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12 December 2023
Welcome back to our National Maritime Historical Society members and friends who share a love for naval history!
A Huzzah for Ambassador J. William Middendorf, who was joined yesterday by Navy Secretary Del Toro at the Naval War College to etch his name into steel that will be incorporated into DDG-138—the future USS J. William Middendorf II, which will be built by Bath Iron Works.
The deadline for paper submissions for the 9th International Maritime History Congress in Busan, South Korea, is at the end of this year. In addition, we are posting a new call for papers for a conference in France this coming October.
Also note: the Collins Book Prize Committee has doubled its First Prize Award $$$!
Naval History Book Reviews thanks Master Chief David Mattingly for his review of Ira Hayes: The Akimel O’odham Warrior, World War II, and the Price of Heroism. For those who have contributed reviews or would like to consider doing a review for the NHBR, you will note that the Naval Institute Press has stuffed our stocking for the holidays with many recent releases. An updated book review list is provided.
Finally, for our “In Case You Missed It” feature, you’ve got to check out Dr. Claude Berube’s “My Mids are Awesome” Preble Hall podcast, where he interviews his students about their naval history paper assignments that had to address some aspect of US Naval Academy History.
Tuesday Tidings is compiled by Dr. David F. Winkler and Jessie Henderson as a benefit for members of the National Maritime Historical Society and friends of naval history.
As always, comments are welcome at nmhs@seahistory.org.
| ITEMS OF IMMEDIATE INTEREST | |
SECNAV Delivers Remarks at Pearl Harbor Remembrance Ceremony | |
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Good afternoon, everyone. It is an honor to join you here at the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Thank you to the City of Boston, USS Constitution, and the National Park Service for hosting today’s event.
President Rand, thank you for joining us today, your stewardship of the USS Constitution Museum, and your tireless efforts to preserve and teach our nation’s proud maritime history. Superintendent Creasey, Secretary Santiago, Commissioner Santiago, thank you for being here and for your dedicated support to our veterans and servicemembers.
We are also joined by a number of state and local officials—thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to join us.
Commander Farrell, thank you for your exemplary leadership of “Old Ironsides,” our nation’s—and the world’s—oldest commissioned warship.
Captain Kelley, thank you for your service to our nation and our navy, and your steadfast commitment to supporting veterans and veteran initiatives during your long career. We all look forward to the future keel-laying, christening, and commissioning of DDG 140.
Machinist’s Mate First Class Johnson, thank you for your service to our country in World War II, including at Pearl Harbor on USS St. Louis—the "Lucky Lou"—and in your life since. It's an honor to be here with you.
At 7:55 on December 7th, 1941, the Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor.
On that fateful Sunday morning, the world changed, thrusting the United States into a global conflict that would reshape the course of history.
2,403 Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and civilians lost their lives and 1,178 more were wounded; 169 aircraft were destroyed and 159 more damaged; 3 ships were sunk and 16 damaged on Oahu.
Coinciding with the attack, the Empire of Japan launched attacks against Malaysia, Hong Kong, Guam, the Philippines, Wake Island, and Midway.
Our nation found ourselves at war and under siege across the whole of the Pacific, but rather than shatter our resolve, Pearl Harbor strengthened it.
In the words of President Franklin Roosevelt on December 8th, “the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.”
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A note to the editors from Vice Admiral Bob Dunn, USN (Ret.).
Your Tuesday Tidings are invariably good reading and good reminders. Thank you for doing this. In your most recent posting I've been reminded of my own experience re: Pearl Harbor.
On December 7th, 1941, I was a 13-year-old living with my family on the first floor of a two-flat on Chicago’s NW side. My grandparents lived on the second floor and my aunt (my mother's sister) was visiting my grandparents from California. About 2:30 she came running downstairs and burst in on us declaring, "The Japs have attacked Pearl Harbor!" We immediately turned on the radio to get the news.
The next day, Monday, in school, our teacher brought in a radio so we could hear President Roosevelt address the nation. Obviously, it was history in the making.
