John K. Davis papersMS.0533

John K. Davis papersMS.0533


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Virginia Military Institute Archives

VMI Archives
Preston Library
Lexington, VA 24450
Business Number: 540-464-7516
archives@vmi.edu
URL: http://www.vmi.edu/archives

Repository
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Identification
MS.0533
Title
John K. Davis papers 1928-1946
Quantity
0.50 cubic feet, 1 document box
Creator
Davis, John K. (John Kennerly), 1906-1975
Location
Manuscripts stacks
Language
English , Japanese .

Administrative Information

Conditions Governing Use

Manuscript Collections in the VMI Archives are made available for noncommercial educational and research use. The VMI Archives should be cited as the source. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any copyright holders. Materials from our collections may not be redistributed, published or reproduced without permission from the VMI Archives. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information.

Conditions Governing Access

There are no restrictions

Online Access

The World War II propaganda leaflets are available online

Preferred Citation

John K. Davis papers, 1928-1946. MS 0533. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of J. Ken Davis, Jr.


Biographical / Historical

John Kennerly Davis (1906-1975) was a utility company executive who rose to the position of Chairman of the Board of the Toledo Edison Company (Ohio). After receiving his degree in electrical engineering from VMI in 1929, he worked for various power companies, first in Tennessee and subsequently in Toledo, Ohio, progressing through the executive ranks. He retired in 1974 and died in Toledo in 1975.

During World War II, Davis entered military service in September 1942 as a Captain with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. He was stationed in the Office of the Chief of Engineers in Washington, D.C. and subesequently was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and assigned to G-4, General Headquarters, Army Forces Pacific Theater. He was on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur in the Philippines and Japan until his release from active duty in May 1946.

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of: Original propaganda leaflets directed at the Japanese troops and civilians (1945) Personal correspondence written to John K. Davis' parents that largely concerns family matters (1945-1946) Formal photographs of Davis from his cadetship, United States Army career, and civilian career Amateur snapshots of Manila, Philippines and surrounding area (circa 1945) Maps of Japanese cities issued to officers (1945) A "Guide to Japan" (September 1945) Other printed material

Related Material

Artifacts and objects related to these papers are located in the VMI Museum.

Separated Material

The VMI diploma issued to John K. Davis has been added to the VMI diplomas collection (MS-0129).


Subjects and Indexing Terms

  • Correspondence
  • Japan
  • Photographs
  • United States. Army—Officers
  • United States. Army—Officers
  • Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1929
  • World War, 1939-1945
  • World War, 1939-1945—Maps
  • World War, 1939-1945—Pacific
  • World War, 1939-1945—Propaganda

Significant Persons Associated With the Collection

  • Davis, John K. (John Kennerly), 1906-1975

Container List

World War II propaganda leaflets
8 items 1 folder
1945English, Japanese.
Scope and Contents

This file consists of eight propaganda leaflets aimed at Japanese troops and civilians, including: "Truman's Statement," designation 112-J-1 "The New Year's gate decorations are but a milestone on our road to Hades," designation 32-J-6 "Attention American soldiers! I Cease Resistance," designation 108-J-1 "Attention American soldiers! I Cease Resistance," designation 17-J-1 "To Inducted Japanese on Mindanao," designation 3-J-10. This leaflet is printed on the back of designation 17-J-1. "One Stride After Another," designation 32-J-1 "We thank you very much for your kind treatment given to us....," designation 29-J-1 "The Way to Safety, No. 5," designation 5J3 The designations refer to the leaflet number assigned by the Psychological Warfare Branch.

Biographical / Historical

The Psychological Warfare Branch of the United States Armed Forces was a military unit that created and distributed propaganda during World War II.

  • "Truman's Statement," designation 112-J-1
    1945English, Japanese.
  • "The New Year's gate decorations are but a milestone on our road to Hades," designation 32-J-6
    1945English, Japanese.
  • "Attention American soldiers! I Cease Resistance," designation 108-J-1
    1945English, Japanese.
  • "Attention American soldiers! I Cease Resistance," designation 17-J-1
    1945English, Japanese.
  • "To Inducted Japanese on Mindanao," designation 3-J-10
    1945English.
    Scope and Contents

    This leaflet is printed on the back of designation 17-J-1.

  • "One Stride After Another," designation 32-J-1
    1945English, Japanese.
  • "We thank you very much for your kind treatment given to us....," designation 29-J-1
    1945English, Japanese.
  • "The Way to Safety, No. 5," designation 5J3
    1945English.