Aubrey Wray Fitch papers, 1900-1982

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Summary

Creators:
Fitch, Aubrey Wray, 1883-1978
Abstract:
Correspondence, speeches, orders, personnel records, clippings, and photographs collected by Aubrey Wray Fitch relating to American naval aviation, especially in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Sound use copies of sound recordings available.
Extent:
4 manuscript boxes, 6 oversize boxes, 2 sound discs (5.2 Linear Feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Aubrey Wray Fitch papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The Aubrey Wray Fitch papers consist of the personal and naval records of Admiral Fitch. These papers document the span from his early career as a student at the United States Naval Academy, circa 1902, to the launching of the guided missile frigate USS Aubrey Fitch (FFG-34) in 1981, three years after his death. While the collection primarily emphasizes American naval aviation in the Pacific Theater during World War II, with special focus on the Battle of the Coral Sea, it also documents Admiral Fitch's time as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy from 1945 to 1947.

As a Vice Admiral in the Pacific Theater during World War II, Fitch commanded U.S. planes in the Battle of the Coral Sea, the first naval battle fought entirely by aircraft. Although his flagship, the USS Lexington, was sunk during the battle, Fitch was praised for his leadership and was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. The Naval Records series includes Fitch's naval awards, orders and promotions, dispatches, war diaries from the Pacific Theater during World War II, and poems and drawings created by fellow sailors. Photographs within the collection depict the early stages of U.S. naval aviation and follow Fitch throughout his changing assignments. The collection also contains personal scrapbooks created by Fitch during his time in the Navy.

In 1945, Fitch became the first naval aviator to be appointed Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. Fitch served as Superintendent until 1947, when he retired with the rank of Admiral. The Speeches and Writings series contains award presentations, written press releases, and speeches made by Fitch at the U.S. Naval Academy, including his retirement speech.

Unless otherwise noted, the arrangement scheme was imposed during processing in the absence of an identifiable original order.

Biographical / historical:
Date Event
1883 June 11
Born, St. Ignace, Michigan
1906
Graduated, United States Naval Academy
1908
Ensign, United States Navy
1930
Received wings, Naval Aviator
1931
Commander, USS Langley, United States Navy's first aircraft carrier
1944-1945
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air)
1942-1944
Commander, Air Forces, South Pacific
1942
Awarded Distinguished Service Medal for leadership role during the Battle of the Coral Sea
Vice Admiral, United States Navy
1978 May 22
Died, Newcastle, Maine
1947
Retired as Admiral, United States Navy
1945-1947
Superintendent, first aviator appointed to the United States Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland
Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 1980.
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], Aubrey Wray Fitch 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
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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