William L. Sabo entered World War II in June 1944 after his 18th birthday. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and received training for the rating of Printer (a rating no longer in use). He was assigned to print-shop duties associated with the Joint Intelligence Center, Pacific Ocean Areas (JICPOA) and the 14th Naval District, serving at both Pearl Harbor and Midway Island. William rose to the rating of Printer 3rd Class. He was honorably discharged in June 1946.
During his service, William took many personal photographs and retained a number of military-issued documents and items. His collection includes black-and-white images of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and the Japanese surrender ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in September 1945. Although he never recorded how he obtained these particular photographs, it is reasonable to assume he had access to them through his duty stations and made personal copies. It is likely these images were produced in one of the print shops that had access to the original photographs or negatives. None of these personal photographs are marked “Restricted.” In contrast, William’s JICPOA Cruise Book and other official JICPOA materials in the collection (including maps and related documents printed during the war) are marked “Restricted,” reflecting the wartime classification and secrecy requirements of the period.
The Collection is being collated but will include:
Personal pictures of Hawaii and Midway Island military bases and equipment and civilian areas. Many of the pictures have other Sailors with names.
Military issued items for Hawaii and Midway Island such as military passes, maps, JICPOA cruise book, a colorful “Restricted Guide to Japan”, a 1945 Midway Islands Short Snorter, and other items.