Maurice H. Rindskopf Papers, 1934-1996 (bulk 1938-1970): Finding Aid
Published in September 2010
Summary Information
- Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
- Publisher Address:
589 McNair Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
Phone: 410-293-6917
https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php - Call number: MS 413
- Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
- Title: Maurice H. Rindskopf Papers
- Dates: 1934-1996
- Bulk Dates: 1938-1970
- Size: 1.46 linear feet
- Container Summary: 3 manuscript boxes, 1 half-manuscript box
- Creator: Rindskopf, Maurice H., 1917-
- Language(s) of material: English
- Abstract: Maurice H. Rindskopf was a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy and member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1938 who served as a submariner and intelligence officer. The Rindskopf Papers pertain primarily to Rindskopf's career in the United States Navy, including his various duty stations and commands; his work in submarines, anti-submarine warfare, and Naval Intelligence; and education at the Naval War College.
Biographical Chronology of Maurice H. Rindskopf
- 1917
- Born September 27 in Brooklyn, New York to Herbert Abraham and Amy (Baumgarten) Rindskopf.
- 1938
- On June 2, graduates from the United States Naval Academy and is commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy.
- In June, is assigned to U.S.S. Colorado (Battleship: BB-45).
- 1940
- In June, is detached from U.S.S. Colorado.
- In July, begins training at Submarine School in New London, Connecticut.
- In October, is attached to U.S.S. R-4 (Submarine: SS-81) as Gunnery Officer and First Lieutenant.
- 1941
- On June 2, is promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade).
- In October, is detached from U.S.S. R-4.
- In November, is transferred to U.S.S. Drum (Submarine: SS-228) as First Lieutenant, Gunnery Officer, Navigator, and Executive Officer.
- 1942
- On June 15, is promoted to Lieutenant.
- 1944
- On March 1, is promoted to Lieutenant Commander.
- In June, receives command of U.S.S. Drum.
- In November, is detached from U.S.S. Drum and is subsequently assigned to Submarine School in New London, Connecticut as an instructor in gunnery and torpedoes.
- 1945
- On November 5, is promoted to Commander.
- 1947
- In February, is detached from Submarine School.
- In March, receives command of U.S.S. Sea Cat (Submarine: SS-399).
- 1949
- In June, is detached from U.S.S. Sea Cat for service at the Bureau of Ordnance in Fire Control Research and Development.
- 1952
- In June, is assigned to the Staff of Commander, Submarine Squadron One as Ordnance Officer, with additional duty at Officer in Charge of the Submarine Prospective Commanding Officers School.
- 1953
- In September, receives command of U.S.S. Higbee (Radar Picket Destroyer: DDR-806).
- 1955
- In May, is detached from U.S.S. Higbee, and subsequently receives command of Submarine Division Eleven.
- 1956
- On July 1, is promoted to Captain.
- In August, is assigned to the Naval War College for training.
- 1957
- In July, is assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as Head of the Harbor Defense Branch, Underseas Warfare Division.
- 1958
- In June, is detached from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations for service as Officer in Charge of the Submarine School in New London, Connecticut.
- 1960
- In July, receives command of U.S.S. Fulton (Submarine Tender: AS-11).
- 1961
- In August, returns to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as Assistant Director of Naval Intelligence for Foreign Intelligence.
- 1963
- In June, receives command of Submarine Squadron Two.
- In October, is assigned to additional duty as Commander, Submarine Flotilla Two.
- 1964
- In July, is detached as Commander of Submarine Squadron Two and Submarine Flotilla Two for duty as Commander, Submarine Flotilla Eight.
- 1965
- In August, is assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence.
- 1967
- On July 1, is promoted to Rear Admiral.
- In July is redesignated as Deputy Commander, Naval Intelligence Command, with additional duty as Deputy for Intelligence to the Assistant Chief of Naval Intelligence.
- In September, is transferred to the office of Commander in Chief, Pacific as Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence.
- 1969
- In October, is assigned as Director of the Deep Submergence Systems Division and Deep Submergence Systems Program Coordinator.
- 1970
- In November, is assigned additional duty as Assistant Oceanographer for Oceanographic Operations.
- 1972
- On July 1, is transferred to the retired list.
- 2011
- On July 27, dies in Annapolis, Maryland.
Military Decorations: Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Combat "V", CINCPAC Letter of Commendation (ribbon and "V"), American Defense Service Medal with star, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with two silver stars, World War II Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal with bronze star, and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon.
Description of Contents
The Maurice H. Rindskopf Papers, comprising 1.46 linear feet of documentation, span from 1934 to 1989 (bulk 1938-1970). The papers pertain primarily to Rindskopf's career in the United States Navy, including his various duty stations and commands; his work in submarines, anti-submarine warfare, and Naval Intelligence; and education at the Naval War College.
