James J. Banas Papers

Object NameYearbook Postcard Subpoena Menu Program Certificate, Membership

Historic Owner James J. Banas

Association USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11)

Date1968–1969

PeriodVietnam War; Cold War

Mediumpaper, ink

ClassificationsCommunication Artifacts

Credit LineCollection of the Intrepid Museum. Gift of James J. Banas. A2018.38

Object numberA2018.38

DescriptionExtent: 1 folder, 1 oversize archive, 1 cruise book

Certificate, Membership; Imperium Neptuni Regis, for "ASH-3 J.J. Banas," January 3, 1969 (oversize)
Imperium Neptuni Rex Certificate that commemorates a sailor crossing the Equator. The headline reads "Imperium Neptuni Regis" on a banner below which Neptune is shown riding his chariot, led by two white horse/fish hybrids or hippocampi, across the waves with the winds Zephyr and Boreas on either side. Around the border is scrolling waves and seaweed with mystical and marine creatures.

The certificate reads "To all sailors wherever ye may be: and to all the Mermaids, Whales, Sea Serpents, // Porpoises, Sharks, Dolphins, Eels, Skates, Suckers, Crabs, Lobsters, and all other living things of the sea // Greetings: Know ye: That on this third day of January1969, in Latitude 0° and Longitude 40° 10 w // there appeared within Our Royal Domain the [ship] USS Intrepid (CVS-11) bound for the equator // and for Vietnam. Be It Remembered That the said vessel and // Officers and Crew thereof, have been inspected and passed on by ourself and Our Royal Staff. // And Be It Known: By all ye Sailors, Marines, Land Lubbers and others who may be honored // by his presence that ASH-3 J.J. Banas having been found // worthy to be numbered as one of our Trusty Shellbacks he has been duly initiated into the // Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep. // Be it further understood: That by virtue of the power invested in me I hereby do command all // my subjects to show due honor and respect to him wherever he may be. // Disobey This Order Under Penalty of Our Royal Displeasure. // Given under Our hand and seal this 28 January 1969. // Davy Jones // His Majesty's Scribe // Neptunus Rex // Ruler of the Raging Main // By his Servant V.F. Kelley". The bottom reads “© Marine Photo & Publishing Co., P.O. Box 425, Spring Valley, Calif. 92077 1954”.

Postcard; Intrepid postcard (blank)

Subpoena; Shellback Subpoena, for "You James Joseph Banas ASH-3," January 3, 1969

Menu; Special Menu, Crossing the Equator, January 3, 1969

Program; USS Intrepid Crossing the Line, January 3, 1969

Yearbook; USS Intrepid Cruise Book, 1943-1968. 25th Anniversary edition. Blue hardcover cruise book. Stylized drawing of the bow of Intrepid above "Fighting 'I' // 1943-1968" on cover. On spine, "USS Intrepid // 1943-1968".

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