John Sidney McCain papers, 1933-1945

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
McCain, John Sidney, 1884-1945
Abstract:
The John Sidney McCain papers consist of correspondence, reports, dispatches, orders, and photographs relating to American naval aviation and to naval operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II. John Sidney McCain was an admiral in the United States Navy and a Commander of the Second Carrier Task Force in World War II. He was awarded Navy Cross for his heroism and the Distinguished Service Medal with two Gold Stars for exceptional service
Extent:
5 manuscript boxes (2.0 Linear Feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], John Sidney McCain Papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives

Background

Scope and content:

The papers of John Sidney McCain, acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1982, deal with United States naval aviation and naval operations in the Pacific theater during Second World War.

The papers have been organized into three series. Correspondence includes letters, of a both official and personal nature, with names of some prominent correspondents mentioned and arranged chronologically. The United States Navy File covers air distribution lists, dispatches, orders, and operating procedures relating to American naval operations particularly in the Pacific region. Last but not the least are the photographs divided by the creator generally into groups including the date, the location, and the names of photographers.

The original order of the McCain papers has been maintained and security- classified documents have been pulled out of the collection.

Biographical / historical:
Date Event
1884 August 9
Born, Carroll County, Mississippi
1901-1902
Student, University of Mississippi
1906
Commander, ensign, U.S. Navy
Graduate, U.S. Naval Academy,
1920
Graduate, Naval War College
1935-1936
Flight instructor (naval aviator), Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida
1937-1939
Commanded the aircraft carrier Ranger (CV-4)
1939
Served as Commander of Air Forces for Western Sea Frontier and the South Pacific Force
1941
Promoted through grades to Rear Admiral
1943 July
Promoted to Vice Admiral
1942 September - 1943 July
Chief, Bureau of Aeronautics
1943 July
Deputy Chief, naval operations for air, Commander, Carrier Task Force
1943 August
Rose to the rank of Vice Admiral as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations
1944
Earned the Navy Cross
Returned to the Pacific Theater as Commander of the Fast Carrier Task Force
1945
Awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with two Gold Stars for outstanding performance as an air planner and carrier task force commander and awarded the Navy Cross for gallantry
1945 September 2
Witnessed the Japanese surrender on board U.S.S. Missouri
1945 September 6
Posthumously appointed Admiral effective that date
Died, Carrollton, Mississippi
Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 1982
Arrangement:

The collection is organized into 3 series: Correspondence, United States Navy File, and Photographs

Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Terms of access:

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], John Sidney McCain Papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563