Virginia Military Institute Archives
John K. Davis papers
Davis, John K. (John Kennerly), 1906-1975
MS.0533
/repositories/3/resources/825
0.50 cubic feet
1 document box
1928-1946
Manuscripts stacks
English
Japanese
Scope and Contents
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
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.
Online Access
The World War II propaganda leaflets are available online
Conditions Governing Access
There are no restrictions
Conditions Governing Use
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.
Separated Materials
The VMI diploma issued to John K. Davis has been added to the VMI diplomas collection (MS-0129).
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of J. Ken Davis, Jr.
Related Materials
Artifacts and objects related to these papers are located in the VMI Museum.
World War, 1939-1945
World War, 1939-1945—Pacific
United States. Army—Officers
Photographs
Correspondence
World War, 1939-1945—Maps
World War, 1939-1945—Propaganda
Japan
Virginia Military Institute—Class of 1929
United States. Army—Officers
World War II propaganda leaflets/repositories/3/archival_objects/46858 items1 folder1945EnglishJapaneseScope and ContentsThis 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.Biographical / HistoricalThe Psychological Warfare Branch of the United States Armed Forces was a military unit that created and distributed propaganda during World War II.
World War, 1939-1945—PropagandaUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchPsychological warfarePrisoners of warLeaflets dropped from aircraft"Truman's Statement," designation 112-J-1/repositories/3/archival_objects/58041945EnglishJapaneseUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaJapan"The New Year's gate decorations are but a milestone on our road to Hades," designation 32-J-6/repositories/3/archival_objects/58051945EnglishJapaneseUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaJapan"Attention American soldiers! I Cease Resistance," designation 108-J-1/repositories/3/archival_objects/58061945EnglishJapaneseUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaJapan"Attention American soldiers! I Cease Resistance," designation 17-J-1/repositories/3/archival_objects/58071945EnglishJapaneseUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaJapan"To Inducted Japanese on Mindanao," designation 3-J-10/repositories/3/archival_objects/58081945EnglishScope and ContentsThis leaflet is printed on the back of designation 17-J-1.
United States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaJapan"One Stride After Another," designation 32-J-1/repositories/3/archival_objects/58091945EnglishJapaneseUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaJapan"We thank you very much for your kind treatment given to us....," designation 29-J-1/repositories/3/archival_objects/58101945EnglishJapaneseWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchJapan"The Way to Safety, No. 5," designation 5J3/repositories/3/archival_objects/58111945EnglishWorld War, 1939-1945—PropagandaUnited States.Army—Forces, Pacific—Psychological Warfare BranchJapan