T. J. Van Metre Papers, 1942-1944
(Manuscript Collection #331)
Descriptive Summary
| Title: | T. J. Van Metre Papers |
| Creator: | Van Metre, T. J. (Thaddeus Johnson), 1907- |
| Repository: | ECU Manuscript Collection |
| Languages: | English |
| Abstract: | Papers (1942-1944) consisting of personal correspondence, photographs, officer data card, typescript history of the U.S.S. North Carolina, benefits from insurance. |
| Extent: | 0.22 Cubic feet, 141 items , consisting of personal correspondence, photographs, an Officer Data Card, and a typescript history of the U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA. |
Administrative Information
Accessions Information
February 8, 1977, 141 items; Papers (1942-1944) consisting of personal correspondence, photographs, and miscellaneous. Gift of Rear Admiral T.J. Van Metre, Winston-Salem, N.C.
Access Restrictions
No restrictions
Copyright Notice
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.
Preferred Citation
T. J. Van Metre Papers (#331), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.
Acquisition Information
- Gift of Rear Admiral T.J. Van Metre
Processing Information
-
Processed by B. Herring, April 1978
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Encoded by Apex Data Services
Biographical / Historical Note
Thaddeus Johnson Van Metre (b. 1907) was a 1930 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Among his ship commands were the HILARY P. JONES (1944-1946) and the KENNEBEC (1949-1950). Admiral Van Metre also commanded Service Squadron 42 and the Naval Station, Norfolk (1957-1959) prior to retiring in 1959. During World War II he served in various capacities aboard the U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA (1941-1944).
Description
For the most part the material consists of correspondence (1942-1944) written from aboard the U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA . These letters provide insight into shipboard life during World War II. Running throughout the papers are comments on the NORTH CAROLINA, officers, films, and liberties taken. Van Metre's papers vividly illustrate the psychological problems associated with War: death, boredom, depression, liberty, and leisure activities to relieve the monotony, homesickness, etc. Also of interest are comments on the outcomes of the battles of Guadalcanal and Tunisia (Jan., 1942; May, 1943), a war bond drive aboard the NORTH CAROLINA that raised $100,000 (Oct., 1942), benefits of military insurance policy (Jan., 1943), and the setting up of a traffic organization for America Export Airlines in England (July, 1943).
A typescript history of the U.S.S. NORTH CAROLINA is also included. This document reflects most aspects of the ship's career.
For related material see collection #292 and Oral History Collections #24 and #41.
Subject Headings
Personal/Family name
Corporate names
Online access to this finding aid is supported with funds created through the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). These funds come through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services which is administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources. This grant is part of the North Carolina ECHO, Exploring Cultural Heritage Online, Digitization Grant Program.
