Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
D13950-3
Date(s)
- 1943-01-06 (Creation)
Extent
Name of creator
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Young sailor Vernon Stewart Cunningham tries a change of hats following his repatriation ceremony in the office of Federal Court judge Charles H. Leavy. He was one of 22 foreign born soldiers to take the oath of allegiance to the US. Mr. Cunningham was born in Canada in 1910 of American parents. He grew up in this area, graduating from Stadium High School. He gained fame locally as an artist and sculptor. He had served for a year with the Royal Canadian Navy as a British subject. They had utilized his art talent, assigning him to illustrating books, pamphlets and decorating the naval chapel. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he decided to return to the US, hoping to see some action with the US Navy. He was given an honorable discharge from the Canadian Navy with the understanding that he would enlist in the US Navy. He did see action with the Navy, losing the sight in one eye and the practical use of his left hand to enemy fire in the Solomons. (T. Times 1/7/1943 p.1)
Cunningham, Vernon S.; Sailors;