Grail Shellback Certificate. USS Indianapolis

[Wharfmaster]

This is a Shellback Certificate to one of the most famous of US Ships.

 

In late 1936, The President Franklin Roosevelt sailed aboard Indianapolis on a good neighbor tour of South America. FDR took part in the Equator Ceremony as well as the crew.

 

Allen joined the US Navy in 1933. He just happened to be serving in Indianapolis when the President came aboard. In 1938, he joined the Marines for his second enlistment. During WW2, he served overseas and saw action with the 2nd Marines from 1942 to mid 1944. He would retire in 1954.

 

Note that his Shellback Certificate is signed by FDR, "Davey Jones", "Neptune" and the Ship's Skipper H K Hewitt. Admiral Hewitt was a recipient of the Navy Cross (twice), Navy DSM (twice) and the Army DSM (twice).

 

It will be difficult for me to upgrade on the this one.

 

 

 

W

 

[Wharfmaster]

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[Wharfmaster]

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[Wharfmaster]

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[TRR]

Stunning! Not much could top that. Thanks for sharing with us.

[RustyCanteen]

Fantastic!

 

 

 

 

 

[Wharfmaster]

Great photos RC, thanks !

 

W

[Thor996]

WOW! NICE thanks for sharing!

[Garandomatic]

Holy smokes...

[fstop61]

Awesome piece Thanks for posting

[Wharfmaster]

Thanks everyone, most appreciated.

 

In addition, for our China Marine collectors, Allen also served with the 4th Marines in Shanghai prior to WW2.

 

 

 

W

[Leatherwringer]

EPIC! that is the coolest Shellback cert I have seen!

[Brig]

These docs are great to begin with...this just ices the cake

[Garandomatic]

Trade all 8 or so of mine for it...!

[Brig]

So...in the 30's, Presidents oversaw hazing. Today...everything is hazing!

[namvet]

First known footage of Franklin D. Roosevelt in a wheelchair

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj-ZAacnUD8

 

he loved boating with the Navy

[Salvage Sailor]

FDR was a Navy man through and through.

 

He was appointed by President Wilson to be Assistant Secretary of the Navy (1913-1920) and, along with Josephus Daniels, was at the helm of the USN throughout the Great War. He expanded and upgraded the Navy and also established the United States Navy Reserve. In WWI and right up to WWII, the USN and USMC did not take conscripts, you had to volunteer. Thus, the Navy came to depend upon the USNR in times of need, and thanks to FDR it was there when we needed it most, in 1941.

 

He left his position in 1920 to unsuccessfully run for Vice President and unfortunately was stricken with Polio the following year.

 

Thanks again for sharing the USS INDIANAPOLIS certificate with us.

 

 

[Wharfmaster]

Thanks very much.

 

Without doubt, FDR was a champion of the Navy. Thank goodness.

 

 

 

W