Papers (1964-1968) including correspondence, scrapbook, letters concerning academic routine, ship statistics, parental support, memorabilia, etc.
Lt. Gerald P. Motl (b. 1946) was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Motl of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. He attended the U. S. Naval Academy at Annapolis (Class of 1968), making the Dean's List every semester and starring as a varsity football player. He resigned his commission June 1973 as a lieutenant.
This collection consists of photocopies of Motl's scrapbook during his years at Annapolis. Correspondence includes letters home regarding academy life, training in academics and military skills, social interaction both inside the Academy and in the community at large, treatment of U. S. troops at foreign military bases, liberties, entertainment and leisure, and sports. Other letters are from academy and ship commanders regarding schedules, the importance of parental support, ship statistics, and the Israeli attack on the USS LIBERTY (1967).
Many letters contain information concerning academic routine, class type and load, the role of upperclassmen in the instruction of lowerclassmen, hours spent in class and in study, grading practices, scandals related to artificially inflated scores, and changes in this system during his four years.
Sports information pertains primarily to football. Scores, schedules, training practices and routines, interrelation to academic and/or disciplinary standings, injuries, military and hometown coverage, ticket prices, and changes during his years there are all reflected.
Letters and memorabilia pertain to liberties, entertainment, and leisure activities. Special activities such as Parent's Day, Twelfth Night, and graduation are discussed.Requirements and restrictions for day and weekend liberties, school club trips, and summer training cruises are explained.
Mention is made of the hostile treatment of U. S. troops in a port in Crete, as well as comparative assessments of their treatment at other bases in Spain and the U. S.
Articles and clippings in this volume concern the attack on the USS LIBERTY (1967) and Academy football games (1964-1968).
Gift of Mr. Gerald P. Motl
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Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.