There were a couple of follow-up situations which may be of interest to a historian as well.
The Chicago Tribune that Monday morning carried stories of Chicago housewives smashing their Japanese china. When I read that I asked my mother if she was going to smash her Japanese china. Her reply: I certainly will not! I paid good money for that china!!
The other story I may have related on another occasion, but I repeat it here.
One of the scouts in a troop I belonged to was Frankie Matsumoto. Early in January Mrs. Matsumoto invited several of us scouts to a Japanese dinner in their home. She wanted to show us their family wasn't at all like those people who had bombed Pearl Harbor. (The dinner was great!)
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Naval Order of the United States Presents
CAPT Michael A. Lilly, USN (Ret)
“More Frightening than a Kamikaze!”
13 December 2023: 2000 EDT
About the presentation: “More Frightening than a Kamikaze!” is the harrowing tale of the first collision between an American aircraft carrier (USS Wasp (CV-7)) and a destroyer (USS Stack (DD-406)) in U-boat infested waters on St. Patrick’s Day 1942. During the morning watch (0400-0800), the Wasp tore out of the fog just 150 yards from the Stack off its port bow. In less than 13 seconds, the carrier plowed into the Stack, pinning it against its bow and pushing the tiny destroyer through the water sideways. Dead in the water, the destroyer could not signal the carrier that initially had no idea it had a destroyer trapped on its bow.
Captain Michael A. Lilly, USN, (Ret) recounts the story in vivid detail, much of which he learned from his father, then-Ens. Tony Lilly, and the investigation into the accident. He describes the heroic action of the Stack’s crew, including a Torpedo Mate who was awarded the Navy Cross for risking his life in roiling waters awash the destroyer to disarm its 24 torpedoes. He explains the bizarre events that unfolded on the bridge of the Wasp. Why did the Stack wind up off course? Who was at fault? What happened to the principal parties on both ships?
About the Speaker: Captain Michael A. Lilly, USN (Ret.) had a distinguished career as Hawaii's Attorney General and as a trial attorney. He is a founding director emeritus of the USS Missouri Memorial Association, which operates the Missouri as a memorial and tourist attraction. He authored “Nimitz at Ease,” relating how his grandparents helped Nimitz cope with the stresses of command and win the Pacific war. A Vietnam War combat veteran, his personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and two Meritorious Service Medals. He retired as a surface warfare captain after 30 years of service, active and reserve.
Watch this Naval Order History Presentation Zoom Meeting!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81241470593?pwd=bEVtR1I4RFZNZ3BmWDBtR1dMWG15QT09
Meeting ID: 812 4147 0593
Passcode: 7041890
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Preble Hall Podcast: My Mids are Awesome
Samantha Sauer of the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine, discusses experiential learning and the role of her museum.
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NAVAL HISTORY BOOK REVIEWS | |
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Ira Hayes: The Akimel O’odham Warrior, World War II, and the Price of Heroism. Tom Holm, New York, NY, Hachette Book Group, Inc. (2023).
Reviewed by David Mattingly
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...Holm writes about a 1949 study of combat stress, The American Soldier. In it, the authors discuss the many aspects of PTSD, including the impact on a soldier of “killing and seeing the dead.” This would correlate to the fact that not only did Hayes kill the Japanese soldier at a range of fewer than 10 feet, but also had the soldier’s remains in the foxhole with him until the following day: “… Hayes’ Bougainville experience was perhaps the impetus underlying severe emotional crisis….”
Holm’s discussion of Bougainville and his further discussion of the tribal culture and PTSD make it easier for the reader to understand the issues that Hayes would be plagued with post-World War II until his death in 1955. From 1945 to 1955, Hayes held several jobs and was involved in the civil rights struggle for the American Natives. This dispels the notion that all he did was return to the reservation, drink, and become an in-and-out resident of the local jails.
