Lieutenant George Rapin, on leave in March of 1944, crouches to kiss his daughter, Barbara. He was on his first trip home since she was born. George Rapin graduated from Bellarmine High School in 1934. He and his family moved to California shortly after WWII. TPL-1987,

Military personnel--Tacoma; Fathers & children--Tacoma; Rapin, George--Family;

Civilian Defense bond wagon for war finance. Tacoma's Civilian Defense sent their bond wagon throughout the residential areas and the suburban business district in order to facilitate the purchase of war bonds. View of bond wagon with unidentified official bond sales person and unidentified Tacoma residents ready to purchase their war bonds The Federal Bakery is seen in the background. (T.Times, 6/15/44, p. 3) TPL-9360

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Vending stands--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Civil defense--Tacoma;

First 100% bond block. Left to right view of Lillian Beauchamp, Ben Bassett and Earl Eklund at the first neighborhood block in Tacoma to have reached full neighborhood support for war bonds. All fifteen families will be honored on KTBI radio rally. Photograph was taken on June 21, 1944.

War bonds & funds; City & town life--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Beauchamp, Lillian; Eklund, Earl; Bassett, Ben;

War bond campaign. No fireworks will be seen this 4th of July, but the War Fund drive is in full swing during the last few days of bond sales. Official war bond salesmen are out in the streets of Tacoma, encouraging people to buy war bonds so the county can meet its quota. An unidentified woman is about to purchase a war bond from an unidentified war bond salesman (T. Times, 7/4/44, p. 14).

War bonds & funds; Fourth of July celebrations; Sales personnel--Tacoma;

On June 5, 1944, the War Stamp Minute Maids made an unannounced appearance at the Young Mens' Business Club luncheon to sell war bonds and stamps. They made a pleasing sight with their "V" for Victory halo hats and red, white and blue stamp boxes. The pictured men stepped forward to buy a $100 War Bond each. Pictured, left to right, purchasing their bond are George Neumeyer, Gil Gunderson, Leonard Peck, Jim Lasher and Gese Nist. Heading up the sale for the Maids are, left to right, Jean Hallen, Shirley Abel, Merrille Longstreth, Marilyn McCormack and Patty Doe. The maids were raising funds for the 5th War Loan Campaign. (T. Times, 7/5/44, p. 8).

War bonds & funds; Sales personnel--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Economic aspects of war--Tacoma; Costumes;

Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. Thousands of Tacoma residents gathered on Broadway to see the Fifth War Loan Campaign parade. The parade was held on "Infantry Day". Parade Marshal was Mr. Reno Odlin, State Chairman of War Finance. View of fire trucks following parade caravan (T. Times, 6/16/44, p. 5).

War rallies--Tacoma; War bonds & funds; Political pageantry--Tacoma; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma;

Hooker Electrochemical Co. was awarded the Army Navy "E" award by Major General Joseph D. Patch and Navy Officer W. C. Gilbert. An impressive ceremony was held at plant. Music was provided by the 440th Army Service Forces. Acting Mayor C. Val Fawcett was the Master of Ceremonies (T. Times, 1/10/45, p. 3).

Military decorations--Tacoma; Awards; Flags; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Acting Mayor Val Fawcett leads the singing of "God Bless America" during a Army-Navy "E" award ceremony at Hooker Electro-Chemical Company. Employees were honored for outstanding production of materials vital to the war effort. ALBUM 14. TPL-6654

Military decorations--Tacoma; Awards; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Hooker Electrochemical Co. (Tacoma); Mayors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fawcett, Clarence Valdo, 1900-1965; Chemical industry--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Avenger at Todd Pacific. The "Avenger" tank, commonly called by Marines "Water Buffalo" is visiting Tacoma for one week and can be seen at Todd Pacific Shipyards. It is technically called a LVT or landing vehicle tracked. View of two unidentified men standing in front of "Avenger" (T. Times, 8/24/44, p. 3).

Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Tank warfare; Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc. (Tacoma);

Avenger at Todd Pacific. This amphibious tractor was caught in the crossfire with machine guns and artillery, which put it out of commission after the battle of Tarawa. View of five unidentified men standing in front of "Avenger" (T. Times, 8/24/44, p. 3).

Tanks (Military science)--Tacoma; World War, 1939-1945--Tank warfare; Todd Pacific Shipyards, Inc. (Tacoma);

Navy Mothers' Club window at Penney's. A window display featuring photographs of men from Tacoma who are serving in the war, was set up by the Navy Mothers' Club in honor of Navy Day. The Navy Mothers' Club is one of the most active groups in Tacoma (T. Times, 10/26/44, p. 3).

