Reid P. Fiala Photograph Albums, 1944-1985 (bulk 1976-1985): Finding Aid

Biography of Reid P. Fiala

Reid Puryear "Pete" Fiala was born in Brooklyn, New York on January 14, 1909. Appointed to the United States Naval Academy from New York, he graduated as a member of the Class of 1931. Serving first aboard U.S.S. Pennsylvania (Battleship: BB-38), Fiala ultimately served most of his sea service aboard destroyers, serving aboard U.S.S. Truxtun (Destroyer: DD-229), U.S.S. Chandler (Destroyer: DD-206), and U.S.S. Trever (Destroyer: DD-339) following his detachment from the Pennsylvania.

One year prior to American entry into World War II, Fiala was assigned to U.S.S. Goldsborough (Destroyer: DD-188), which was fitting out for additional duty as a seaplane tender. Three years later, he received command of U.S.S. Remey (Destroyer: DD-688), commissioning her in September 1943. As captain of the Remey, Fiala participated in operations at Kwajalein, Majuro, Saipan, Tinian, Palau, Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, as well as the Battle of Surigao Strait.

Following the end of the war, Fiala assumed command of U.S.S. Harwood (Destroyer: DD-861), participating in occupation duty. Later duties included command of DesDiv-602, command of DesRon-15, and service as Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence on the Joint Staff of the Commander-in-Chief United Nations Command in Korea. Fiala's final tour was as Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Station, Long Beach. Fiala subsequently retired from the United States Navy in October 1959 with the rank of Rear Admiral.

In retirement, Fiala resided in Southern California, where he served as an underwriter for Occidental Life Insurance Company. Fiala also remained active in the West Coast chapter of the Naval Academy's Class of 1931, attending meetings and events in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. Rear Admiral Reid P. Fiala died on July 29, 1987 in Los Angeles and was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Description of Contents

The Reid P. Fiala Photograph Albums, along with several enclosures, comprise 1.04 linear feet of documentation, spanning primarily from 1976 to 1985. The vast bulk of the collection depicts the membership and various activities of the west coast alumni of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1931.

Included in the collection are photograph albums, loose photographic prints, and a single letter.

The Fiala Photograph Albums are arranged chronologically into a single records series, with non-album material filed at the end. The albums, which feature fiberboard covers, depict the major west coast alumni events of the Class of 1931, such as June Week West and dinner-dances, as well as regular meetings and luncheons held in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. The albums also include portraits of class members and their wives. Filed separately are several photographs of events from 1977 that were originally tucked inside the back cover of one of the albums.

The collection also includes an undated portrait of Fiala in his Navy uniform, as well as a 1944 letter written by Fiala describing the Battle of Surigao Strait.

Arrangement

The Reid P. Fiala Photograph Albums are arranged chronologically, with enclosures filed at the end.

Access and Use

Access

Access is unrestricted.

Copyright and Permission

The Reid P. Fiala Photograph Albums 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

Custodial History

Transferred from the United States Naval Academy Museum in April 2010.

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of Mary L. Crocker in April 2010. Accession No. 16-14.

Related Materials

Related Archival Material

Material pertaining to the career and midshipman experiences of Reid P. Fiala may be found in his Midshipman Personnel Jacket (sealed until 2021) and Alumni Jacket at Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library.

Copies of the Class of 1931's published directories and memory books are available in Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Reid P. Fiala Photograph Albums, MS 433

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Processing Information

This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in April 2016. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in April 2016.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• Fiala, Reid P., 1909-1987
• United States Naval Academy. Alumni and alumnae
• United States Naval Academy. Alumni and alumnae -- Photographs
• United States Naval Academy. Class of 1931

Genre Terms

• Manuscripts
• Photograph albums
• Photographs