Holm’s story is very enlightening and provides many facts and arguments that help the reader understand not only Hayes’ life after serving as a Marine but also the hardships of many Native American veterans, including the infamous Navajo Code Talkers. The book is well researched, and Holm has documented the book thoroughly with footnotes and an extensive bibliography of sources for his research. I would recommend this book to readers of World War II history, the Marine Corps, and Native Americans.
Read full review>>
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NAVAL HISTORY BOOKS AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW | |
NAVAL HISTORY CALLS FOR PAPERS | |
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Brigadier General James L. Collins Jr. Book Prize in Military History Increased to $2,000
The US Commission on Military History proudly announces the submission date for all books
for consideration for the Brigadier General James L. Collins Book Prize in Military History. The
prize entails a $2,000 award to the author, irrespective of nationality, of the best book written in English on any field of military history published during 2022. The Book Prize Committee, comprised of USCMH members Dr. Edward J. Marolda, (Chair), Dr. Jeffrey Clark, and Dr. John
Hosler, will review the submitted books and select the winner. Topics in all periods and all aspects of military history (including naval and air warfare) will be considered.
One copy of books for consideration by the Collins Prize Committee must be submitted to each of the following addresses:
Dr. Edward J. Marolda
15570 Golf Club Drive
Montclair, VA 22015
Dr. Jeffrey Clarke
1011 North Van Dorn Street
Alexandria, VA 22304
Dr. John Hosler
Command and General Staff
CollegeDepartment of Military History
100 Stimson Avenue
Fort Leavenworth, KS 66027
Copies must be postmarked no later than 31 December 2023. Upon notification from the selection committee, the Collins Prize will be presented at the USCMH Annual General Meeting usually held in early November of the following year. For further information contact the Collins Prize Committee Chair at: edwardmarolda@yahoo.com.
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UPCOMING NAVAL & MARITIME HISTORY GATHERINGS | |
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9–11 January 2024: Surface Navy Association National Symposium
17–18 February 2024: Western Naval History Association Symposium, San Diego, CA.
29 February–1 March 2024: Women’s History Symposium, National World War II Museum, New Orleans
18–21 April 2024: Society For Military History Annual Conference Arlington, VA
24–25 April 2024: Council of American Maritime Museums, Constitution Museum, Boston, MA
20–23 June 2024: Joint NASOH/CNRS Conference, St. Catherines, Ontario
24–28 September 2025: 12th Maritime Heritage Conference, Buffalo, NY
| PREBLE HALL NAVAL HISTORY PODCAST | |
A naval history podcast from Preble Hall – the United States Naval Academy Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. Preble Hall will interview historians, practitioners, military personnel, and other experts on a variety of naval history topics from ancient history to more current events.
Click here for the latest episode: 218: The Neptune Factor>>
Click here for all Preble Hall Podcasts >>
| DRACHINIFEL YOUTUBE CHANNEL | |
Welcome to Navy History Matters, Naval History and Heritage Command’s biweekly compilation of articles, commentaries, and blogs related to history and heritage. Every other week, they gather the top-interest items from a variety of media and social media sources that link to related content at NHHC’s website, your authoritative source for Navy history.
Click here for most recent article>>
| INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NAVAL HISTORY | |
The International Journal of Naval History (IJNH) provides a preeminent forum for works of naval history, researched and written to demonstrable academic standards, with the goal of stimulating and promoting research into naval history and fostering communication among naval historians at an international level. IJNH welcomes any scholarly historical analysis, focused on any period or geographic region, that explores naval power in its national or cultural context. The journal is independent of any institution and operates under the direction of an international editorial board that represents various genres of naval history.
Click here to read the February 2023 edition and archived issues on the IJNH website >>
| SUPPORTING US NAVAL HISTORY & HERITAGE | |
With the 250th anniversary of the US Navy on the horizon, NMHS seeks your support as we plan to honor those who have provided for our maritime security.
Click here to donate today >>
If you are one of those friends who have considered joining the Society or have wanted to recommend membership to friends, the Society is offering a 60th anniversary membership sale: ten bucks! See:
Anniversary Membership Special Offer.
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