6.
Oct. 8, 2009

I am in search of some info on my birth father, Robert E. Cody. He was assigned to the Maryland. He was on the ship at Pearl Harbor during the attack. Wondering if I could get any suggestions about collecting more information on him. I believe he passed in 1996.

Thank you,
Celeste Tzikas

5.
Sept. 12, 2009

I too am in possession of a shellback certificate signed by President Hoover from Nov. 30, 1928. This belonged to my Grandfather Edward M. Bowen SMM1c. This certificate along with my fathers medals and medals I earned are hanging on the wall in my home. The burial flags for both my grandfather and father also are on display in my home.  Any information or photos of the crew from this era would be appreciate.

Thanks,
Edward L. Bowen, AT1c USN (Ret)

4.
June 29, 2009

I have a Herbert Hoover signed Domain of Neptunus Rex (see below) certificate dated Nov. 30, 1928.  It also has 79 additional signatures.  I have seen the posted messages from Jeff Barnhart, Rick Badwey and George Cox regarding the crossing of the voyage to South America and the signing of the certificate .  I can see that the certificate is reported to be $200 to $400.  I am interested in the value of this certificate with the additional signatures.

Sincerely,
AS

3.
May 25, 2009

I recently purchased a book US Navy Training Course "SEAMAN 1c" dated 1931 and inside was a Subpoena and Summons Extraordinary to a Seaman 2c C.C. Fee, dated  December 1, 1928 (During President Herbert Hoover's Latin America tour) to appear before the "Royal Court of the Raging Main" to become a ...SHELLBACK on the USS Maryland. Longitude 81 degree 47' West, Latitude 0 degrees, 0' 00" I noticed that one person had listed her/his Grandfather's SHELLBACK certificate for this tour. Does anyone know this Seaman 2c C.C. FEE or have a ship's roster?

Tim Stidhams,
Puyallup, Washington

2.
Dec. 20, 2008

I'm not quite sure where to look to find the information needed. My grandfather was in the navy I believe between 1941 and 1945. His name is Norman Crowder. At some point he was stationed on the Maryland. I
know he was on her for sure on Nov. 12, 1942 because I have his framed document "Domain of Neptunus Rex".

He was a metalworker on board and I have a bell made by him that he said they made it from the original melted down bell off the Maryland. I was told that they made some for the majority of the metalworkers on the ship,
not sure if the whole crew got one. I'm looking for as much information on these bells as I can find such as how many were made and who got them.

The engraving on the bottom says USS Maryland 1943. I'm also interested in knowing if my grandfather was on the Maryland at the time of Pearl Harbor. Any information you can give me would be much appreciated.

Thank you very much,
Rich Hale

The bell.

Crossing the line certificate.

1.
Aug. 12, 2007

I am wanting information on the USS Maryland concerning the date of November 30, 1928. My grandfather was on board the Maryland at that time. He talked about crossing the equator with President Hoover being aboard the ship. I have a document, Domain Neptunus Rex, that is signed by Hoover. I want to know if this is Hoover's signature. I'm curious if any of the crew from that 1928 voyage are still living. The paper also includes my grandfather's name and rank. Are there any photographs available of this experience? How would I find/obtain a photo of the USS Maryland crossing the equator if they are in existence?

Jeff Barnhart

Reply 1
Nov. 27, 2008

These documents were signed by Herbert Hoover and are worth between $200 and $400.
Rick Badwey

A Herbert Hoover signed Domain of Neptunus Rex certificate.

(Courtesy of Rick Badwey)