Men--Commemoration--Tacoma; Military personnel--Tacoma; Window displays; J.C. Penney Co. (Tacoma);

Members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary gathered at the Yacht Club on May 4, 1943 to pose for a publicity shot. They were gathering forces with the US Coast Guard to give instructions for cleaning the waterfront. During the May 7, 1943 fire fighting drill, they met at the Tacoma Yacht Club Harbor to remove fire hazards under the docks. They worked from their boats, armed with grappling hooks, pike poles and other gear. (T. Times 5/8/1943, pg. 3)

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (Tacoma);

Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary posed at the Yacht Club on May 4, 1943. They were joining the regular US Coast Guard to direct fleet activities during the waterfront defense clean up drive. Pictured in the front, left to right, are Howard Trefrey, Radnor Pratsch and V.H. Van Horn. Back row: Bertram Bradley, Charles Ogden, Dr. J.E. Lerum and Bartlett Rummell. (T. Times 5/6/1943, pg. 3)

United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (Tacoma);

Junior high school students worked four hour shifts as part of World War II all-school-at-war activities to raise money to buy war bonds and stamps. Students at Jason Lee High School purchased a Jeep with funds raised. Two soldiers flank a smiling group of teenagers who have crammed together atop the Jeep with a sign noting their accomplishment, "Whoopee". (T.Times, 4/19/1943, p.14.) TPL-8328

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jason Lee Junior High School (Tacoma); School children--Tacoma--1940-1950; Jeep automobile;

In January of 1943, Capt. Bernhard Groth of the US Army's Ninth Service command was in Tacoma for an inspection tour of the State Guard units. Pictured left to right are local officers of the State Guard. They are believed to be Capt. Walter Morris, Major George Nelson, Commander of the 2nd Battalion and Tacoma Station, and Major James McGee, Camp Murray regimental personnel officer. (T Times 1/21/1943, pg. 14)

Washington State Guard (Tacoma);

In January of 1943, Capt. Bernhard Groth of the US Army's Ninth Service command came to Tacoma on an inspection tour of the Tacoma State Guard. He said that he was well pleased with the training and appearance of the Tacoma units. Groth was pictured here discussing a firearm with an enlisted man of the Regimental Service Company. Those military men with faces shown are, left to right, Regimental Sgt. Major John Hudson, Capt. Walter Morris, Capt. Groth, Sgt. DeWitt Rowland of Regimental Hdqtr, Maj. George Nelson- commander 2nd Battalion and Tacoma Station and Maj. James McGee. (T.Times 1/21/1943, pg. 14)

Washington State Guard (Tacoma);

The president and treasurer of the Edward B. Rhodes American Legion auxiliary purchase their fourth $100 war bond from Puget Sound National Bank on October 26, 1942. Pictured left to right are Mrs. C. Burrows, Lillian Burrows, an unidentified bank official and Merle Yost. (TNT 11/6/1942, pg. 4)

War bonds & funds--Tacoma--1940-1950; American Legion Edward B. Rhodes Post No. 2 (Tacoma); Puget Sound National Bank (Tacoma);

Sgt. Wallace Drake instructs Pfc. Paul Young, second from left, and another unidentified Guardsman in the silhouettes of enemy aircraft. The men were part of a special detachment of the 4th Volunteer Infantry, Washington State Guard, on active duty in July of 1942 as enemy aircraft spotters on the Olympic Peninsula. The men were serving as the eyes and ears of the Fourth Fighter Command, responsible for the air defense of the Pacific Northwest. TPL-796 (T. Times 7/28/1942, pg. 3)

Washington State Guard (Tacoma); Drake, Wallace; Young, Paul; Silhouettes;

In July of 1942, the Tacoma Times accompanied Brig. General Walter DeLong on an inspection tour of the special detachment of the Washington State Guard serving as enemy aircraft spotters on the Olympic Peninsula. They returned with photographs like this one of a sentry watching the skies with a spyglass, on the alert for enemy aircraft. All reports would be relayed to the Army's Fourth Fighter Command, responsible for the air defense of the Pacific Northwest.

Washington State Guard (Tacoma); Guards; Watchmen;

ca. 1944. War Street. Downtown display of World War II artillery and military equipment circa 1944. A serviceman, with his wife and daughter, looks over promotional information at War Bond booth: "Win a ride to Vancouver, B. C. aboard aircraft carrier 'M.S. Reaper'."

