Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Jacobs, Fenton Stratton, 1892-
- Abstract:
- Correspondence, writings, printed matter, maps, and photographs relating to cavalry tactics, logistics, and military transportation during and after World Wars I and II.
- Extent:
- 15 manuscript boxes, 1 oversize box, 1 oversize folder (7.9 Linear Feet)
- Language:
- English
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Fenton Stratton Jacobs papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
This collection documents the career of Brigadier General Fenton Stratton Jacobs during and immediately after World War II. It contains personal and professional correspondence primarily dating from 1944 to 1952, maps, and newspapers. The bulk of the collection relates to Jacobs' experiences in the military while stationed in England, France, and the Philippines, as well as his role as the Commanding Officer at the San Francisco and Seattle Ports of Embarkation. The collection touches on his efforts to develop amicable relationships between the French and American military, as well as the activities of the American military during the period following the close of the World War II, with emphasis on the Seattle and San Francisco ports. The collection also contains newspaper articles, yearbooks, other printed matter, and photos documenting his early military career in the Richmond Blues and his activities as a cavalry officer.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Fenton Stratton Jacobs was born on April 17, 1892, in Gordonsville, Virginia. He began his military career in 1909 as a member of the Ancient and Honorable Richmond, Virginia Light Infantry Blues Battalion. In May of 1917 he was appointed a second lieutenant of cavalry and received his commission in the regular army on October 25, 1917. That same month Jacobs was transferred to France with the 3rd United States Cavalry. He was later named aide-de-camp to Brigadier General Charles Gerhardt, with whom he served in the 7th Base Section, 35th and 92nd Infantry Divisions. From December 1918 to May 1919, he commanded Hq. Troop, 89th Infantry Division, in Germany.
When Jacobs returned to the United States, he was identified with various cavalry regiments and attended service schools. He served for two years on the faculty of The Cavalry School. During this period, he authored and illustrated a text book, Cavalry Combat, based on an historical study of world-wide cavalry operations in World War I. Jacobs was assigned to the office Chief of Cavalry and General Headquarters, War College, Washington D.C., and during this time was editor of The Cavalry Journal from 1940 until 1942.
During World War II, Jacobs served as Chief of Staff of the 91st Infantry Division for one year, and was transferred to the European Theater in July 1943. In England, after a brief service in G-3 GHQ, he commanded the Western Base Section in England until August 1944, when he established and commanded Channel Base Section in France until after VE-Day.
On June 20, 1945, Jacobs was transferred to the Philippine Islands, and there commanded Base M, in Northern Luzon, until December 1945. When he returned to the United States, he commanded the Seattle Port of Embarkation for one year, then served as Deputy Commander and Commander at the San Francisco Port of Embarkation until 1949. Jacobs then returned to the Seattle Port of Embarkation, to serve as Commanding General until 1952, when he retired to Pebble Beach, California. He died in 1966.
Jacobs was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Bronze Star Medal. His foreign decorations include the French Legion of Honor in the grade of Chevalier, and the Croix de Guerre with Palm, the Commander of the British Empire, and the Belgian Order of Leopold II in the grade of Commander. He was a member of the Scabbard and Blade Military Fraternity.
- Acquisition information:
- Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 1966.
- Physical location:
- Hoover Institution Library & Archives
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.
- Terms of access:
-
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
- Preferred citation:
-
[Identification of item], Fenton Stratton Jacobs papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
- Location of this collection:
-
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford UniversityStanford, CA 94305-6003, US
- Contact:
- (650) 723-3563