William E. Searles Collection

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U.S. Coast Guard enlistee and reservist, August 1938 to November 1945 as Chief Radioman and Rifle Marksman. Served on the following ships: Cayuga, Mackinac, Guthrie, and Thetis. The collection is comprised of Mr. Searles’ official Coast Guard enlistment and honorable discharge papers as well as personal correspondence written between he and his girlfriend/fiancé/wife Mary V. Valente Searles from 1939 to 1942 when he was in service.