Military personnel--Tacoma--1940-1950; War bonds & funds; Signs (Notices);

Puget Sound Boat (Mann). US Army Transport Corps LT 214. This side view shows three men along the railing of the upper deck and someone looking out of the helm. TPL-6389

U.S. Army Transportation Corps; Boats--Tacoma--1940-1950; World War, 1939-1945--Transportation--Tacoma; Puget Sound Boat Building Corp. (Tacoma);

Audrey Moon and Morris Mahoney with two unidentified people, possibly their best man and maid of honor, get their photograph taken at Richard's Studio. Audrey is wearing a wedding band, Audrey and Morris were possibly married recently. The women are wearing corsages and knee length dresses. Morris is wearing his Navy uniform.

Military uniforms; Portrait photographs; Couples--Tacoma; Clothing & dress--Tacoma--1940-1950; Moon, Audrey; Mahoney, Morris;

Renamed Veterans Day in 1953, November 11 was first proclaimed as Armistice Day in 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I. That year, on November 13, John Philip Sousa's band played in the Washington National Guard Armory in Tacoma and President Woodrow Wilson spoke there two months earlier. In 1947, a Military Ball was held on Armistice Day at the Armory, where more than 1,500 people were expected to attend. The presentation of colors to the local reserve units of the Army and Army Air Corps highlighted the evening. Army and Navy dignitaries and prominent civilian guests attended the event. View of ceremonies under way at the Armory (T. Times, 11/12/47, p. 7).

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1940-1950; Rites & ceremonies--Tacoma; Washington National Guard (Tacoma); State Armory (Tacoma);

Bellarmine was one of two high schools in Washington State that offered ROTC units. Students met every day for one class period and wore their uniforms twice per week, uniforms were provided by the government. Students received class credits for joining the junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps. View of ROTC rifle team learning rifle marksmanship (Cage, 1946, p. 20-21).

Military education--Tacoma; Military training--Tacoma; Rifles; Cadets--Tacoma; Reserve Officers Training Corps (Tacoma); Bellarmine High School (Tacoma);

General Kaiser coming down gang plank from ship, Mt. McKinley, Chamber of Commerce, Armed Services Committee, Col. James Stack. The Second Infantry division troops have returned from "Operation Miki" maneuvers in Hawaii. Approximately 15,000 Fort Lewis men participated in the "invasion". A Red Cross stand provided milk, coffee, and doughnuts through the Tacoma Chamber of Commerce. One of the Fort Lewis Dairy delivery trucks and another vehicle with loudspeakers on top of the cab stand behind the tables with apples and milk for the service men. (TNT,11/17/1949, p.1) TPL-10358

Soldiers--Tacoma--1940-1950; American National Red Cross Pierce County Chapter (Tacoma); Charitable organizations--Tacoma; Trucks--Tacoma--1940-1950; Military uniforms--United States;

Two units of segregated U.S. Army troops. An African American unit is followed by a white unit in the Armed Forces Parade on May 20, 1950. This was the first Armed Forces Day parade. It was a combination of the U.S. Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force. It was estimated that 6,000 persons participated in the parade. Over 2,500 infantrymen of the 9th regimental combat team of the Second division and other units from Fort Lewis passed in review. Reserve units also played an important part in the event including the National Guard, Marine Corps, Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and Bellarmine R.O.T.C. (TNT, 5/22/1950, p.1)

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960; African Americans--Tacoma--1950-1960; African American soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Mass meeting of drug store owners for Tacoma Civil Defense. The local druggists and pharmacists completed final civil defense plans to aid in maintaining a flow of medical supplies to secondary hospitals and clearing centers in the event of a disaster. Seated, left to right, are key members of the organization Frank S. Evans (Director), J.E. Sohlberg (President of the Tacoma Association of Pharmaceutical Service), Don Heerema, Dorothy Haaga, Dr. J. Morrison Brady, R.A. Taylor, Bob Failor and Everett Riser. Standing are drug store owners and pharmacists of the area. (TNT 2/23/1951, pg. B-4)

Korean War, 1950-1953--Civil defense--Tacoma; Pharmacists--Tacoma--1950-1960; Drugstores--Tacoma--1950-1960; Evans, Frank S.; Sohlberg, J.E.; Heerema, Don; Haaga, Dorothy; Brady, J. Morrison; Taylor, R.A.; Failor, Bob; Riser, Everett;

Intersection at Ft. Lewis for Farmers Insurance. At the center of the picture is the Post Transportation Offices, to its left is the Baggage Room. The street sign reads Pendleton Ave.

Military camps--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fort Lewis (Wash.);

Military marching in formation during the May, 1951, Armed Forces Day parade. Spectators line the downtown streets to watch examples of America's military might pass by. In 1951, Armed Forces Day was only two years old, having been created in 1949 to honor Americans serving in the five military branches.

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Armed Forces Day;

The Armed Forces Day parade in downtown Tacoma occurred on May 19, 1951. Sailors with rifles march in formation followed by a group of Army or Air Force men.

Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sailors--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Armed Forces Day;