WWII US Navy Submarine Artifacts

[Erik Krogh]

I have been collecting U-Boat items for a number of years but have become interested in the US Navy Silent Service lately. Here are a few items from my USN collection.

First up is my best pair of officer's dolphins. These belonged to James G. Andrews, who was the Executive Officer of USS Aspro and later commanded USS Sabalo. Andrews was awarded the Silver Star.

An encounter between Andrews and Aspro's Commander Harry Stevenson was mentioned in Clay Blair's "Silent Victory" (page 510). Stevenson confided to Andrews that his eyesight was failing but declined to let Andrews take over the periscope.

The dolphins were made by Baily, Banks, and Biddle and are 10k gold. Andrews' wife Shirley E. Wilde engraved the back "S.E.W to J.G.A. Dec. 1942".

Edited December 11, 2007 by Erik Krogh

[Erik Krogh]

Reverse of BBB dolphins.

[Erik Krogh]

BBB inscription.

[Erik Krogh]

Andrews graduated from the Annapolis in 1938. 20 years later a "where are they now" book was produced ("A Score for '38"). Here is the section on James Andrews.

[Erik Krogh]

Second part of "A Score for '38"

[Erik Krogh]

Here is the entry for James Andrews from the 1938 Naval Academy yearbook "Lucky Bag".

[Erik Krogh]

My collection includes a scrapbook from Albert Jenigen, who served on all 7 war patrols of USS Crevalle. This boat's patrols are chronicled in Capt. William Ruhe's book "War in the Boats - My WWII Submarine Battles". Crevalle was a member of "Hydeman's Hepcats" during Operation Barney, in which 9 subs entered the Sea of Japan, which was littered with anti-submarine mines and other hazards. Vice Admiral Lockwood awarded a "Mighty Mine Dodgers" certificate to participants of the Operation. Here is Jenigen's.

[Erik Krogh]

Here is Jenigen's preliminary Bronze Star citation, hand-signed by Admiral Lockwood.

[Erik Krogh]

...and Jenigen's final Bronze Star certificate, signed by Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal. Note the promotion to Machinist Mate Second Class since the temporary citation was issued.

Edited December 11, 2007 by Erik Krogh

[Erik Krogh]

Here is a classic portrait of a submarine officer. I have not done any research on him, but he has signed his name "Harold".

[Erik Krogh]

A Submarine School certification signed by James Fife, later to rise to Admiral.

[Erik Krogh]

A prewar first dive certificate for USS S-21.

[Erik Krogh]

An informal certificate for service aboard USS Whale, replete with beautiful women and smiling dolphins.

[Chris Liontas]

AWESOME!!!

German U-boat stuff is so popular, you never really get to see the US Silent Service stuff. It's amazing when you actually get to see items like these. How rare would you rare US Submariner items?? You never really see them.

[Erik Krogh]

AWESOME!!!

German U-boat stuff is so popular, you never really get to see the US Silent Service stuff. It's amazing when you actually get to see items like these. How rare would you rare US Submariner items?? You never really see them.

Chris,

Thanks for your comments! The US "Silent Service" didn't get the same amount of press that the U-Bootwaffe received during WWII, so it appears that many people are not aware of the many brave and colorful exploits of the USN's submarine service. US sub items are still pretty reasonable, with eBay the primary trading site on the internet. Officer's dolphins average about $250, and Combat Patrol pins with three stars go for $150-250. Personalized items, particularly to members of successful boats, command a higher premium. I personally think that US submarine items will be going up in value.

A good reference is "US Silent Service - Dolphins and Combat Insignia 1924-1945" by David A. Jones.

Best Regards,

Erik

[Josh B]

Some nice examples of underappreciated, scarce naval documents and a knockout set of wartime BB&B dolphins. Great stuff!

Josh