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James R. Connor Papers

 Collection
Identifier: 000046

Scope and Contents

The James R. Connor Papers include a range of documents and materials primarily related to James R. Connor’s military service aboard the USS Hancock. This collection includes service records, photographs, pamphlets, publications, reunion materials, and personal documents. Additionally, there is material related to his brother, Theodore, and his service on the USS West Virginia.

The collection contains service records, which include official military messages, certificates, and correspondence pertaining to Connor’s duties, physical examinations, temporary assignments, and discharge from the Navy. These records are from various naval units, including the USS Hancock, Air Support Control Unit One of the Amphibious Forces, and Fifth Amphibious Forces, among others.

Photographs within the collection feature Connor with fellow servicemen, images of the USS Hancock, and crew photographs of servicemen from Fighter Squadron Seven and “S” Division storekeepers aboard the USS West Virginia.

Included are various pamphlets, such as the USS Hancock Protestant Service of Worship pamphlet, a 1945 issue of Time Magazine, and other publications, including USS Hancock newsletters and a historical account of Fighting Squadron Seven.

The collection also contains reunion materials related to the USS Hancock CV/CVA Association. This includes reunion photographs, rosters, attendance lists, and several editions of the association’s newsletter, “Hannah News.”

Personal documents in the collection comprise newspaper clippings, family correspondence, postcards, and other memorabilia from before and after the war.

Lastly, there are materials related to Theodore Connor, which include newsletters and official documents from his service aboard the USS West Virginia, such as morning worship pamphlets and other related items.

Dates

  • Creation: 1934 - 2003

Creator

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

Lieutenant James Reagan Connor was born on December 7, 1922, and grew up in Abilene, Texas. He entered active duty in the Navy on April 11, 1943, as an Aviation Cadet. On July 5, 1944, he was commissioned as an Ensign and immediately reported to Pearl Harbor, where he was assigned duty aboard the USS Hancock until 1945. He later served as a Fighter Director for Fighting Squadron 7, participating in operations across the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Okinawa, and Japan. During his time in Okinawa, Connor served both aboard the USS Frank E. Evans and the USS Hancock.

On October 29, 1944, Connor was awarded the Bronze Star. On that day, the USS Hancock was stationed near Leyte Gulf, where Connor identified numerous attacking enemy aircraft and promptly directed fighters from Fighting Squadron 7 to intercept them. His decisive actions contributed significantly to the protection of the carrier task force. He also earned seven battle stars for his service.

Connor requested to be relieved from service on December 1, 1945, after receiving word of his father's ailing help and need for assistance with managing the family accounting business.

Connor passed away on July 6, 2006, in Austin, Texas.

Connor's elder brother, Theodore Connor, served as an "S" Division storekeeper on the USS West Virginia (BB-48) during the 1930s.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

The James R. Connor Papers include a range of documents and materials primarily related to James R. Connor’s military service aboard the USS Hancock. This collection includes service records, photographs, pamphlets, publications, reunion materials, and personal documents. Additionally, there is material related to his brother, Theodore, and his service on the USS West Virginia.

Arrangement

The materials are intellectually arranged into one series titled "Service Records" and eight separate folders.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The materials for this collection were donated by Bill Crowley in 2013 (F2013.056).

Separated Materials

3D artifacts have been separated from this collection, including an unofficial military patch and repaired socks.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Rachel Barnett in January 2025.

Title
James R. Connor Papers
Status
In Progress
Author
Rachel Barnett
Date
2024-1-29
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Center for Pacific War Studies / National Museum of the Pacific War Repository

Contact:
328 E. Austin St.
Fredericksburg Texas 78624 United States of America