John K. Davis papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Military Institute Archives
Preston Library
Virginia Military Institute
345 Letcher Ave.
Lexington, VA 24450-0304
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Jeffrey S. Kozak
Phone: (540) 464-7516
Phone: (540) 464-7566
Fax: (540) 464-7089
Restrictions:

There are no restrictions

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

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

Summary

Extent:
0.50 cubic feet 1 document box
Creator:
Davis, John K. (John Kennerly), 1906-1975
Language:
English Japanese
Preferred citation:

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

Background

Scope and content:

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

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.

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

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.

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

Acquisition information:
Gift of J. Ken Davis, Jr.
Physical location:
Manuscripts stacks