The Leahy Papers consist of bound diary notes, 1897-1931 and 1941-1945; 35 mm microfilm copies of the 1941-1945 diaries; subject files available both in paper and microfilm form; and photographs.
The diary notes are all positive photostats made from the original typescripts in the Library of Congress. Leahy began keeping notes following his graduation from the Naval Academy. He began to put the material in typewritten form about 1926, using first his years of early notes, and then making current typescripts of his diary notes as his career progressed. The handwritten drafts have not been preserved. The diaries consist primarily of personal notes made for his own reference. Although much of the material deals with his official career, the diaries are considered unofficial papers. Interspersed among the daily entries are numerous copies of letters, reports, sketch maps, and other documents pertaining to the events discussed. All of the volumes are also amply illustrated with numerous photographs showing many of the significant activities and events in which the Admiral participated.
In the diary covering 1897 through 1931, Leahy recorded his service in the naval engagements in the Spanish-American War in the Cuban theater, particularly the Battle of Santiago. This volume also covers service in Australia, the Philippines, and many other parts of the world in subsequent years, including duty in the West Indies and the Atlantic during World War I. Personal data about the Leahy family is also included.
Of the remaining diaries two volumes cover the period 1941-July 1942, during which Leahy was United State Ambassador to France. Four volumes cover July 1942-December 1945, during which he was Chief of Staff to the Commander-in Chief of the Army and Navy. In this latter position he presided over meetings of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Combined Chiefs of Staff. He also was in almost daily communication with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, of whom he was a longtime personal friend, and then with President Harry S. Truman, following Roosevelt's death. In this position he was a participant in many important events, including the conferences at Yalta and at Potsdam in 1945. These volumes contain a wealth of information on the military strategy of the war, the development of peace, and relations with our allies, and include many commentaries on personalities, events, and conditions in Washington, D.C., during these years.
The largest segment of the papers consists of six cartons of subject files dealing with Admiral Leahy's activities and awards throughout his adult life. The material is filed topically in the same order in which it was received from Leahy's office. This order is alphabetical for the beginning files but the later boxes have no apparent pattern of arrangement. Included in the files are speeches and writings, congratulatory letters, requests for autographs, personal correspondence, invitations, clippings, and other papers. The 16 mm microfilm version of this material was produced by the Department of the Navy in 1959; the Naval Historical Center holds the master negative of this film and has deposited copies at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin and the University of Puerto Rico.
The photographs are official U.S. Navy photographs on the occasion of Leahy receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Wisconsin, May 29, 1943. Images show Leahy speaking at the graduation ceremony at Camp Randall, reviewing a parade of Navy WAVES, posing with University of Wisconsin President Dykstra and Governor Goodland, and addressing the Wisconsin Legislature.
