Virginia Military Institute Archives
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The World War II propaganda leaflets are available online
John K. Davis papers, 1928-1946. MS 0533. VMI Archives, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Virginia.
Gift of J. Ken Davis, Jr.
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.
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
Artifacts and objects related to these papers are located in the VMI Museum.
The VMI diploma issued to John K. Davis has been added to the VMI diplomas collection (MS-0129).
This 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.
The Psychological Warfare Branch of the United States Armed Forces was a military unit that created and distributed propaganda during World War II.
This leaflet is printed on the back of designation 17-J-1.