Morton Levine papers

Collection

Identifier: MSC-391

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a typescript memoir entitled "Set Condition One" by Storekeeper Morton Levine on USS San Diego during WWII, circa 1943-1946. In the memoir, Levine recollects his crew's participation in many invasions and battles in the South Pacific theatre. These include the U.S. invasion and occupation of the Marshall Islands, Truk Lagoon, the Philippines, and Pearl Harbor. He also shares his longing to return home, thoughts of loneliness and desolation while at sea, and hope that the war would ensure longlasting peace.

Other documents include two editions of the Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin from May and June 1945, as well as research documents pertaining to the USS San Diego and other World War II Atlanta-class cruisers.

Dates

Creation: 1943-1946
Creation: 1945
Creation: 1998 and undated

Creator

Levine, Morton (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

Morton Levine was born in 1927. He served in the U.S. Navy on the USS San Diego (CL-53). After his military service, Levine became a jewelery storekeeper until his retirement in 1989. He died in 2020 in Houston, Texas.

Historical Note

The USS San Diego (CL-53), an Atlanta-class light cruiser, was built in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1940 and commissioned in 1942 for U.S. Navy use in the South Pacific theatre during World War II. San Diego is most known for surviving World War II without any major damage. The ship launched from San Diego, California and participated in the first invasion of the Marshall Islands in 1942. After successfully invading the Marshall Islands, San Diego raided Chuuk Lagoon (formerly known as Truk Lagoon), occupied by Japanese soldiers. The ship also participated in the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. In addition to these naval successes, San Diego assisted U.S. ships in the raids of Wake and Marcus Islands, Saipan, Bonin Islands, Guam and Tinian, Palau Islands, the Philippines, Manila Bay, and Okinawa. Following Japanese surrender in 1945, San Diego took part in Operation Magic Carpet to bring U.S. soldiers home to San Francisco. San Diego earned eighteen battle stars. She was de-commissioned in 1946 and placed in the Pacific Reserve Fleet, then was scrapped in 1960.

Extent

.5 Linear Feet (3 folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection is comprised of a wartime memoir, entitled "Set Condition One," written by Morton Levine. Levine was a U.S. Navy soldier who served on the USS San Diego (CL-53) during World War II. Other documents include two editions of the Bureau of Naval Personnel Information Bulletin from May and June 1945, as well as research documents about USS San Diego and Atlanta-class cruisers in World War II.