Mementos of Captain Elmer J. Stull
Title
Mementos of Captain Elmer J. Stull
Subject
Stull, Elmer J.
War Trophies
War Trophies
Description
These artifacts came from the estate of Captain Elmer J. Stull. He saved precious little from the Second World War - but what he did save are representative of the trials he endured as a wartime ship's master. The federal government recognized both his and his ship’s crew’s heroism by the award of the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Medal and the Gallant Ship Citation bar, respectively. This recognition was from his time on the SS Samuel Parker. The ship was laid down and launched at Oregon Shipbuilding Corporation in Portland on 14 October 1942 and 7 November 1942, respectively; Captain Stull was the first master of SS Samuel Parker from 3 November 1942 until 8 December 1943.
Among the artifacts presented in this collection are mementos of the attacks on Tunisia Captain Stull collected while the SS Samuel Parker was anchored off Tunisia. He tied a description of each with a length of jute rope on a Maritime Ships Material Tag. These tags are of interest as they positively identify the ship - SS Samuel Parker - which was Maritime Commission Hull Number 593.
Another particularly significant item is the device he used to find his way through treacherous seas: a universal bearing finder. This tool helped guide him on his voyages around the world - it is preserved in a specially-constructed wood box with his stamp.
Also included among the collection are a merchant seaman identification pin, a union badge, and a Congressional Lifesaving medal in silver.
Among the artifacts presented in this collection are mementos of the attacks on Tunisia Captain Stull collected while the SS Samuel Parker was anchored off Tunisia. He tied a description of each with a length of jute rope on a Maritime Ships Material Tag. These tags are of interest as they positively identify the ship - SS Samuel Parker - which was Maritime Commission Hull Number 593.
Another particularly significant item is the device he used to find his way through treacherous seas: a universal bearing finder. This tool helped guide him on his voyages around the world - it is preserved in a specially-constructed wood box with his stamp.
Also included among the collection are a merchant seaman identification pin, a union badge, and a Congressional Lifesaving medal in silver.
Collection Items
Insignia, Merchant Mariner and Union
Merchant Mariner identification badge (left) and Master, Mates, and Pilots Union membership badge (right). The reason for the embedded diamond on the MMP Local 90 badge is unknown. From the estate of Captain Elmer J. Stull.
Medal, United States Treasury Silver Lifesaving Medal
Medal awarded to Elmer J. Stull "For bravely assisting in rescuing three men from perils of the sea, September 29, 1932." The decoration one of two classes of awards called the Congressional Lifesaving Medal. From the estate of Captain Elmer J.…
Instrument, Universal Bearing Finder
Universal Bearing Finder from the estate of Captain Elmer J. Stull.
Box, storage
Custom box used to store a universal bearing finder. Captain Elmer J. Stull's personal stamp is on the lid and base of the box. From the estate of Captain Elmer J. Stull.
War trophy, shell casing
Shell found buried in wreckage of Heinkel plane shot down over Tunisia. Collected by Captain Elmer J. Stull.
War trophy. plane debris
Melted metal from fuselage of Junkers 88 plane shot down over Tunisia. Collected by Captain Elmer J. Stull.
War trophy, plane debris
Melted metal from Junker 88 plane shot over Tunisia. Collected by Captain Elmer J. Stull.