Dec 01, 2011 - Sale 2263

Sale 2263 - Lot 538

Unsold
Estimate: $ 1,200 - $ 1,800
(LIBERTY SHIP.) "S.S. George Dewey." Captain's log book for the maiden voyage, beginning with its delivery on 27 August 1943 to the Maritime Commission and American Export Lines. 119 pages, each Signed by Captain Kaminski. Small folio, original printed American Export Lines Bridge Log Book. Stapled in at the beginning is a typed list of all crew members. 27 August - 22 October 1943
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Additional Details

Scarce log book for a Liberty ship. The "George Dewey" had its keel laid on 08 May 1943, was launched on 05 August 1943, and delivered to American Export Lines and the Maritime Commission on 27 August 1943, which is when the log begins. The ship was 7225 gross tons and was built by St. Johns River Shipbuilding in Jacksonville, Florida.
The log gives highly detailed descriptions of the day-to-day operation of the ship, but for security reasons does not disclose destinations or arrivals other than "arrived port #2," etc.
While there were many Liberty ships operating in World War II, not all had as illustrious a career as the "George Dewey." The ship served in the Normandy D-Day operation in June 1944, transporting Army and Navy personnel and cargo. The crew was awarded the Operation and Engagement Star for their participation in the invasion. "George Dewey" ended its life by being sunk as part of the Matagorda Island Liberty Ship reef off the coast of Texas in the 1970s. It is now home to a host of beautiful forms of sea life.