Bailey served from 1944 to 1946.
Link to the catalog1944: Thomas L. Bailey inaugurated as Mississippi’s forty-seventh governor
Governor Thomas L. Bailey
1944: Construction of Mississippi River Basin Model begins in Clinton
One of the largest hydraulic models ever built, the Mississippi River Basin Model was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers at the Waterways Experiment Station. Labor in the early phases of the project was provided by POWs from Camp Clinton.
February 29, 1944: U.S. forces launch campaign in Admiralty Islands near New Guinea
Japanese Uniform Jacket
Image: Lieutenant W. O. Harrell, USNR, acquired this Japanese uniform jacket during the construction of a U.S. base after the islands were secured.
April 3, 1944: U.S. Supreme Court abolishes “white only” primaries in Smith v. Allwright
The white-only primaries were a means for the Texas Democratic Party to prevent non-whites from joining the party. The court found such practices were in violation of the constitutional rights of nonwhite voters.
May 30, 1944: Corporal James D. Slaton of Laurel awarded Congressional Medal of Honor for action on September 23, 1943
June 6, 1944: Allied forces invade Europe in Normandy, France
German MP40 Submachine Gun
The successful invasion at Normandy, or “D-Day,” was the turning point in the war for the Allies.
Image: The MP40 submachine gun was used extensively by German forces throughout WWII.
June 13, 1944: U.S. forces land on Saipan in Mariana Islands
Bronze Star
Image: This Bronze Star with a “V” device for valor was awarded posthumously to Marine Corporal William J. Doolittle, killed in action on Saipan.
June 22, 1944: President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs G.I. Bill
The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act helped veterans return to civilian life by providing education and training, loan guarantees, and employment assistance.
August 1944: Proposed Choctaw Constitution sent to Washington
August 6, 1944: First German POWs arrive at Camp Clinton
Newspaper Published at Camp Clinton
Camp Clinton was one of four POW camps in Mississippi. There were also 15 sub camps throughout the state.
October 2, 1944: First cotton crop produced without hand labor at Hopson Planting Company near Clarksdale
Machines had planted the cotton and chopped it, and eight International Harvester cotton pickers harvested the crop.
October 2, 1944: Tech. Sgt. Van T. Barfoot of Edinburg awarded Congressional Medal of Honor for actions on May 23, 1944
October 19, 1944: Jackson Symphony Orchestra holds inaugural concert at Hotel Heidelberg
The orchestra was renamed the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in 1989.
October 23-26, 1944: Battle of Leyte Gulf fought near Philippines
USS Mississippi Flag
Leyte Gulf was the largest naval battle in history. The battleship USS Mississippi helped destroy a Japanese task force in the Suriago Strait during this battle, firing the last salvo in the last battleship vs. battleship engagement in history.
Image: The USS Mississippi was flying this flag during the battle of Suriago Strait, one of four engagements that compose the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
October 25, 1944: Captain Louis H. Wilson, Jr. of Brandon awarded Congressional Medal of Honor for action on July 25 and 26, 1944
December 4, 1944: Secretary of Interior establishes reservation for Choctaws
December 16, 1944: Battle of Bulge begins
World War II Uniform Jacket
The largest land battle in Europe involving U.S. troops, the Battle of the Bulge was fought in Belgium and Luxembourg when German forces mount a surprise offensive aimed at Antwerp.
Image: T4 George C. Sargent of Bentonia wore this uniform jacket during his World War II service. He participated in the battles for the Rhineland and central Europe, as well as in the Ardennes.