Adm. Nimitz’s WWII Diary Released in Searchable Digital Format

Operational Archives of the NHHC, which possesses the physical collection, provided expertise and support to the Naval War College effort to publish the high-quality digital version of the documents.

Speaking at the Feb. 24 event Dr. Craig L. Symonds, U.S. Naval Academy professor emeritus, presented a lecture discussing Nimitz and leadership. Symonds used the “Gray Book” for research in a book he authored on Midway. In it he recounts the pivotal role played by Nimitz in what was the turning point of the war in the Pacific.

"There’s perhaps no greater champion of freedom in the history of the United States Navy than Chester Nimitz and his leadership of the Pacific Fleet during World War II," said Naval War College President Rear Adm. Walter E. "Ted" Carter, Jr.

The celebration also included remarks from Nimitz’ grandchildren, Chet and Richard Lay and NWC’s librarian, Dr. Allen Benson, who introduced the NWC Naval Historical Collection’s website and digital version of the “Graybook.”

The Naval War College Foundation funded the endeavor, which started in August 2012. The documents have been scanned before, but the higher quality scans will offer researchers, scholars and enthusiasts a better way to search through the content.

The NHHC directly supported the digitization effort, and is currently actively remediating its archival holdings and facilities in order to both safeguard them, and ultimately to make them safely accessible to improve future naval understanding and decision-making.

Located at the Washington Navy Yard, the NHHC is responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. Naval history and heritage. It is composed of many activities including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archaeology, Navy history, nine museums, USS Constitution repair facility and the historic ship Nautilus.

Links

The Naval Historical Collection can be accessed at www.usnwc.edu/archives.

The Nimitz “Gray Book” is available online www.usnwc.edu/graybook

For additional information contact the Naval War College Public Affairs Office at 401-841-2220 or email pao@usnwc.edu. Photos courtesy of NWC public affairs office.

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