Bidspirit auction | WWII USS Hornet CV-12 Document

WWII USS Hornet CV-12 Document & Photo Group - This rare WWII naval grouping centers on the USS Hornet (CV-12) and includes a unique ”Subpoena and Summons Extraordinary” from the ”Royal High Court of the Raging Main,” dated May 3, 1944, for a Crossing the Line ceremony. The document, issued to AOM 2/c Thompson, features classic naval hazing ”charges” written in cursive and is signed by ”Neptunus Rex.” Accompanying the subpoena is a black-and-white photograph of sailors and women at the ”Latin Quarter” in Chicago, IL, and a hand-written ”Hornet’s Sting” combat tally sheet dated February 1, listing impressive statistics for enemy planes destroyed, warships sunk, and merchant shipping damaged. These ephemeral pieces offer a personal glimpse into the life and service of a sailor aboard one of the Pacific Theater's most famous carriers. Historical records confirm the USS Hornet (CV-12) crossed the Equator for the first time on March 25, 1944. The May 3 date on this subpoena likely corresponds to a follow-up ceremony or an International Date Line crossing during the carrier's intensive operations in the Caroline and Marianas Islands. The items show age-appropriate toning, vertical and horizontal fold lines on the subpoena, and some minor edge wear and adhesive residue on the reverse of the tally sheet. Photograph: H 4.5”, W 7”; Subpoena (unfolded): H 7.5”, W 10.5”; Tally Sheet: H 7.75”, W 5”. Please see photos.