Extent:
9.6 Linear Feet
(9 document boxes, 5 oversized boxes, 1 oversize folder A)
Collection Number: ms854
Repository:
Hargrett Library
Abstract: The collection consists of papers of Joy Bright Hancock from 1918-1972. The papers include correspondence, mainly commendatory letters but some relating to Hancock's naval duties and inspection tours; speeches; printed material pertaining to WAVE policies, articles by and about Hancock, and naval aviation; manuscript articles for radio and television; photographs; clippings of Navy press releases; manuscripts, drafts, and corrected versions of Hancock's book Lady in the Navy; certificates and citations; and scrapbooks (1943-1965) of clippings detailing Hancock's career.
Joy Bright Hancock (1898- ) enlisted in the Women's Naval Reserve in 1918 as a Yeoman and rose to the rank of Captain, Director of Women's Reserve by 1946. She was one of eight women sworn into the regular Navy under the Women's Armed Service Integration Act of 1948 and retired in 1953.
Through the leadership of Captain Hancock, the U. S. Navy was able to activate a program of growth and stability as women became an important part of that branch of military service. She has been the recipient of the Navy Commendation Ribbon, World War I and II Victory Medals, and a special World War I medal presented by the state of New Jersey. The establishment of the Joy Bright Hancock Fund continues to exemplify her interest not only in the University of Georgia, but in the principles of education and scholarship to improve the quality of life for students and the general public. Her service to America remains strong.
In 1973, Captain Joy Bright Hancock presented her papers to the University of Georgia Libraries. This outstanding manuscript collection numbering nearly 3,000 pieces relates the distinguished career of Captain Hancock in the U. S. Navy. The papers contain correspondence with Bess Truman, Senator Margaret Chase Smith, Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox, Admiral Nimitz, Anna Rosenberg, Margaret Chung, and many other figures prominent in government and service in the World War II era. The collection gives invaluable insight into the history of women in the U. S. Navy.
Arranged into 9 series: Series 1. Letters and documents; Series 2. Speeches, Articles and Miltary Materials (see Subseries 2.1 to 2.4); Series 3. Naval Aviation Materials; Series 4. Women in the Navy; Series 5. Lady in the Navy; Series 6. Military Yearbooks and Commendations; Series 7. Scrapbooks; Series 8. Citations; Series 9. Edith Langdale Stallings Materials. Also included in the collection are a number of large-sized military portraits.
Cataloged as part of the Georgia Archives and Manuscripts Automated Access Project: A Special Collections Gateway Program of the University Center in Georgia.
