Thomas Raymond Jones Collection

Collection

Identifier: 000075

Scope and Contents

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The Thomas Raymond Jones Collection contains correspondence, photographs, educational materials, military records, memorabilia, and personal effects documenting the life, naval service, and death of Ensign Thomas Raymond Jones of the USS Arizona (BB-39). The material regards Jones’ youth and education in Louisiana, his attendance at Louisiana State University and Tallulah High School, his naval training and service in Hawaii, and his death during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Also included are personal letters and postcards describing daily life, naval duties, training, and experiences while stationed in Hawaii, as well as photographs from Jones’ childhood, education, military service, travels, and social life. Also included are scrapbook materials, newspaper clippings, military ephemera, identification materials, and photographs of personal belongings associated with Jones’ service.

The collection also includes condolence correspondence, telegrams, memorial materials, and official naval records created after Jones’ death. These materials include letters from military officials, public figures, friends, and family members offering condolences and reflecting on Jones’ service and sacrifice. Additional materials document the return and shipment of Jones’s personal effects, posthumous recognition of his military service, and commemorative efforts honoring his memory, including a Purple Heart Certificate and a memorial certificate from Louisiana State University.

Dates

Creation: 1932 - 1945
Creation: 1964
Creation: 1986

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

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Thomas Raymond Jones, “Ray” (March 31, 1918 – December 7, 1941) was born in Morton, Copiah County, Mississippi, to Harvey and Susie Jones. Jones’ family moved to Lake Providence, Louisiana, and later to Tallulah, Louisiana, where Jones played football and graduated from Tallulah High School in 1936. After high school, Jones attended Louisiana State University, where he was a member of the ROTC program and served as a Sergeant in Company E. Following college, Jones joined the United States Navy Reserve in 1940 and was part of the second class of the United States Naval Reserve Midshipmen School in New York City. Here, Jones trained on the USS Prairie State (IX-15) before earning his commission as an Ensign in February 1941, joining the USS Arizona (BB-39) as a Supply Corps Officer.

When the Japanese Empire attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ensign Jones was aboard the Arizona. During the attack, Ensign Jones was killed by an explosion and never recovered from the Arizona. Ensign Jones received the American Defense Service Medal for his service during a period of limited emergency and, posthumously, was awarded the Purple Heart, Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

Full Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Thomas Raymond Jones Collection contains personal photographs and letters, as well as documents and official correspondence regarding Ensign Jones’ service in the United States Naval Reserve and his death during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Arrangement

This collection consists of six folders.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Jack Jones donated these materials to the Texas Historical Commission in 1987 (Accession number 1987.577) and 1991 (Accession number 1991.582).

Separated Materials

3D artifacts have been separated from this collection, including Thomas Raymond Jones' officer sword and parts of his uniform. Contact the archivist for further information.