Eddie

Eddie was a Petty Officer Third Class and served in the engine room on the aircraft carrier USS Franklin.

The Franklin was commissioned in January 1944, and served in several campaigns in the Pacific, earning four battle stars. She was badly damaged by a Japanese air attack in March 1945, with the loss of hundreds of her crew, becoming the most heavily damaged carrier to survive the war.

Group picture was taken in Tokyo after the war.

Eddie crosses the equator

In the U.S. Navy, when a ship crosses the equator a time-honored ceremony takes place. This is a Navy tradition and an event no sailor ever forgets. With few exceptions, those who have been inducted into the "mysteries of the deep" by Neptunus Rex and his Royal court, count the experience as a highlight of their naval career. Members of Neptunus Rex's party usually include Davy Jones, Neptune's first assistant, Her Highness Amphitrite, the Royal Scribe, the Royal Doctor, the Royal Dentist, the Royal Baby, the Royal Navigator, the Royal Chaplain, the Royal Judge, Attorneys, Barbers and other names that suit the party.

Officially recognized by service record entries indicating date, time, latitude and longitude, the crossing of the equator involves elaborate preparation by the "shellbacks" (those who have crossed the equator before) to ensure the "pollywogs" (those who are about to cross the equator for the first time) are properly indoctrinated. All pollywogs, even the Commanding Officer if he has not crossed before, must participate.

Willie (Bill)

Willie (Bill) was a Staff Sergeant in the Army, and was stationed at Frederick Army Airfield, Frederick, Oklahoma. He was a Physical Training Instructor training pilots PT, how to land after a jump, hand to hand combat, and how to protect themselves and a lot more. He also served at Randolph Field, San Antonio, TX. He was up for promotion to Sergeant Major, and the war ended.

William Rastatter

Bill Americanized his name to Rastatter.




























Umpire Bill

























Bill drawn by a friend