The collection consists of incoming and outgoing letters, memoranda, orders, leave requests, travel reimbursement vouchers, reports, term papers, essays, account summaries, inventories of personal effects, press releases, handwritten notes, maps, charts, drawings, and event programs.
The Rindskopf Papers are organized into three records series by document type and subject scope. GENERAL FILES consists of personal and official materials spanning Rindskopf's entire career in the United States Navy, including his service aboard U.S.S. Drum during World War II; commands of U.S.S. Higbee, U.S.S. Fulton, the Submarine School in New London, and various submarine squadrons and flotillas; work in Naval Intelligence; and educational experiences at the Naval War College. Rindskopf's assignments and writings while both a traditional and correspondence student at the Naval War College are detailed in NAVAL WAR COLLEGE FILES. Rindskopf's work in the field of naval intelligence is further discussed in the reports found in WRITINGS. Specifically, the reports concern: the threat missiles pose to aircraft carriers, the Soviet Mediterranean fleet, and guerilla warfare. The series also includes works regarding U.S. Navy buildings named for submariners and the U.S. fleet of submarine tenders.
Arrangement
- Series 1: GENERAL FILES, 1934-1996
- Series 2: NAVAL WAR COLLEGE FILES, 1939-1957
- Series 3: WRITINGS, 1965-1994
- Subseries 3a: General, 1993-1994
- Subseries 3b: Reports, 1965-1969
Access and Use
Access
In December 2015, the majority of marked classified materials was declared declassified. Access to several additional documents is restricted pending further declassification review.
Copyright and Permission
The Maurice H. Rindskopf Papers are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.
Acquisition and Appraisal
Provenance and Acquisition
Gifts of Rear Admiral Maurice H. Rindskopf, USN (Ret.) in October 1993, July 1994, and April 1996. Accession Nos. 93-54, 94-46, and 96-29.
Related Materials
Related Archival Material
Additional material pertaining to Rindskopf's career can be found in his oral history, entitled Rear Admiral Maurice H. Rindskopf: Submarine Service and Other Duties during World War II and the Cold War.
Materials Cataloged Separately
No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.
Processing and Other Information
Preferred Citation
Maurice H. Rindskopf Papers, MS 413
Special Collections & Archives Department
Nimitz Library
United States Naval Academy
Selected Bibliography
The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:
United States. Dept. of the Navy. Office of Information. "Rear Admiral Maurice H. Rindskopf, United States Navy, Retired." Washington, D.C.: Office of Information, Biographies Branch, Navy Department, 1972.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in September 2010. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in September 2010.
Subject Headings
Name and Subject Terms
- Anti-submarine warfare -- United States
- Drum (Submarine : SS-228)
- Fulton (Submarine tender : AS-11)
- Military intelligence -- United States
- Naval education
- Rindskopf, Maurice H., 1917-
- United States -- Foreign relations -- Soviet Union
- United States. Navy -- Submarine Forces
Genre Terms
- Correspondence
- Drawings (visual works)
- Manuscripts
- Maps (documents)
- Reports
- Term papers
Contents List
Series 1: GENERAL FILES, 1934-1996 Boxes 1-3
Series DescriptionDocumentation of Rindskopf's career in the United States Navy, and personal life to a lesser extent. The documents relating to Rindskopf's career pertain to his various promotions, especially his promotion to Rear Admiral; transfers to and from each of his assigned duty stations; official speaking engagements; fitness reports; transportation of household goods and dependents resulting from new assignments; World War II submarine patrols: the 25th reunion of the Naval Academy Class of 1938; the operation of Submarine Forces, Atlantic; and anti-submarine warfare. Documents relating to Rindskopf's personal life pertain to subjects such as club memberships, personal purchases, tax issues, and insurance claims. Included in the series are incoming and outgoing letters, memoranda, orders, leave requests, travel reimbursement vouchers, account summaries, inventories of personal effects, press releases, handwritten notes, sketches, event programs, and a photograph.
Series ArrangementArranged chronologically by duty station.
Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Sea Cat (Official), 1947 February-1949 June
Includes materials pertaining to transfer to Sea Cat; transport of dependents and personal effects; submarine organization; target designation systems; the Undersea Warfare Symposium; fitness reports; and transfer from Sea Cat.
Officer in Charge, Submarine School, 1959
Includes materials relating to evaluation of ASW [anti-submarine warfare] attacks; an invitation to the University of Connecticut's Military Day Program; turn count masking; remarks made at the New London Memorial Day ceremonies; graduation exercises for Fishers Island Union Free School, and a model of U.S.S. Sailfish.
