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Naval History and Heritage Command

Naval History and Heritage Command

2016.48 Patricia Stephens Collection

Collection of 19 photos and one telegraph related to the naval service (1941-1963) of James J. Stephens. Images include WWII era photos of Stephens with buddies/pals in a bar and posed portraits, as well as his later service posted at Naval Station Newport, RI. Photos at Naval Station Newport, RI (1957-1959) consist of general views of docked ships, USS Norris (DD-859), and onboard USS Pillsbury (DD-227). The most significant image in the collection is a large group photo of the crewmembers of the SS Joel R. Poinsett (USN Armed Guard Unit – Atlantic) dated April 10, 1944 – after she spilt in two during a storm on March 4, 1944. She broke in two during a storm 400 miles off the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. All of the crew managed to escape with no deaths or injuries. A telegram dated February 17, 1944 sent from Stephens reads: “All well and safe. Please don’t worry. All my love”
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Title: Patricia Stephens Collection
Caption: Collection photo #2016.48.01 - crewmembers of the SS Joel R. Poinsett (USN Armed Guard Unit – Atlantic)
Description: Collection of 19 photos and one telegraph related to the naval service (1941-1963) of James J. Stephens. Images include WWII era photos of Stephens with buddies/pals in a bar and posed portraits, as well as his later service posted at Naval Station Newport, RI. Photos at Naval Station Newport, RI (1957-1959) consist of general views of docked ships, USS Norris (DD-859), and onboard USS Pillsbury (DD-227). The most significant image in the collection is a large group photo of the crewmembers of the SS Joel R. Poinsett (USN Armed Guard Unit – Atlantic) dated April 10, 1944 – after she spilt in two during a storm on March 4, 1944. She broke in two during a storm 400 miles off the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. All of the crew managed to escape with no deaths or injuries. A telegram dated February 17, 1944 sent from Stephens reads: “All well and safe. Please don’t worry. All my love”
Accession #: 2016
Catalog #: 2016.48
Donor: Patricia Stephens
Copyright Owner: Naval History & Heritage Command
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