Official portrait photographs of Admiral Edward C. Kalbfus, undated

The collection consists or two boxes and several folio items and is divided into three series. Series I, Correspondence, contains letters sent and received regarding personal and official career matters. A number of letters were written to A. Kimsey, an enlisted man who served as a chauffeur/retainer, regarding repairs to the admiral's retirement residence, Restmere, in Middletown, RI. Other significant letters include those regarding the genesis and publication of Sound Military Decision, a text which explores both the rationale and format for tactical and operational decisions, and an account of his years as president of the Naval War College. Series II, Writings, contains part one of a draft work entitled "The Development of the Naval Command Structure, 1898-1945." Series III, Miscellany, contains career and personal photographs, folio newspaper clippings and commissioning certificates. The collection encompasses the years 1905-1954.

Since Kalbfus served two terms as president of the Naval War College, there is a significant amount of material in the archives pertaining to him. The appendix contains these additional research source materials, as well as his record of publications.

The Kalbfus papers at the Naval War College are the only collection extant pertaining to the admiral's career. They are an important set of manuscripts of a naval officer who saw action in the Spanish American War, the First World War, held important battleship commands, twice served as Naval War College president and as Commanding Officer of the Newport Naval Base, both at the beginning of World War II. His contributions to the Navy both during and after retirement were significant and led to the advancement of the service.