February 1, 1989, 511 items; Papers (1911-1981), including correspondence, reports, instructions, handbooks, clippings, photographs, and official files of World War II Destroyer Escort officer, along with items reflecting his father's service. Gift of Mr. Walter Francis Martin, Jr., New Canaan, Connecticut

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Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

Destroyer Escort Commanding Officers Collection: Walter Francis Martin, Jr., Papers (#564.001), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

Gift of Mr. Walter Francis Martin, Jr.

Processed by J. Holland, March 1990
Encoded by Apex Data Services

Walter Francis Martin, Jr., (b. 1912) was a 1934 graduate of Yale University and an insurance broker by profession. During World War II, Martin obtained a Reserve commission and served as an intelligence officer, an instructor, and a staff officer at ComDesRon 49 and ComDesRon 2, where he was chief staff officer. He also served briefly on the USS LUDLOW.

Correspondence (1939-1950) reflects events which span Martin's naval experience. Letters (1939-1940) document his effort to obtain a commission. Other letters (1941-1942) discuss his experience as a naval intelligence officer working as a boarding officer in New York and New London harbors. Personal correspondence (1943-1945) reflects living conditions on the flagships of ComDesRon 2 in the Pacific during World War II. Martin's squadron, consisting of destroyers and destroyer escorts, primarily was involved in general convoy escort duty throughout the South Pacific. Of interest are letters describing the aftermath of the invasion of Okinawa, including living conditions and prisoner-of-war camps. The remaining letters (1946-1950) concern his experience in the active U.S. Naval Reserve, including letters pertaining to the February 1950 Reserve cruise of the USS LUDLOW (DD438) where Martin served as the executive officer.

Official Naval instructions and procedures (1941-1942) pertain to the questioning of wartime travelers from enemy occupied areas. Papers on the USS LUDLOW (1950) include many facets of the Reserve ship's 1950 cruise, from operations to the material condition of the ship. Military papers of Martin, Sr., (1911, 1912, 1923) include a leave request and a letter concerning a Distinguished Service Medal.

Clippings concern wartime conditions in the Pacific and European theatres, attacks on the Japanese-occupied Philippine Islands, and progress of the Allies in reconquering Europe. Included as well are many "missing in action" clippings.

Photographs are of Martin when he was aboard ship in the Pacific (1943-1945). Miscellaneous items include awards and citations received.

For related material see Oral History #111.

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the Library's online catalog.

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