WWII Archive of Captain Willis Merritt Percifield. As at lieutenant he commanded the submarine USS S-41 for 3 years. For this command his crew presented him with an engraved pocket watch which is included in this lot "To Lieut W.M. Percifield Our Captain and Shipmate From The Crew and Officers of the USS S-41 Manila, P.I.". lot also includes: a portrait of him, naval officer appointment documents signed "Theodore Roosevelt". Being dated 1920 and 1922 respectively this would be Theodore Roosevelt Jr. (Teddy's son). Finally a yard long photo of the crew of a submarine, "N-2" visible on conning tower, likely part of a larger number, that was out of camera view. Here is his condensed service history compiled by his son, Bruce: "Observation team for the United States. Then to river gun boat U.S.S. Samar Villabosa (old spanish gun boat captured during the spanish american war), then to U.S.S Wyoming flagship of river forces. Shanghai, Hong Kong, European, Africa, mid-east, Asiatic and pacific theaters. Pearl River 1920. Then back to the United States aboard the U.S.S. Wyoming for six months then ordered to submarine base school, New London, conn 1922. Then to submarine R-10 San Pedro, ca. Back to China duty 1924 to eventually skipper the submarine s-41 manila for 3 1/2 years. Served on various boards, then construction engineer Navy Yard Mare Island Ca. Submarine U.S.S. Nautilus. Served as exec for her shake down cruises. Then to command New London submarine school New London conn. After two years emergency orders to the heavy cruiser U.S.S. Minneapolis engineering depart(held hearings on the suicide of engineering officer. Then captain of the yard Guantanamo Bay, Cuba 1938/1940. Then to command new construction but orders changed to command submarine division 17 (seadragon, sealion series of fleet boats) Pearl Harbor Hawaii, 1940. On 24 hours notice left Pearl Harbor for Manila, November 1940. Division 17 became 202 under admiral Hart CIC far east theater. After outbreak all division skippers were pulled from command of their divisions to serve on captain wilkes's staff who commanded all submarines under admiral Hart. (a tragic mistake..My own idea) as a gofor for Wilkes he performed admirably) following the debacle under MacArthur, Hart, Wilkies, Washington, British, Dutch, Australian top commands and politicians 1941/1942 ordered to command landing craft training norfolk, va. Then to combined officer staff school, Washington D.C. Then staff naval advisor to general eto, then deputy commander for d-day invasion and ports and bases France. Staff commander western sea frontier, San Francisco, ca. Retired 1947 after 30 years of regular service. Died March 9, 1970 navy hospital, Oakland Ca. Ashes scattered at Sea marine service. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. Transfer to Sacramento Annex facility available for $25. Shipping via USPS or FedEx within the continental U.S. for $60 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined lot shipping available. Watch works. Photos have some creases.