Ephemera, Personal Histories Capt. Gardner - Bak, 1940

This collection consists of 5 series based upon the organization of the donor and chronology. Series I: Personal Naval Histories contains written histories of the men who served in the Navy’s 2nd Division, 1st Battalion, 5th District during WWII collected by Ensign John A. Courtney and Lt. Cdr. William W. Evans (1945 - 1997). These are generally short biographies arranged alphabetically with histories of ships associated with the 2nd division interlaced. Sailors that did not return Courtney and Evans’ questionnaire are represented by their incomplete forms. This series also contains a history of the Division itself, researched and written by a collection of authors. Series II: Reunion Papers contains lists of attending rosters, mailers, envelopes, and letters regarding the 2nd Division’s annual reunion in Maryland. The series also contains a list of the ships 2nd Div. sailors served upon (1986 - 2004). This series is arranged in the order received from Mr. Courtney. Series III: Subject Files consists of newspaper clippings, ephemera, and naval instruction manuals (1940-1965). This series was rearranged first by likeness of medium type and second by date. Series IV: Photographs is a collection of photos of the 2nd Division during wartime and at their reunion parties (1940-2001). This section was arranged by content likeness and date. Series V: Audio Visual is a home VHS tape made of a 2nd Div. reunion (1993).