Bernard M. Baruch, Jr., papers

Collection

Identifier: MSC-146

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The collection covers the years 1937 to 1962 and is divided into five series: Correspondence, Naval Papers, Subjects Files, Miscellany and the papers of Bernard M. Baruch. The greater part of the collection focuses on Baruch's service in the Naval Reserve from 1937 to 1962. Of special interest to researchers are the programs he developed and the publications he wrote on naval intelligence and enemy sightings. Other topics of interest include slides and photographs of World War II, Nazi surface ships and submarines, photographs and documents pertaining to Japanese Air Balloon Bombers, and his correspondence with Laurent H. L. Brackx who was accused of espionage. Series V includes some materials pertaining to Bernard M. Baruch Sr.

The collection consists of twelve boxes of naval related papers, photographs and films as well as papers and publications of his famous father, Bernard M. Baruch. Several oil paintings, watercolors and decorative medals were presented to the Naval War College Museum.

Dates

Creation: 1937-1962

Creator

Baruch, Bernard M., Jr., 1902-1992 (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Access is open to all researchers, unless otherwise specified.

Conditions Governing Use

Material in this collection is in the public domain, unless otherwise noted.

Biographical Note

Bernard M. Baruch Jr., the son and namesake of the famous financier Bernard M. Baruch and Anne Griffin Baruch, was born on March 17, 1902, in New York City. He graduated from Milton Academy, Milton, Massachusetts, and in 1923 from Harvard University where he majored in French Literature. He was commissioned in the Naval Reserve in 1937 and remained on active duty until November 1945, then returned to the Reserves, retiring in 1962 as a captain.

Baruch made significant contributions to the field of naval intelligence, specifically in the area of intelligence sightings of enemy ships, and in 1950 he developed the Merchant Ship Intelligence program. He wrote the manual entitled "Communications Instructions for Reporting Vital Intelligence Sightings for Airborne and Waterborne Sources".

A resident of Manhattan, he was a member of the New York Stock Exchange from 1928 to 1936 and was in the investment business. He died in 1992 at the age of ninety. His sister, Renee Samstag of Manhattan, survived him.

Baruch was a member of the Board of Directors of St. Francis Hospital, Miami, Florida, Miami Beach's Committee of One Hundred and the Sloss-Sheffield Steel and Iron Company. He received the order of the British Empire (Honorary Officer of the Military Division) for services to the Allied cause during World War H.

Extent

6.25 Linear Feet (11 archival boxes, 1 oversize box)

Additional Description

Abstract

These papers span the years 1937-1962 and in large part they focus on Bernard M. Baruch Jr.'s service in the Naval Reserve from 1937. Baruch made significant contributions to the field of naval intelligence, specifically in the area of intelligence sightings of enemy ships, and in 1950 he developed the Merchant Ship Intelligence program.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in five series.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The Papers of Bernard M. Baruch Jr., were presented to the Naval War College Foundation for deposit in the Naval Historical Collection in October 1993 as per the terms of his will.