Papers (1938-1994) of Captain James P. Lynch (USN ret.) a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1941, including correspondence, programs and leaflets (1938-67); clippings (1944-94); printed forms (1940-75); and photographic prints (1943-68).
After graduation from the Naval Academy in February 1941, Captain Lynch had a wide range of duties including assignments in destroyers, submarines, aircraft carriers, and auxiliary ships as well as staff assignments. His first duty after graduation was on patrol in the Atlantic prior to World War II, and in action against German U-Boats until March 1942. In March 1942, Captain Lynch volunteered for submarine duty and, after attending submarine school, was assigned to duty in submarines for the remainder of World War II and the year following. As a submariner, Captain Lynch made eight war patrols in the Western Pacific in the USS SNOOK (SS 279) and the USS SEA DOG (SS 401). At the end of the war, Captain Lynch was in command of the USS S-45 (SS 156). Prior to leaving submarines duty for flight training in October 1946, Captain Lynch also commanded the submarines USS DEVILFISH, (SS 292) and USS SARDA (SS 488).
After completion of flight training in 1948, Captain Lynch was assigned duties involving flying. These have included tours of duty as Commanding Officer of ASW Patrol Squadron FORTY-NINE, Navigator of the USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43), Commanding Officer of the USS JUPITER (AVS-8) and Commanding Officer of the USS YORKTOWN (CVS 10) and staff assignments on the Staff of General Lauris Norstad, USAF, at SHAPE, Paris France; Chief of Staff and Aide to Commander Antisubmarine Warfare Group THREE, Assistant Head of the Air Weapons Analysis Staff in the office of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air; and Navy Planner in the office of the Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Strategic Plans (OP 60).
Lynch holds the distinction of being qualified to wear both submariner's dolphins and aviator's wings. He is one of only a few officers in the history of the U.S. Navy who has commanded both submarines and an aircraft carrier. He has also been awarded the following decorations and medals: Silver Star; Navy and Marine Corps Medal; Bronze Star with "V"; Navy Commendations Medal with gold star and "V"; American Defense Service Medal with "A"; American Area Campaign Medal- Asiatic- Pacific Area Campaign Medal with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze stars; World War II Victory Medal; Philippine Defense Ribbon; Navy Occupation Ribbon with European Clasp; Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze Stars; and Submarine Combat Insignia with six stars. Lynch retired from active duty on August 31, 1968.
The Lynch Papers consist of four series. These include Correspondence, Printed Materials, Photographic Prints and Oversized Materials. For a detailed listing, please see the container list. The correspondence documents Lynch's military career from its beginnings through 1967. Many of the letters are either written to Lynch or are about Lynch, usually concerning his outstanding performance and advance through the military ranks. Also included are letters written during Lynch's tours aboard the USS JUPITER (AVS-8) and the USS YORKTOWN (CVS 10)
Printed Materials consists of rosters, invitations, programs and clippings highlighting events and commemorations related to Lynch's military career. Most articles focus on Lynch either leaving a command or being assigned to a new command. Of particular interest is an article written about Mrs. Patricia Lynch (Lynch's wife) in which she offers insight into her life as a military wife. There are also award certificates documenting the various specialized courses Lynch completed. Also included are several forms concerning Lynch's rank and assignments.
Photographic Prints includes mostly military-related photographs, with a few personal-related included. Many of the photos are of Lynch with fellow commanding officers. Also included are aerial photographs of many of the vessels Lynch served on, including the USS YORKTOWN (CVS 10), USS JUPITER (AVS-8), USS CORAL SEA (CVA 43), USS SEA DOG (SS 401) and the USS SNOOK (SS 279). Group photos document Lynch's affiliation with several groups. These groups include the Strategic Plans Division (OP-60), the Navy Strategic Plans Division, the Joint U.S. NATO Standing Committee and the Australian Joint Antisubmarine School.
The Oversized series contains three items that were relocated due to their large size. Of particular interest is an aerial photo of the USS SARDA (SS 488) entering Havana, Cuba in 1944. Also included is Lynch's diploma for his completion of submarine school in 1942, as well as a newspaper clipping on the USS YORKTOWN (CVS 10), a ship also known as "Fighting Lady".
Gift of Capt. James P. Lynch (USN ret.)
Processed by Elizabeth C. Barrow, May 2, 2003
Processed by Dale Sauter, May 10, 2008
Encoded by Apex Data Services
Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.