Your Yeoman can't over-express his gratitude for what Doc
Gibbons has done for this website, as well as the "Mark" he has made on me personally. A Man of Faith
has certain values; his values have shown forth, not in his words, but his actions... and I know he perused over
the pages of this book many times over the course of the years, and I know that giving up something as valuable
as this little book, so others could share in it is another indication of the metal of this man.
The size of the "Service Book of Scripture Prayer and
Hymns" is 4" x 2.5" and fit quite well in one's pocket.
"This is a Bulkhead Void Marker from the USS Hancock
with my only dog tag. I found the Void Marker in July 1945, when leaving her for the last time to be discharged.
This is my most treasured memory item from World War II.
I had my Dog tag placed over the Marker and then framed, which
I had on my wall till recently when I decided to donate it to the HANCOCK Room aboard the USS Lexington Museum
in Corpus Christi, TX, in May 2005. I would rather it go there than for my children to fight over it. This way
it can serve the ship and the Museum and those who value Naval History.
I was 20 when I got the bulkhead Marker as we left the ship
in dry-dock at Bremerton, Washington. It is now framed with my only dog tag. The other Dog tag 'disappeared' mysteriously
after I'd left the Air Force as a Major in 1971.
Seaman First Class on the Hannah was my 'grandest' rank ever,
including the Doctorate I earned later in my life.
The Picture Post Card (below) was my only letter mailed from
our ship with the ship address, rather than a "FPO" (Fleet Post Office) number as Return Address. So
for me, at least, it is also rare. The word "Free" instead of a postage stamp was the practice during
the War years, and today nearly forgotten.
I also donated a book, "Air War
Pacific: The Fight for Supremacy in the Far East: 1937 to 1945", by Christy Campbell (ISBN 0-517-03084-5)
to the Museum, which mentions HANCOCK & LEXINGTON - and a day I well remember when we lost so many lives on
the flight deck. The LEXINGTON, with whom we were often in port and at sea together, felt very close to me.
My kids would like to have the Dog Tag, but it has been with
the plaque since 1945 and should remain there.
Jake, thanks for being part of my memory of Hannah. I approve
of the Museum! I appreciate your help in preserving our "home away form home".
Doctor Andrew H. Gibbons,
Logan, Utah