William D. Leahy papers, 1897-1959

Author / Creator

Leahy, William D

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Physical

Summary

Photostatic copies of typescript diaries, 1897-1931, 1941-1945, and subject files of Fleet Admiral Leahy, who served as U.S. Ambassador to France, 1940-1942, and chief of staff to the commander-in-...

Photostatic copies of typescript diaries, 1897-1931, 1941-1945, and subject files of Fleet Admiral Leahy, who served as U.S. Ambassador to France, 1940-1942, and chief of staff to the commander-in-chief of the Army and Navy, 1942-1949. The 1897-1931 diary records his Spanish-American War service in the Cuban theater, particularly the Battle of Santiago, and subsequent naval service in Australia, the Philippines, the Nicaraguan occupation of 1912, and the West Indies and Atlantic during World War I, including the Haitian campaign of 1916. There is also a short family history.

The 1941-1949 diaries include much information on the military strategy of the war, postwar politics, relations with allies, and commentary on Washington, D.C. personalities, events, and conditions. The diaries include numerous copies of letters, reports, sketch maps, and photographs.

The subject files cover Admiral Leahy's activities and awards, and include speeches and writings, congratulatory letters, personal correspondence, and clippings.

The photographs are official U.S. Navy photographs on the occasion of Leahy receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Wisconsin, May 29, 1943. Images show Leahy speaking at the graduation ceremony at Camp Randall, reviewing a parade of Navy Waves, posing with U.W. President Dykstra and Governor Goodland, and addressing the Wisconsin Legislature.

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