Collections

Florida Southern College hosted the Cockcroft Forum from 1985-2002. The Foundation encountered financial difficulties after 2002 and the forums were discontinued. Guest speakers included A. Thomas Young, president of Martin Marietta Aerospace, Dr. Joseph Boyd, chairman of Harris Corporation, and Dr. Alan Keyes, former ambassador, presidential candidate, and radio host. In most years, the Cockroft Forum was hosted twice, during the fall and spring semesters, respectively.

William Carrier served as an Assistant Turret Officer aboard the USS Nashville from 1944-46 in the Pacific Theater during World War II. During Carrier's time aboard the Nashville, General Douglas MacArthur was transported twice by the Nashville. At this time, Carrier was able to capture candid photographs of MacArthur. This collection contains those photographs as well as photographs of Pacific scenery and crew, along with handwritten notes by Carrier of battles in which the USS Nashville participated. A photograph book is also included that details the history, Combat, the Aleutians, Pacific coast and crew during the 1942-1945 cruise. Also included are two reunion books that contain the names, addresses, and status of those who served on the Nashville.

This collection pertains to William Daniel Marshman who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as Chief Quartermaster of the destroyer USS Barton (DD-599). Marshman was listed as missing in action, presumed killed in action, on November 14, 1942, when the Barton was sunk during the Guadalcanal campaign.  The collection contains Marshman's Purple Heart Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and American Campaign Medal. The collection also contains Marshman's personnel records, photocopies of newspaper clippings, condolence letters, official correspondence in relation to his death, an issue of the New York Masonic Outlook, certificates and citations awarded to Marshman, and memorial service pamphlets. Photographs of Marshman, the graduating class of Tri-State College in 1920, and a document mailing tube are also included.

This collection relates to William H. Jenner (5th Ranger Battalion, U.S. Army). He served from 1942-1945.  Jenner was a Technician Fourth Grade (TEC 4) and wire chief in charge of communications. The collection contains two photographs of William H. Jenner, a copy of an Extract of his Award of Bronze Star Medal, a copy of his Separation Qualification Record, badges, a copy of his Honorable Discharge and a copy of his Enlisted Record and Report of Separation.  There are also two copies of his Veteran Questionnaire. A full transcript of an oral history conducted on November 13-14, 1999 is part of this collection as well.

This collection relates to U.S. Navy Electrician's Mate First Class William I. Criste who served during World War II with GROPAC 11, Section E-9. The materials relate to the battle, work, and life on Iwo Jima, including more than 100 photographs, military documents, and Japanese military artifacts.

William J. Arlet served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. This collection includes photographs and documents related to William J. Arlet. This collection also includes captured Japanese photographs, which were acquired in 1943 on Guadacanal, Solomon Islands from a United States Marine who was about to deploy to his next assignment.

This collection relates to William J. McCusker III who served as a C-47 pilot with the 18th Troop Carrier Squadron during World War II.  The collection includes letters, documents, photographs, flight records, certificates, pilot manuals, and pilot training class yearbooks. The collection also contains handwritten notebooks kept by William J. McCusker III during his service as a police officer with the New York Police Department.

William Leslie Eaton served aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Longshaw (DD-559) until its sinking on May 18, 1945. The collection includes reproductions of official documents surrounding the sinking of the U.S.S. Longshaw, along with several pictures of the sinking. It also contains materials related to the general naval war in the Pacific Theater, including information about the U.S.S. Mississippi's bombardment of Shuri Castle at Okinawa, carrier raids on Japan, and messages from admirals praising the Pacific Fleet.