Frederick C. Lucas Papers

The Frederick C. Lucas Papers consist of ephemera, certificates, printed articles, a photograph, and copies of materials documenting Lucas’s service aboard the USS Gilligan (DE-508) during World War II. The collection includes a discharge certificate dated December 9, 1945, a ribbon card dated November 22, 1945, a notice of classification card dated December 12, 1945, and a registration certificate dated June 30, 1942.

Materials relating to the USS Gilligan include a matted print of the ship with cards noting campaigns served, and enemy aircraft downed, a photograph of the ship with a map of its war cruise, and a booklet for the ship’s commissioning anniversary, dated May 12, 1945. The booklet lists officers and enlisted men and includes a menu and facts about the vessel. Two printed articles, “Short Cruise on a Destroyer Escort” by Ernie Pyle and “Battles Kamikaze Off Okinawa” by Thomas H. Wentz, describe life aboard destroyer escorts and the ship’s engagements, including the downing of kamikaze aircraft off Okinawa. The collection also includes assorted copies of articles, a Navy Day brochure, a deck log remarks sheet, and photographs of crew members.

A smaller group of humorous and pin-up ephemera is also present, including a mock “Nookie Ration Card,” a kit inspection illustration, and a photo card of Hawaiian girls.