Title
Crossing the Line Ceremony Memo
Description
A memo for pollywog Stephen Fitch on January 21, 1944. The memo orders Fitch to wear "a baseball cap, a white sheet, sneakers, and a cardboard sign" when quarters sound at 4 pm. This is in preparation for Fitch's Crossing the Line ceremony.
The Navy has several ceremonies for various instances of "crossing of the line". These ceremonies are often akin to hazing or a rite of passage where uninitiated sailors undergo the tradition of joining the ranks of the veteran sailors.
The Navy has several ceremonies for various instances of "crossing of the line". These ceremonies are often akin to hazing or a rite of passage where uninitiated sailors undergo the tradition of joining the ranks of the veteran sailors.
Collection
Stephen Fitch Collection
Context
From the collection of Stephen Fitch, who was part of the inaugural crew and a plankowner of the USS Yorktown (CV-10).
Stephen Fitch was a Lt. Commander in the Engineering Department on the USS Yorktown (CV-10). An artist at heart, Fitch would draw both small cartoons and comics as well as detailed schematics of engine compartments and staterooms. Fitch is also the artist behind the squadron emblems on the flight deck killboards.
Stephen Fitch was a Lt. Commander in the Engineering Department on the USS Yorktown (CV-10). An artist at heart, Fitch would draw both small cartoons and comics as well as detailed schematics of engine compartments and staterooms. Fitch is also the artist behind the squadron emblems on the flight deck killboards.
Accession #
2018.6
