Purchased this map at local estate sale. [Tarawa]

Ben K. Weatherwax was a well known figure in our area. During WW2 he was in the S. Pacific in, and around places like Tarawa.

I happen to pick this up at an estate sale at his house awhile back. I was just getting into WW2 history at the time, so I didn't know what it was when I first looked at it. There were so many other interesting items that related to his service in WW2 at this sale, but unfortunately I didn't buy it all. Looking back, I should have.

Here is a photo of the map itself. It was glued to a cardboard foldout, and there is a small section of the map on the lower right that can unfold revealing the entire Island of Tarawa. I thought I'd share what I have, and maybe learn a little more about it.



Here are a few random closeups of the map itself.



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Henry;
What a priceless piece of history! Congratulations! It has been suggested that I donate my late father in law's WWII items to the National Archives and this does seem like a good plan
JeffinMNUSA

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We'd be happy to assist with your project.

As aside point , I suggest you start doing digital scans of the images. Photos deteriorate with age and such accelerates as they get older. Scanning the images will provide for more permanent retention. Once you have reached a point of having accomplished such you will need to consider finding a permanent archival repository to be a home for the original collection. A facility that offers proper retention and storage facilities is a must. A dark corner of the local historical society without HVAC , etc isn't recommended. If your relative was an alumni of a particular college/university the school maybe interested in such. I will take the opportunity to offer that the US Army Military History Institute is the premier location for the retention of such collections and for the availability of such resources to be made available on-site for serious research.

Please visit our website at http://www.carlisle.army.mil/ahec/index.cfm for a better insight into our mission and goals at the AHEC. Thank you for wanting to preserve the wonderful history you've encountered.

RichB

Richard L. Baker, MA (MSgt, USAF ret.)
Chief, Research Center Branch
Army Heritage and Education Center
U.S. Army Military History Institute (PSD)
950 Soldiers Drive
Carlisle, PA 17013



-----Original Message-----
From: kgrablgsw@comcast.net [mailto:kgrablgsw@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 11:19 AM
To: Baker, Richard L CIV USA TRADOC
Subject: Re: Old Photo (UNCLASSIFIED)

Gentlemen;
THANK YOU! So we have cadets of the early 20th century with antiquated rifles!
Can I contact you in the future about other military photo questions? We have only just begun to excavate this huge trove of old photos we inherited. Kathy's father left a large number of USAAF photos from WWII in the Pacific Arena.
Jeff and Kathy Grab
Bayport MN

----- Original Message -----
From: "Richard L CIV USA TRADOC Baker" <rich.baker@us.army.mil>
To: kgrablgsw@comcast.net
Sent: Thursday, March 4, 2010 9:54:22 AM GMT -06:00 US/Canada Central
Subject: FW: Old Photo (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Hello,

Please see the note below. Thank you.


Richard L. Baker, MA (MSgt USAF ret.)
Chief, Research Center Branch/PSD
U. S. Army Military History Institute
Army Heritage and Education Center
950 Soldiers Dr.
Carlisle Barracks, PA. 17013



-----Original Message-----
From: Semancik, Christopher J Mr CIV USA TRADOC
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 10:08 AM
To: Baker, Richard L CIV USA TRADOC
Subject: RE: Old Photo (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Ok we have Model 1873 series trapdoor rifles. It appears that we have post 1890 sights. There are lower sling swivels on the rifles which removes again the USMA possibility. I still cannot make out the hat devise. It still places this group because of the post 1902 bell crown cap, between 1903-1910 time period.

Interesting.

-----Original Message-----
From: Baker, Richard L CIV USA TRADOC
Sent: Thursday, March 04, 2010 8:25 AM
To: Semancik, Christopher J Mr CIV USA TRADOC
Subject: FW: Old Photo (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Better image

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I wouldn't be opposed to do this at all. I'd like to learn more about it if I could.