Rock J. Shih 石銳 papers, 1948-2013

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Summary

Creators:
Shih, Rock J.
Abstract:
The Rock J. Shih 石銳 papers (1948-2013) contain writings, correspondence, photographs, certificates, and memorabilia relating to Shih's military career as a Signal Communication Officer and English translator for the Republic of China's army, as well as materials related to his family and business career in Taiwan.
Extent:
5 manuscript boxes, 3 oversize boxes, digital media (5.67 Linear Feet)
Language:
In Chinese and English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], [Rock J. Shih 石銳 papers], [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains photographs, certificates, letters of appointment, medals, uniform badges, and ID cards relating to Shih's military service from 1948-1972. He worked as a signal intelligence officer and English interpreter for the Republic of China's army on the military base in Quemoy (Kinmen ι‡‘ι–€οΌŒJinmen 金门), and served with the United States Military Assistance Advisory Group in Taiwan. The collection also contains personal correspondence and photographs with family and friends, materials related to his civilian career in Taiwan in companies such as Philips Electronics, and a piece of Quemoy pottery dedicated to his wife. It also contains two audio recordings of interviews between Shih and his family members living in Beijing and Henan after the Taiwanese government allowed visits to China on humanitarian grounds in November 1987.

Biographical / historical:

Rock J. Shih 石銳 (Shih Jui, Shi Rui) was born in Beijing in 1931. He joined the Nationalist Chinese Army Youth Corps in 1948 and fought during the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) in North and Central China. Shih retreated with the Republic of China's forces from Zhoushan Island to Taiwan in May 1950, resulting in limited contact with family in Mainland China until 1987 when cross-straight communication was once again permitted. Shih retired from military service in 1972, and worked for foreign-owned companies such as Philips Electronics in the private sector in Taiwan until he immigrated to Vancouver, Canada, in 1995.

Acquisition information:
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 2022.
Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Boxes 7-8 may not be used without permission of the Archivist. The remainder of 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], [Rock J. Shih 石銳 papers], [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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