Preliminary Inventory to the Harry Schmidt papers
Finding aid prepared by machine-readable finding aid created by James Ryan
Hoover Institution Library and Archives
© 1998
434 Galvez Mall
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003
hoover-library-archives@stanford.edu
Title: Harry Schmidt papers
Date (inclusive): 1909-1964
Collection Number: 68033
Contributing Institution: Hoover Institution Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
3 manuscript boxes, 1 oversize box, 1 film reel
(1.6 Linear Feet)
Abstract: Correspondence, orders, speeches, memoranda, printed matter, and photographs, relating to activities of the U.S. Marine Corps
in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Creator:
Schmidt, Harry, 1886-1968
Access
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.
Use
For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Acquisition Information
Acquired by the Hoover Institution Library & Archives in 1968.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Harry Schmidt Papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.
Biographical Note
General Harry Schmidt served as Commanding General of the Fourth Marine Division during the Marshall Islands campaign and
the Battle of Saipan, and as Commanding General of the Fifth Amphibious Corps during the battles of Tinian and Iwo Jima, during
World War II.
During the battle for Iwo Jima, he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of the third Distinguished Service Medal for his part in
this operation. His citation reads in part, "Against determined enemy resistance and incomparable natural defenses, Major
General Schmidt skillfully directed the attack of his troops to capture and occupy this strategic island. He handled the various
units under his command with brilliant tactical skill. His sound judgment, distinctive administrative ability and unfailing
devotion to duty were vital factors in the success of the entire operation."
Following the conclusion of hostilities, the General led the Fifth Corps in the occupation of the Japanese homeland. In 1946,
he was ordered back to the United States to assume command of the Marine Training and Replacement Command, San Diego Area,
California. He served in that capacity until he retired in 1948, when he was advanced to the four-star rank of General.
Scope and Content of Collection
Correspondence, orders, speeches, memoranda, printed matter, and photographs, relatig to activities of the United States Marine
Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1939-1945 -- Campaigns -- Pacific Ocean
Officers
United States. Marine Corps
box 1, folder 2
Correspondence
1944-1945
Scope and Contents note
Includes article regarding World War II military operations.
box 1, folder 3
Correspondence
undated, 1947-1953
Scope and Contents note
Concerning books, articles, and studies of Marine Corps operations in the Pacific during World War II.
box 1, folder 4
Correspondence
1954-1965
Scope and Contents note
Concerning books, articles, and studies of Marine Corps operations in the Pacific during World War II.
box 1, folder 5
Correspondence regarding christening the
Iwo Jima
1959-1961
Scope and Contents note
Includes news clippings and program from dedication ceremony.
box 1, folder 6
Marine Corps duty orders
1909-1920
box 1, folder 7
Marine Corps duty orders
1921-1934
box 1, folder 8
Marine Corps duty orders
1935-1947
box 2, folder 1
Department of the Army and Air Force pamphlets
1951
box 2, folder 2
Five publications regarding Pacific operations, World War II
box 2, folder 3
Department of the Navy. Four statements of interest to naval commands
1957-1960
box 2, folder 4
Historical material regarding the Marine Corps
box 2, folder 5
Congressional Record statement about General Schmidt
1951 October 20
box 2, folder 6
Pamphlet,
Marine Corps Memorial Foundation
circa 1954
box 2, folder 7
Naval Historical Foundation, list of trustees
1956 March
Photographs
Scope and Contents note
Includes photographs of General H. Schmidt, various military personnel, and battles in the Pacific Theatre in World War II
box 3, folder 1
Command turnover
1943 October
box 3, folder 3
Family photographs
early 1900s
box 3, folder 4
Flag raising ceremonies, Iwo Jima and Tinian
box 3, folder 13
Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, USS
Iwo Jima dedication
1960 September
box 3, folder 15-16
Schmidt at official events
box 3, folder 17-19
Shanghai, Sasebo, and occupation of Japan
box 4
Personal scrapbooks kept by General Schmidt (two volumes)
1944-1958
film shelf
"To the Shores of Iwo Jima," U.S. Navy training film
