Knife from US Navy mess kit
Date1940s
Object number00028964
NameKnife
MediumMetal, plastic
DimensionsOverall: 187 x 25 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
DescriptionThis United States Navy mess kit knife belonged to Louis Polack, a Rockport Massachusetts artist. Polack served in the southeast Pacific onboard USS GEORGE CLYMER during World War II. The GEORGE CLYMER stopped at Melbourne, Australia during its service in the Pacific.HistoryThe USS GEORGE CLYMER was built in 1940 by Ingalls Shipbuilding of Pascagoula, Mississippi. Originally named AFRICAN PLANET it was launched on 27 September 1941 and renamed GEORGE CLYMER on 9 January 1942. It was purchased by the United States Navy on 15 June 1942 and commissioned under the command of Captain Arthur T. Moen. During its 25 year career with the Navy, GEORGE CLYMER took part in four wars: World War II, the Chinese Civil War, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. On 31 October 1967, USS GEORGE CLYMER was decommissioned in San Diego, California.SignificanceThis knife is part of a United States Navy mess kit, which was issued during World War II.
