Richard J. Cahalen collection

Collection

Identifier: 000002

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Richard J. Cahalen Collection compromises various photographs from around Okinawa, mimeographs of unit history, and service records. There are identification papers, such as a registration certificate, along with an “order to report for Induction” paper on 5 October 1942, a motor vehicle permit for a ¼ - ¾ ton truck, a two-page homemade newsletter called Muzzle Bursts from 25 August 1945, which tells of a Honolulu paper writing about the 93rd AAA Battalion. There is a commendation letter for the 93rd on 12 June 1945.

Included is a list that includes the names of the men in the 98th AAA Gun Battalion from 8 June 1944. Along with this is a listing of the positions for the 93rd AAA Gun Battalion on 7 June 1945, where Cahalen is listed as a Technician. There is a discharge and separation paper for Cahalen from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Most of the information gathered for Cahalen’s service is through his “Separation Qualification” sheet. Included as well is a photograph of Lt. Gen Masakazu Kawabe ( 河辺正三 ) leading a Japanese peace party.

Other documents relating to Cahalen’s service are included, such as a collection of Honorable Discharge papers from 8 January 1946, along with a Report to Induction paper. Not only are these files in good condition, but they may also serve as a good example of what the average individual would have received in terms of paperwork for their service. There is also a Commendation letter from 10 August 1945, signed by Brigadier General Charles E. Thomas Jr. along with a “Thank you” letter from President Harry Truman.

There are two photo negatives included, one of an individual sitting on a gun turret, and another of a view of the Ocean.

The most interesting of this collection, aside from the various photographs, is the book that is included, which contains Biblical and religious writings. Within the book is a bill of One Peso from the Philippines, along with two newspaper clippings, a small book on the Gilbert Islands, and a Japanese Postal booklet.

Dates

Creation: 1945

Creator

Cahalen, Richard J. (John), 1922- (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish material from this collection in any form must be obtained from the National Museum of the Pacific War, Center for Pacific War Studies.

Biographical / Historical

Richard John Cahalen was a member of the 93rd AAA battalion during the Pacific War campaign. Born on February 4, 1922, and originally from 416 6th S.E. Mason City, Iowa, he would be selected for Army service in the Pacific Campaign.

He was selected for service on the 15th of February, 1943, and would serve as a Supply Sergeant with the 93rd Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion. He estimated stock requirements and would oversee which items needed to be renewed or replaced. He was mainly stationed as a worker under combat conditions in the Gilbert Islands and the Ryukyus Group (Okinawa).

He separated from the army on January 8, 1946, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas with an honorable discharge. He was awarded the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, along with one Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal.

Extent

.17 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Photographs, mimeographed unit history, and service records related to the service of Richard J. Cahalen, who was in the 93rd AAA Battalion. Almost all photographs were taken in Okinawa (Ie Shima) and Honolulu, Hawaii.