Authentic 1955 U.S. Navy “Domain of the Golden Dragon” Certificate

Ship: USS Lenawée (APA-195) | Name on Certificate: Harry J. Cullen, HM3, USN

Date: November 15, 1955 | Signed by: H. S. Wishham, Executive Officer

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⚓ About the “Domain of the Golden Dragon”

The “Domain of the Golden Dragon” certificate was awarded to U.S. Navy personnel who crossed the 180th meridian (International Date Line), entering the mythical realm ruled by the “Golden Dragon.”

It’s a sibling to the famous “Shellback” certificate given for crossing the Equator.

Each ship traditionally produced its own certificate, often filled with inside jokes and exaggerated nautical language.

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🐉 About This Copy

This version was typed and mimeographed aboard the USS Lenawée in 1955.

Unlike the printed color WWII editions, this one features hand-drawn dragons, chain borders, and sailor humor such as:

“chit signers, squaw men, opium smokers, ice men, and all-round landlubbers…”

These comic elements were standard for shipboard “Crossing the Line” ceremonies — playful, irreverent, and unique to the crew.

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🧾 Details

• Original 1955 ship-issued certificate — not a reproduction

• Black-and-white mimeograph ink typical of mid-century naval documents

• Standard U.S. Navy letter size (~8½ × 11 in)

• Includes sailor’s full name, rank, and ship

• USS Lenawée (APA-195) served from WWII through early Vietnam

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⚠️ Condition (see all photos)

• Authentic aging throughout; visible folds and creases

• One small edge tear and a taped corner

• Light stains and toning consistent with 1950s shipboard paper stock

• Reverse side shows discoloration but no missing text

• Fully legible and stable — excellent candidate for archival framing

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💡 Collector Notes

Ship-issued “Golden Dragon” certificates are less common than the colorful fleet-printed versions and highly sought after for their individuality.

This example’s dated provenance, humorous text, and named sailor make it a genuine piece of Cold War–era naval life.