| Scope and content |
The bulk of the material consists of correspondence written from aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA. These letters provide insight into shipboard life during World War II and the psychological problems associated with war: death, boredom, depression, liberty, and leisure activities to relieve the monotony and homesickness. Also of interest are comments on the outcomes of the battles of Guadalcanal and Tunisia, a war bond drive aboard the NORTH CAROLINA, military insurance policy benefits, and the setting up of a traffic organization for American Export Airlines in England. A typescript history of the USS NORTH CAROLINA is also included. |
| Access restriction | No access restrictions. |
| Cite as |
T. J. Van Metre Papers (#331), Special Collections Department, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA. |
| Terms of use | Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law. |
| Acquisitions source |
Joyner- Gift of Rear Admiral T.J. Van Metre. |
| Biographical note | Thaddeus Johnson Van Metre (b. 1907), a 1930 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, commanded the HILARY P. JONES and the KENNEBEC. Admiral Van Metre also commanded Service Squadron 42 and the Naval Station at Norfolk, Va., prior to retiring in 1959. During World War II he served in various capacities aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA. |
