344

The semi-published cruise book of the USS James O'Hara, a shipboard interrogation, and more.

Various places, 1943-1944
9 items, various sizes, sleeved in a binder; generally minor wear.

Alan John Grobecker (1915-1998) was a naval lieutenant on the USS James O'Hara. This lot includes the carbon transcript of a prisoner interrogation which Grobecker conducted aboard the James O'Hara, 17 June 1944: a Korean sugar farmer from Saipan Island, interviewed with the aid of a Japanese prisoner of war. The location of Japanese blockhouses on Saipan is described. Grobecker noted that the informant "seemed to dislike the Japanese intensely. The interpreter spoke English with difficulty. He seemed willing to help, but may have been obstructing the interrogation." 

Also here is the ship's 1944 cruise book, "Saga of the James O'Hara" by P.C. Kirkpatrick and G. Roman. [7], 12 leaves, a mix of typescript, mimeograph, and pen illustrations (including a nice cover drawing of Donald Duck).  Only one copy is recorded in OCLC (San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park), and that does not seem to have the 7 introductory leaves found here. 

Also included are a shipboard Thanksgiving menu, officer roster, poem on the O'Hara by John H. Dodd, printed map of Saipan, Grobecker's officer club card and service card, and more. 

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