operation Husky, the struggle would lead to the ousting of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and, later, sow the seeds for the eventual downfall of Adolf Hitler’s “Fortress Europe.”

Digest of Photo-Intelligence Preparatory to and During the Operation of “Husky” 10 July 1943. Item from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

As a participant in the operation, United States Naval Photo Interpretation and Intelligence Officer Lester C. Haas served as Commander of Task Force 85 and 6th Amphibious Force on the U.S.S. Ancon for the Invasion of Sicily. Haas’ work interpreting photographs from reconnaissance flights helped with the operation planning. This included where men and equipment should land, the position of enemy guns, minefields, rifle pits, or munition dumps, roadblocks to avoid, and other obstacles to success.

In addition to studying photographs and planning for the attack, Haas took an active role in helping the primarily American, British, and Canadian troops secure Sicily for the Allies. A communication by Haas to his superiors details his work interrogating a German prisoner during the operation and the intelligence secured from the effort.

Interrogation of German Prisoner of War, Item from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

On August 17, the remaining Axis forces evacuated the island and Sicily fell under the control of the combined Allied forces. For his role in taking Sicily, Haas was awarded Special Commendation by Admiral G. Kirk of the United States Navy.

Special Commendation, Item from the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Lester C. Haas Papers (#677.080), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The success of Operation Husky helped pave the way for the Allies to gain a foothold in Europe. In September 1943, the Allies would seize control of most of Italy, and the lessons learned in Sicily and the broader Italian Campaign would prepare them for the invasion of Normandy, France on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

Visit the Ship’s Log as well as Joyner Library’s social media channels to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.

Over the next year, in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Library Special Collections at East Carolina University will be highlighting items from the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection that relate to the conflict and the individuals who served. The following post was contributed by Patrick Cash.

D-Day: June 6, 1944

On June 6, 1944, over 3 million Allied troops from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and several other nations executed a daring assault against heavily fortified German positions along the Normandy coast. The Normandy invasion, codenamed Operation Overlord, was the culmination of meticulous planning, coordination, and bravery on an unprecedented scale. The beaches of Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno, and Sword became the site of the largest amphibious invasion in history, marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s crucial to reflect on the profound impact and lasting legacy of this pivotal moment in history.

The success of D-Day was not guaranteed. The Allied troops faced formidable challenges, including fierce resistance from German forces, treacherous terrain, and unpredictable weather conditions. Yet, through unwavering determination and sheer grit, they managed to establish a foothold on the  French coastline. The sacrifices made on that fateful day were immeasurable, with thousands of brave soldiers paying the ultimate price for freedom.

The invasion began early on the morning of June 6, 1944, with paratroopers being dropped behind enemy lines. Later that morning, troops began landing on the beaches of Normandy. The beaches were heavily fortified by the Germans, and the Allied soldiers faced fierce resistance. However, they were eventually able to secure a foothold on French soil.

The battle for Normandy was long and bloody. It took two months for the Allies to break out of the beachhead and begin their advance towards Germany. However, the success of D-Day marked a turning point in the war. The Germans were now fighting on two fronts, as the Soviet Union was also advancing from the east.

The Evening Star

The front-page of the June 6, 1944 The Evening Star newspaper announcing the landing of Allied forces on the beaches of Normandy, France. Item from U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Miscellaneous Papers (#677.058), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

The uncertainty and chaos of D-Day are perfectly captured in the front-page headline of the June 6, 1994 issue of The Evening Star. Found in the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation Collection: Miscellaneous Papers (Manuscript Collection #0677-058), this newspaper would have been just one of many that people read to learn about the Normandy Invasion. While papers such as The Evening Star reported on Operation Overlord at the time, it was still too early to know whether the invasion would end up being successful. This is perhaps best represented by a front-page article where British Prime Minister Winston Churchill is quoted as saying that the operation was going “according to plan.” But as the reporter pointed out, the battle was just beginning.

Another noteworthy headline from this issue includes how American President Franklin D. Roosevelt composed a prayer for those involved in the invasion and that he would be reciting it at 10:00 pm that evening during one of his famed “Fireside Chats.” Included are also stories about the Nazi’s fortification and defense of the French coastline, the morale of the American troops as they departed to cross the English Channel, and an interesting short bulletin that announced the planned invasion had been delayed 24 hours due to unfavorable weather.

Newspapers such as The Evening Star and other media outlets of the time were crucial as they not only informed citizens around the world on the war’s progress but also kept those not serving on the front lines connected to the fight and their loved ones abroad.

The Impact and Legacy of Operation Overlord

The impact of the Normandy invasion reverberated far beyond the beaches of France. It dealt a severe blow to Nazi Germany’s grip on Western Europe, paving the way for the liberation of occupied territories and the eventual defeat of the Axis powers. D-Day marked a turning point in the war, shifting the momentum in favor of the Allies and hastening the downfall of Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Moreover, the Normandy invasion embodied the spirit of international cooperation and unity in the face of adversity. It showcased the power of collective action and solidarity among nations with a shared commitment to justice and liberty. The Allied forces, representing diverse cultures and backgrounds, stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight against tyranny, demonstrating the strength of unity in the pursuit of a common goal. The legacy of D-Day endures as a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the profound human cost of war and the importance of upholding the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights.

As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, let us honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget the valor and bravery displayed on the shores of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Visit the Ship’s Log as well as Joyner Library social media channels to learn more about materials related to World War II that are a part of the East Carolina Manuscripts Collection’s holdings. Joyner Library Special Collections will be displaying an exhibit of items and individual stories related to World War II during the summer and fall of 2025.