Charles Battaglia collection of Stansfield Turner papers

Collection — Box: Temporary Box 1

Identifier: MSC-395

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection is comprised mainly of emails and letters received by Stanfield Turner with copies of the letters he returned in response. This correspondence includes Turner's recollections of transforming the Naval War College curriculum to one more comprehensive and based on grades and exams, as well as email responses to event invitations and former colleagues.

Other documents include The Teaching and Study of International Law at the United States Naval War College, written by Horace B. Roberston, Jr.; the 1996 Naval War College Review President's Notes; and The Strategy and Policy Course: The rationale behind the course, written by Captain George Thibault in consultation with Turner.

Dates

Creation: 1972 - 2008
Creation: Majority of material found within 1987 - 2008

Creator

Turner, Stansfield, 1923-2018 (Person)

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

Admiral Stansfield Turner was born in 1923 in Chicago, IL. Turner graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and became a Rhodes Scholar soon after. During his naval career, Turner completed assignments aboard the Dayton, Stribling,, and the Hanson. He also served as commanding officer aboard the Conquest, executive officer on the Rowan, and commanding officer on the Horne. Turner was promoted to rear admiral and subsequently Director, Systems Analysis Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.

Turner served as President of the Naval War College from 1972-1974, where he vastly transformed the college's curriculum. Determined to make the coursework more challenging and rewarding for its students, he increased the amount of required readings (which included Thucydides) and introduced tough exams. His new curriculum focused heavily on military history and strategy. Following his term as President, Turner was appointed Director of Central Intelligence for the CIA and the Intelligence Agency under President Jimmy Carter from 1977-1981. He led the CIA during its massive management reform admist public distrust for illegal activities. He died in 2018 in Redmond, Washington.

Extent

.25 Linear Feet (2 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection is comprised mainly of emails and letters received by Admiral Stanfield Turner, former President of the Naval War College and Director of the CIA, with copies of the letters he returned in response. It also includes several documents outlining Turner's influence and remarks to the Naval War College.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in chronological order.

Custodial History

Patricia Turner, wife of Stansfield Turner, had given these papers to Charles Battaglia for his retention or to donate at his discretion at an unknown date. Charles Battaglia served at the Naval War College under Admiral Turner from 1973-1976 and later served as his naval aide when Turner directed the CIA in 1978.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Charles Battaglia, 2021 Sep 20.

Separated Materials

A copy of the UNSI published oral history, The Reminiscences of Stansfield Turner, was separated from this collection to be maintained in the NWC collection of oral histories.