Officer in Charge, Submarine School, 1960 January-August
Includes materials concerning a presentation at University of Connecticut's Annual Postgraduate Clinic for Pharmacists; an editorial by Rindskopf entitled "The Military Obligation of Young America;" and Submarine School change of command. Also included is a poem about Rindskopf.
Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Fulton, 1960 June-December
Includes documents pertaining to Fulton's tending to British submarines; Vice Admiral Elton Grenfell's trip to Portsmouth, England; Community Chest Drives; the Submarine Cadet Corps; inspections of Fulton; and prospective future commands.
Assistant Director of Naval Intelligence, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 1962 January-December
Includes materials concerning anti-submarine warfare briefings and the Anti-Submarine Warfare Study Group; New York State motor vehicle issues; the National Naval Reserve Intelligence Trophy; and staffing issues.
Assistant Director of Naval Intelligence, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, 1963 January-April
Includes documents regarding meetings with representatives from H.R.B. Singer; the 25th reunion of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1938; and transfer to Submarine Squadron Two as Commander.
Commander, Submarine Squadron/Flotilla Two (Office File), 1964 January-May
Includes materials regarding graduation from Guided Missiles School; a speech before the East Lyme PTA; research into experiments in submarine explosives by Samuel Colt; and the decommissioning of U.S.S. Sarda and transfer of U.S.S. Diablo to Pakistan.
Commander, Submarine Squadron/Flotilla Two (Office File), 1964 June-July, 1987
Includes materials concerning punishments aboard U.S.S. Mitscher (Guided Missile Destroyer: DDG-35); views on separation of the Squadron and Flotilla billets; and transfer to Submarine Flotilla Eight. Also includes programs for the 1964 and 1987 Submarine Squadron Two change of command.
Commander, Submarine Flotilla Eight, 1964 July-December
Includes materials relating to transfer to Submarine Flotilla Eight; Mediterranean deployment of the U.S. Sixth Fleet; personnel requirements; flag visits; and the relationship between flotilla/squadron commanders and Submarine Forces Atlantic.
Commander, Submarine Flotilla Eight (Personal Office Letters), 1964 September-1965 September
Includes materials regarding the relationship between flotilla/squadron commanders and Submarine Forces Atlantic; Submarine Forces Atlantic organization; COMSUBMED staffing; and flag selection board results.
Commander, Submarine Flotilla Eight (Personal Office Letters), 1964 September-1965 September
Includes materials concerning division commanders in the Mediterranean; flag selection board results; personnel issues; transfer to and from Submarine Flotilla Eight; a car accident involving Rindskopf; and diversification in Rindskopf's career. Also included is a photograph of then Captain Rindskopf.
Deputy Director of Naval Intelligence (Personal Correspondence), 1966 April-December
Includes documents relating to various invitations; the Navy Security Classification and Management Program; the annual Naval Reserve Intelligence Dinner; and Baha'i World Faith members on active duty.
Deep Submergence Systems Program Coordinator, 1969 October-December, 1972
Includes documents pertaining to USS Dolphin (Submarine: AGSS-555); personnel issues; and Rindskopf's retirement. Also included is an article entitled "U.S. Big Stick over the Indian Ocean," published in the Soviet Military Review.
Series 2: NAVAL WAR COLLEGE FILES, 1939-1957 Boxes 3-4
Series DescriptionDocumentation of Rindskopf's educational experiences at the U.S. Naval War College as both a traditional and correspondence course student. The materials overwhelmingly pertain to written assignments (in the form of term papers and assignments for the Correspondence Course in Strategy and Tactics) submitted by Rindskopf on topics such as directive and order writing; sound military decision and logistics; the Russo-Japanese War; and American and Soviet foreign policy. Included in the series are correspondence course assignments (including exercises, essay responses, maps, and charts), term papers, and a published directory.
Series ArrangementArranged alphabetically by document type.
Series 3: WRITINGS, 1965-1994 Box 4
Series DescriptionWritings by Rindskopf, in his capacity as an officer in the U.S. Navy as well as in retirement, pertaining to notable submariners, submarine tenders, and various naval intelligence issues.
Series ArrangementOrganized into two subseries by document type.
Subseries 3a: General, 1993-1994
Subseries DescriptionArticles, written by Rindskopf during his retirement, pertaining to buildings named for notable submariners at various U.S. Navy installations; and brief histories of 41 U.S. Navy submarine tenders, including biographical data on their respective namesakes.
Subseries ArrangementArranged alphabetically by title.
Subseries 3b: Reports, 1965-1969
Subseries DescriptionReports written by Rindskopf in the course of his various assignments in naval intelligence. The reports pertain largely to the threat of Chinese and Soviet missiles to American aircraft carriers; the significance of the Soviet Mediterranean fleet to the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command; and guerilla naval warfare.
Subseries ArrangementArranged alphabetically by title.