The National Museum of the Pacific War presents an interview with E. B. Potter. Potter was attached to the Intelligence Section of the 14th Naval District in Oahu during World War II. He graduated with an English degree from the University of Richmond in 1929. He completed an advanced degree in English at the University of Chicago, and during this time the war broke out in Europe. He applied for and received a commission in the Navy. Potter was sent to the Naval Academy as a reservist to teach college-level European and naval history. After 7 December 1941 he went to communications school. From there he went to Pearl Harbor in November of 1943. Potter worked in the Registered Publications Issuing Office (RPIO), distributing codes and ciphers to ships of the fleet. He provides a vivid description of his work. Potter became second-in-command of RPIO. He talks some of Commander Joseph Rochefort’s operation and code breaking. He discusses briefly working on the biography of Admiral Chester Nimitz, and some of Admiral Bill Halsey’s actions during the war. Potter was later assigned as executive officer to the 14th Naval District and provides stories of his experiences. In 1945 he returned to …

Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz is on his second summer cruise and is writing from aboard the USS Indiana (BB-1). He mentions liberty in New York City and visiting his aunt Josie as well as Coney Island where he enjoyed several rides. He also mentions some of his experiences aboard the ship. Nimitz also recounts that he has heard of the death of his grandfather Henke.

Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz, writing from aboard the USS Chesapeake, summarizes his experiences while on the cruise. In his log, Nimitz describes the various drills in which he participated and the movements of the ship. He mentions some folks got seasick during heavy weather, but that he did not.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz, aboard the USS Indiana (BB-1), describes leaving the Chesapeake Bay and going into the Atlantic Ocean. He also mentions he had liberty in New York City and attempted to find an aunt, but could not. He provides details about the ship's coal consumption rates.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz is on his second summer cruise and is writing from aboard the USS Indiana (BB-1). He mentions liberty in New York City and visiting his aunt Josie as well as Coney Island where he enjoyed several rides. He also mentions some of his experiences aboard the ship. Nimitz also recounts that he has heard of the death of his grandfather Henke.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz, writing from aboard the USS Chesapeake, summarizes his experiences while on the cruise. In his log, Nimitz describes the various drills in which he participated and the movements of the ship. He mentions some folks got seasick during heavy weather, but that he did not.

Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz, aboard the USS Indiana (BB-1), describes leaving the Chesapeake Bay and going into the Atlantic Ocean. He also mentions he had liberty in New York City and attempted to find an aunt, but could not. He provides details about the ship's coal consumption rates.