Lid of US Navy mess kit

Date1940s

Object number00028961

NameLid

MediumTin

DimensionsOverall: 15 x 162 x 200 mm, 0.1 kg

ClassificationsTools and equipment

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionThis United States Navy mess kit lid belonged to Louis Polack, a Rockport Massachusetts artist. Polack served in the southeast Pacific onboard USS GEORGE CLYMER during World War II. The lid features engraved illustrations of lights and the ocean, and is engraved "USS GEORGE CLYMER March 24-1943, Arrived Fiji March 29".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 lid is part of a United States Navy mess kit, which was issued during World War II.