Australia, 1945 Mar

The William L. Mullin papers were presented thr.ough the Naval War College Foundation in two lots. The first and larger came from Mullin's wife, Mrs. Marcia Mullin, in 1973. The second, consisting for the most part of naval intelligence publications, was presented by his godson, Professor John B. Hattendorf, in 1979.

Mullin served on active duty in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1943 to 1945 as an air combat intelligence officer in the South West Pacific. He served on the staff of Commander, Seventh Fleet; Commander, Aircraft, Seventh Fleet; Commander, Aircraft, Philippine Sea Frontier and Intelligence Officer for Patrol Bombing Squadron 33. His work involved both evaluation of current operations and the training of aviators in the recognition of enemy ships and vessels. At the end of the war, he was involved in the search for aviators held as prisoners of war in China and on Taiwan. Taken together, his personal and official papers provide a remarkably complete view of a naval lieutenant's life and duties in the South West Pacific during the final years of the war.

The papers are divided into four series. Series I comprises correspondence with Mrs. Mullin, family and friends. Although Mullin's letters to his wife were subject to censorship regulations, the contents allow a knowledgeable person to read a great deal between the lines. However, the particular value of the letters lies in the view they present of service life. Series II, miscellaneous official and personal items, includes much of interest on Seventh Fleet operations and American combat intelligence. Of particular significance are the reports which LT Mullin wrote for RADM F.D. Wagner on current operations. Other miscellaneous materials are popular songs, drawings, photographs, service records, certificates, aircraft search plans and detailed information on the operations of Patrol Bombing Squadron 33.

Series III, printed items, includes service newspapers, training manuals on aviation, languages and survival as well as intelligence manuals on foreign navies, and intelligence photographs.

Series IV contains folio-sized maps and charts, some of which have been annotated showing current operations.

A collection of artifacts, including survival equipment for downed aviators, navigation material and uniform items, has been integrated into the Naval War College Museum Collection.