Other Comments:
GRIFF'S STORY (entire story: see Prologue pages)
In Griff's report from January 4, 1943, he noted the final steps of his start in the Navy:
Aug 9 - 1500 Commissioned Lieutenant Commander, USNR, D-V(S), #113470, at Headquarters Third Naval District, 90 Church St., New York City. Rank from July 2, 1941. Instructed to return home and await orders. Spent this intervening time in studying Navy regulations, usages, nomenclature, etc., supplied by 90 Churc ach Street, and bought and read a number of books.
Aug 30 - Orders received to report for Physical Examination at 90 Church Street.
Sep 4 - Reported for Physical Examination at 90 Church Street. Qualified.
Sep 15 - 0900 Reported to the Director of Public Relations, Navy Department, Washington, D. C., for active duty in the Public Relations Office.
Sep 16 Office of Public Relations, Navy Department, Washington, D. C., Sep 21 in Photographic Section, Lieut. Comdr. E. John Long, who gave me every co-operation.
Sep 22 - Received orders to proceed to Newport, R.I., to report for transportation to Newfoundland. Left Navy Department, Washington, 1600.
These were the orders:
September 22, 1941
From: Director, Office of Public Relations
To: Lt. Comdr. Griffith B. Coale, USNR.
Subject: Sketching, drawing or painting for data to be used for mural decorations and paintings desired by the Office of Public Relations.
1. You are being assigned for public relations duty in accordance with the authority granted by Admiral E. J. King, Commander in Chief of the Atlantic Fleet, to sketch and collect data where and when, in your judgment, it is necessary for background in portraying such historic subjects as:
(a) Founding of, and unclassified operations at U.S. Base at Argentia, N.F.
(b) U.S. Naval Vessels entering the harbor of Reykjavik Iceland. Landing of Marines, July 7, 1941.
(c) Life and routine activities, U.S. Naval ships on patrol, etc. Transports connected with the port of Reykjavik.
(d) And other historic and picturesque activities in connection with outlying U.S. naval establishments and ships.
2. All of your activities, of course, will be conducted at the convenience and discretion of the Executive Officers of ships and planes you board in connection with your duties, and of Senior Officers present at land bases.
3. To assist you in obtaining background materiel, the Recruiting Bureau, Bureau of Navigation, has assigned Chief Photographer Francis X, Clasby, who will take photographs in connection with your activities. These photographs are to be returned to the Office of Public Relations for review.
4. Upon completion of your duties you are to report to the Office of Public Relations, Washington, D.C.
A. J. HEPBURN
Rear Admiral, USN
Director, Office of Public Relations
With this Griff was in the Navy and beginning a remarkable journey.
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