If you see "click," click on the image to view a larger, clearer image.
(courtesy
of Charles and Rusty Russell)In early March 1943, the USS Wasp, CV-18 steamed through the Panama Canal on the way to her new home in the Pacific Fleet. This cartoon appeared in a ships "cruisebook" published shortly after the War. The crew remarked that the Panama Canal was a tight squeeze for Wasp.
(Courtesy of LeRoy W. Jones)
(Courtesy of Cliff Bowling)
(courtesy
of Pete Sneed)Click! - Surrender Now!!
A pamphlet dropped by Wasp aircraft to Japanese troops directing them to surrender. Notice that it included a cartoon.
Shipmate Jim Greenlees sent in a scan of artwork of VB-14's WW II logo. Jim is pretty sure that Walt Disney's company helped to design the logo during the war effort. Click it to see a larger version.
Click! (courtesy of Thomas Dee)
Click! (courtesy of Thomas Dee)
The card on the right shows that shipmate Dee became a "Trusty Shellback" on 27 September 1944. The "Golden Dragon" card (left) isn't dated, but it shows that Dee and the Wasp crossed the 180th Meridian in 1945.
(Courtesy of LeRoy W. Jones)
(Courtesy of Cliff Bowling)
Wasp's 1945 Christmas Card.
Season's Greetings The Officers and Men of the U.S.S. Wasp join you in the Thanksgiving which should be ours, upon this, our first peace- time Christmas in four long years.
(courtesy of Pete Sneed)
Click! - Wasp's 1945 Christmas card The photo on the front of the card was taken on the hanger deck during a church service. The inside cover of this card explains that the four replica stained glass windows were painted at sea by a Sioux Indian Seaman, while Wasp was steaming across the Pacific to the way to Japan.
Shipmate Joseph Knowlton has provided more information about the windows and the artist:
While viewing the photo of the chapel, painted by Buddy Feather, I noted that he had been depicted as a "seaman". This should be corrected, as Buddy was an "AMM1/C prop specialist." Buddy was a personal friend of mine aboard ship, so you can be assured I know what I am talking about. He was also a "golden glove champ". With the exception of the photo of Buddy painting one of the stained glass windows, the`following text is taken from one of my USS Wasp books...
"The Organ Loft in the Chapel"...The subject of religion in the life of a ship this size has also played an important part. It has been quoted by many that this is one of the most religious ships afloat. The attendance at all services at all times has been very gratifying to the Chaplains. It is believed that the USS Wasp is the only ship afloat that can boast of imitation stained glass church windows painted on the bulk head in the organ loft. While at Bremerton last May for repairs, the two Chaplains, Fitzgerald, Catholic, and Ferris, Protestant, obtained the permission of the Executive Officer, the Gunnery Officer (since 40 MM gun barrels hung where the murals are painted), and the First Lieutenant to have an organ loft built between two frames on the port side of the ship near the forward elevator. Here was placed a beautiful Hammond electric organ which was donated at Commissioning by the Governor of Rhode Island. As time went on, Buddy Feather, a Sioux Indian, who had done murals at the Golden Gate Exhibition, volunteered his free time to do four stained glass imitiation windows. Painted at sea, between the U.S., Pearl Harbor and Japan; they depict, in left to right order, first, on an American Flag background, the protecting Mother of God showering Her Blessings on a sailor, a Marine and a Naval pilot; secondly, the Crucifixion of Christ; thirdly, the face of Christ, high in the cumulous clouds, watching over the Wasp as she plows her way through the ocean under an umbrella of planes from her flight deck; and lastly, in the top panel, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph holding the Christ Child. It is just below the organ loft that four services are held every Sunday; two Catholic Masses and two Protestant services. Jewish services are conducted by a seaman every Friday evening in the library. Latter Day Saints Services are held in the library on Sunday mornings.
Truly then, God has not been forgotten, but has held high priorities in this floating city both in forward and rear areas of war. The cooperation of the officers and men during church services has been excellent."
(courtesy of Pete Sneed)
The cover of one of two editions of a booklet published by Wasp to help manage GI's take a magic carpet ride home on Wasp. The Captain wanted all to know who was who, so the inside cover of both booklets contained this statement in bold block letters:
THE TERM "PASSENGER" AS USED HEREIN INCLUDES ALL PERSONS ON BOARD NOT ATTACHED TO SHIP'S COMPANY
(Courtesy of Cliff Bowling)
(Courtesy of Cliff Bowling)
A letter from James Forrestal, Secretary of the Navy, thanking a Wasp crewman for his service during the war.
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