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 mentions he has been on Asiatic Station for 35 months and expects to be home in September. He also addresses a rumor that the admiral will keep them on station for five years. He mentions a recent camping trip he enjoyed in the Philippines mountains. Nimitz also comments on a shortage of sailors on Asiatic Station.

Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his mother in Kerrville. Nimitz sends birthday greetings and mentions he has been participating in target practice in Manila Bay. He mentions potential trouble in China and a possibility of having to go there. Nimitz also indicates the British fleet will be arriving soon in Manila Bay and he expects to be doing a lot of entertaining soon.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz, writing from Kerrville, expresses uncertainty about when he and his mother might go to Fredericksburg for a visit. This letter is on St. Charles Hotel stationery.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his father in Kerrville. Nimitz mentions he has been on Asiatic Station for 35 months and expects to be home in September. He also addresses a rumor that the admiral will keep them on station for five years. He mentions a recent camping trip he enjoyed in the Philippines mountains. Nimitz also comments on a shortage of sailors on Asiatic Station.

Handwritten letter from Chester Nimitz to his mother in Kerrville. Nimitz sends birthday greetings and mentions he has been participating in target practice in Manila Bay. He mentions potential trouble in China and a possibility of having to go there. Nimitz also indicates the British fleet will be arriving soon in Manila Bay and he expects to be doing a lot of entertaining soon.

Transcription of letter from Chester Nimitz to his grandfather in Fredericksburg. Nimitz, writing from Kerrville, expresses uncertainty about when he and his mother might go to Fredericksburg for a visit.