The papers of George Carroll Dyer (1898-1987) span the years 1898-1988, with the bulk of the items concentrated in the period from 1935 to 1959. The collection primarily documents Dyer's military career, particularly his service during World War II and the Korean War. Also encompassed in the papers are records relating to his writing projects and publications, most notably biographies of navy admirals of the World War II era. The collection consists of the following series: Personal File, Military File, Speeches and Writings, and the James O. Richardson File.

The Personal File primarily contains incoming and outgoing letters between Dyer and naval colleagues and officials, friends, family members, and the general public. Much of the correspondence pertains to his military activities as commander of the United Nations Blockade and Escort Force during the Korean War. In these letters, Dyer discusses the activities of the eight-nation force under his command, which apart from the blockade of the North Korean coastline, was engaged in surface ship and small carrier warfare against the Chinese and North Korean communists.

Other correspondence relates to Dyer's public speaking engagements, his work with the Navy Relief Society, family health problems, and other personal matters and interests. Correspondence dated after 1955 pertains mostly to Dyer's writing projects, particularly his work on the memoirs of James O. Richardson, who was the commander in chief of the United States Fleet prior to World War II. Biographical materials, articles, newspaper clippings, and other personal miscellany complete the series.

The Military File is comprised of memoranda, reports, rosters, printed matter, and other materials documenting Dyer's naval service. The bulk of the series pertains to his commissions as commander of the Astoria (cruiser) during World War II, commander of the United Nations Blockade and Escort Force during the Korean War, and deputy commander of the National War College. Military issues of special interest to Dyer, such as wartime discipline and morale, naval uniforms, logistics training, and the development of overseas bases, are documented by memoranda and reports dispersed throughout the series. Also included is a diary recording Dyer's daily activities as commandant of the Eleventh Naval District, San Diego, California.

The Speeches and Writings File contains speeches, papers, articles, and lectures written or given by Dyer, mostly in an official military capacity. Included are inspirational speeches dating from 1944 to 1945 designed to disseminate war news and boost morale aboard the Astoria (cruiser), and papers written as a student at the Naval War College. Photographs, illustrations, and interview notes pertaining to several of Dyer's published works are also included.

The final series contains the papers of Admiral James O. Richardson. Dyer obtained these documents in order to write the Richardson memoirs; consequently, the papers have been retained as part his collection. Consisting of a variety of personal and military records, the series primarily documents Richardson's lengthy naval career. Of special interest are correspondence, reports, and articles relating to his testimony at the congressional hearings of the Joint Committee on the Investigation of the Pearl Harbor Attack. Admiral Richardson testified at the hearings that in 1940, he and President Franklin D. Roosevelt held a conference at which Richardson advised the president to return the fleet to the West Coast where it could be readied for possible action against the Japanese. Roosevelt overruled him, deciding to base the fleet at Pearl Harbor, and relieved Richardson of his command.

Prominent correspondents in the Dyer collection include George Akers, Harold Roe Bull, James O. Richardson, Robert Bostwick Carney, Francis S. Low, Emmet P. Forrestel, Theodora Smith, and Edwin Bickford Hooper.