The Recollections of Adm. Chester W. Nimitz, USN, by Naval Officers, Part I : 1885-1966

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz looms large in the story of the U.S. Navy in World War II. He passed away in 1966 — sadly, just three years before the launching of the U.S. Naval Institute Oral History Program. Having missed the opportunity to secure the oral history of this giant of naval history, the Institute did the next best thing: gathered and compiled the oral histories of numerous officers, loved ones, friends, and family who had been on close terms with Nimitz. The multiple volumes in this series are an exhaustive resource — and a crucial one to any Nimitz student, scholar, or biographer.

All of these men were interviewed for the oral history project of the U.S. Naval Institute dealing with the life and career of the late Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimiz, USN. Drake, Rear Adm. William Waldo (Waldo), USNR (Ret.) (1897–1977); Pacific Fleet public relations officer during much of World War II; interviewed by Mason in June 1970; 60 pages Fife, Admiral James Jr., USN (Ret.) (1897–1975); a long-time submarine officer who commanded in Australia during the war; interviewed by Mason in May 1969; 35 pages Lamar, Capt. H. Arthur, USNR (Ret.) (1911–2002); Nimitz''s aide and flag lieutenant before the war and throughout its progress; interviewed by Mason in June 1970; 103 pages Layton, Rear Adm. Edwin T., USNR (Ret.) (1903–1984); Pacific Fleet intelligence officer throughout the war; interviewed by Potter in March 1970; 116 pages Based on four interviews conducted by John T. Mason, Jr. , and E. B. Potter. Altogether, the volume contains 314 pages of interview transcript plus indices. The transcripts are copyright 1972 by the U. S. Naval Institute; the interviewees have placed no restrictions on their use.