Harry Harrison Diary

Lt. Cdr. Harry W. Harrison was a highly experienced naval aviator during World War II. Harrison took command of fighter squadron VF-6 after the loss of its legendary commander, Butch O'Hare, in November 1943. In December, the squadron embarked on board the aircraft carrier Intrepid.

Harrison kept a diary of his wartime experiences. His writing was detailed and often powerful, such as this evocative description of Intrepid being struck by a torpedo: “The ship shook and shivered as if a giant had hold of the stern.” Taped into his diary are newspaper clippings, cables of official messages and maps. Shortly after acquiring the diary, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum had it conserved and scanned, preserving these fragile elements alongside Harrison’s careful handwriting.