crossing the equator certigficate, USS Lexington

[kyhistorian01]

I found this certificate in a Florida antique shop some years ago. After research I have found that it belonged to the late Admiral Robbins Woodhouse Allen, USN (RET) The document is signed by Captain Aubrey Fitch, who later commanded Task Force 17.5 at the Battle of Coral Sea aboard the Lexington

[Paul S]

My certificate looks just like this one. These were hard won, requiring nearly a full day of hi-jinx from the bow to the fantail. All polywogs stripped to their skivvies and T-shirts; in addition, polywog officers had to wear their ties--the "gentlemen" part, you know. Neat certificate and highly prized by those who earned them.