Interview with Lewis R. Hopkins, a pilot during World War II. He describes growing up on a farm in Georgia, going to college at Berry, and working for Sears, Roebuck, and the Royal Typewriter Company before joining the U. S. Navy. He tells an anecdote about joining the navy so he could go to New York to see the World's Fair, since he had heard the Atlanta Reserve would be making a trip to the Fair. He began flight training in Florida in December 1940, finished the next September, then drove cross-country to San Francisco after the Pearl Harbor attack. He eventually joined the USS Enterprise in April 1942 and saw the B-25 bombers in the Doolittle Raid take off. He was part of Bombing Squadron Six and trained under Commander Best to learn how to do scouting flights, navigation, and dive bombing. He then describes his participation in the Battle of Midway, the hours before take-off, his first view of the Japanese fleet, and his bombing mission. He was later assigned to the USS Hornet and had to fly off to a little island so that planes from the USS Wasp could land on the Hornet after their ship …

Letter from Iola Magruder to Rigdon Edwards discussing articles from different news sources, a recent contribution to Texas Women's University, moving into a new house, past involvement with the American Cross and US military, and other events in her life.

Excerpt of a handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz discusses the academic rigors of the Academy and mentions how some midshipmen are rated as unsatisfactory in their work. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Excerpt of a handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz mentions how his studies are proceeding, He also discusses having uniforms made in anticipation of graduating in February. Nimitz also mentions being able to pay his debts. He also describes his duties as officer in charge of Bancroft Hall. This letter is on US naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his mother in Kerrville. Nimitz thanks her for sending a box of goodies to him for Christmas. He mentions having some time off during the holidays and enjoying some dances held in the armory. He asks about the gifts he sent home for Christmas and mentions his standing in his classes. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his mother in Kerrville. Nimitz, writing from aboard the USS Narwhal (SS-17) in Norfolk, Virginia, sends birthday greetings. He encourages his mother to get a train ticket to Washington DC so they can visit for a while.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz sends a Christmas greeting to his grandfather and informs him of the weather in Annapolis and the holiday schedule of the Academy. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz mentions his orders have arrived and he departs soon for San Francisco to join the crew of the USS Ohio (BB-12). He mentions where some of his friends and classmates have been assigned. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz, writing from San Antonio, discusses his travel plans to return to Annapolis. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates information about his grades in various subjects and expresses confidence that he will be able to enter the Academy. He also mentions the risk he runs of hazing from upper classmen should he be caught in the act of looking at one. This letter is written on Robert Werntz Preparatory Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates information about his grades in various subjects and expresses his appreciation for all his grandfather has done for him. He also mentions that his ears are fine and he does not believe his hearing will bar him from entering the Academy. This letter is written on Robert Werntz Preparatory Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz tells of the looming examinations for entrance into the Naval Academy and his confidence in passing and gaining admittance.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz comments on the wintry weather in Annapolis. He also mentions his holiday schedule. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz sends a very brief Christmas greeting to his family in Fredericksburg. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz describes the holiday he enjoyed over Christmas in Annapolis. He also mentions receiving a package of cakes and sausages from his Henke grandparents. He comments on his French class and the upcoming semi-annual exams, which he anticipates passing. Nimitz also mentions attending a few funerals at the Academy. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz mentions his standing in his classes and also describes some of his duties during the week. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery. He also mentions his trip to Philadelphia for the Army-Navy football game. He mentions that he will begin writing letters to Elsie Wahrmund in Spanish. This letter is written on United States Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz discusses his holiday and mentions the Severn River is frozen over and cadets ice skate on it. He admits he does not go on the ice as he does not know how to skate. He mentions receiving letters from his younger brother and sister, Otto and Dora. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz discusses the results of his exams and indicates about 25 people failed. He also mentions one cadet was caught cheating and describes what happened to him. He comments on the weather and mentions that German naval cadets will visit in February. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates information about the weather and his studies. This letter is written on Robert Werntz Preparatory Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz tells of other young men in his prep school from Texas and that a few of them are Germans. He also observes that some of the people there did not take a competitive exam. This letter is written on Robert Werntz Preparatory Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates information about his grades in various subjects. Again, Nimitz and some friends hired a sailboat and went out on the Chesapeake Bay. Nimitz became seasick. He also includes examples of problems in math that he is encountering and explanations of the formulas and solutions. This letter is written on Robert Werntz Preparatory Academy stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz, writing from Annapolis, Maryland, relates news about arriving in Annapolis and settling in at the Werntz Preparatory School. He provides clues about his schedule and some thoughts on Annapolis.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz describes Annapolis and relates a tale of sailing on Chesapeake Bay. He also indicates he is the only person among his peer group that won his appointment by competitive exam - the others were appointed outright. He also describes his academic progress so far.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz relates where he stands in his class after a month at the Academy. He also expresses a belief that he ought to be able to maintain his position with hard work. This letter is on US Naval Academy stationery.