Scope and Content Note
The papers of Joseph Taggart McNarney (1893-1972) span the years 1917 to 1957, with the bulk of material dating between 1944 and 1947. The collection primarily consists of office logbooks with summaries of McNarney's daily meetings including attendees, topics, and decisions. The logbooks document his time as deputy supreme allied commander of the Mediterranean Theatre (October 1944 to September 1945) and as commanding general, United States Forces, European Theater, and military governor of the American-occupied zone in Germany (November 1945 to March 1947). Also included are a 1941 diary and family photographs.
The collection provides insight into the American entry into World War II and the last months of World War II in Europe as well as the immediate postwar period. The 1941 diary documents McNarney's daily activities as chief of staff of the United States Army Special Observer Group in London. Topics include his role in planning for the eventuality of the United States entering the war, British use of land-lease supplies, a trip to Moscow to assess Soviet military viability, and involvement in negotiations over the allocation of United States military aircraft. Entries in the logbooks cover discussions and planning for Allied offenses in northern Italy in the spring of 1945 and the responses to the capitulation of German forces in Italy. McNarney's logs from the postwar period include discussions of demobilization of United States forces, staffing issues, denazification policies, food rationing, and treatment of displaced persons.