Captain & Rear Admiral John J. Ballentine, USN, Commanding U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)

To any of our followers to the site, you may have noticed a couple of occasions when we have listed, and relisted this historic WWII lot for Admiral Ballentine and his service on the USS Bunker Hill. We have tried to reason why this lot has had virtually no interest. Could it be the money, or just the lack of interest to WWII U.S. Navy items here on this site? I would think that any material related to an important naval officer from WWII would find interest. I also believe that this much material relating to an important and historical ship as the Bunker Hill would garner an amazing amount of interest as well.  I would like to ask my follower if you personally have no interest, you may have a friend or dealer who is unfamiliar with our site and this material, and give them a shout-out. I have parted with Ballentine’s blue cover to add to a newly listed leather flying coat that the admiral wore during this period in the war.  I will discount some cost if both lots are purchased together.  Please take a hard look at the material in this collection. Search on the net for anything similar to this lot has surfaced either at a show, or on the net. Read Ballentine’s biography and his major contribution in WWII. Having good money tied up in this lot, I would still be happy to throw a bone to the one who’s help get this sale done, to another how will greatly appreciate owning, and adding to this history.

 

Captain & Rear ADM John J. Ballentine, USN, Commanding U.S.S. Bunker Hill (CV-17)

The U.S.S. Bunker Hill, an Essex class carrier was laid down on September 15, 1941, at the Bethlehem Steel Company’s Fore River Shipyard, at Quincy, Massachusetts, and launched exactly one year following the surprise attack by Japanese naval air forces at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942.  Bunker Hill was sponsored by Mrs. Donald Boynton, and watched the christening that day with her first commanding officer, Captain John Jennings Ballentine.

On May 25, 1943, Captain Ballentine commanding,  hoisted his commissioning pennant,  and shortly after Bunker Hill proceeded to Norfolk, Virginia to take aboard her air group by the end of June, and sailed on July 15th, for her shakedown cruise near Trinidad.  In early September, carrier and crew sailed for the Panama Canal, thence to San Diego, Pearl Harbor, and eventually by the fall of 1943, she is on station with her Task Force in the Pacific Theater of Operations.

During his command, Bunker Hill took part in engagements at Rabaul, The Gilbert and Marshall Islands, and more, for which Captain Ballentine (and promoted later to Rear Admiral during his command of the Bunker Hill), was awarded the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and Navy Presidential Unit Citation.  He relinquished command in February, 1944.

SILVER STAR CITATION: “The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain John Jennings Ballentine, USN, for gallantry and intrepidity…while serving as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL (CV-17) during the attack on Rabaul Harbor, 11 November 1943, and the operations for the occupation of the Gilbert Islands, 18 through 26 November 1943. The Task Group of which his ship was a part, was three times under heavy and sustained enemy air attack, but so skillfully did he fight his ship that severe losses were inflicted upon the enemy without damage to his vessel. His courageous and intelligent leadership not only brought his own ship through unscathed, but materially contributed to the defense of the entire Task Group and the success of its mission…”  Issued May 14, 1944.

LEGION OF MERIT with Combat “V”:  “…for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service…As Rear Admiral of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL  …in action in military operations against an armed enemy…he participated in the capture and occupation of Tarawa and Makin, 29 November to 6 December 1943, Second Strike on Nauru, 8 December 1943, First Strike on Kavieng, 25 December 1943, Second Strike on Kavieng, 1 January, 1944, Third Strike on Kavieng, 4 January 1944, capture and defense of the Marshall Islands, 29 January 1944 to 5 February 1944. By his personal leadership, his force of character, and by the effectiveness of his training, he inspired his officers and men,  and imbued them with confidence and an offensive spirit which carried them to decisive victory in the above named engagements with the enemy. By his achievements he contributed greatly to the neutralization with the enemy. by two important areas of conflict and to the destruction of many enemy aircraft, in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Rear Admiral Ballentine is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.) ”  Issued June 2, 1944

 

This grouping of material is part of the larger archive for 4 star Admiral J.J. Ballentine.  The following list comprises all item therein:

• Khaki cotton fatigue shirt, trouser, and side cap, with rather different captain’s eagles, yet these are absolutely correct, as photos, and drawings of Ballentine, show him wearing these exact specimens. There are no hallmarks on these pin back rank insignia. I personally rate this simple fatigue uniform rather highly, it being Navy, and worn in the Pacific during the war, rates as a “combat uniform,” and perhaps unique with Admiral Ballentine’s most interesting choice of captain’s eagle rank insignia.  I have included a WWII period black tie for display purposes, but it is not from the admiral’s archive.
• Ballentine’s Commissioning Pennant along with the presentation plaque that was presented to him on May 25th, 1943.
• Engraved metal name plate attached to wood desk plague, for Captain…
• A lot of seven large format photographs of U.S.S. BUNKER HILL taken the day of the launching; 1.)  Shot of the reviewing stand in interested parties. 2.) Mrs. Donald Boynton, Mrs. Ballentine, and an unidentified young women. 3.) The act of christening with the champagne bottle by Mrs. Boynton. 4-6.)   Three photos of Bunker Hill sliding down into the Fore River. 7.) Tug moving the carrier to where she will receive her superstructure.  Image size is 10 x 13″ and on board measuring 15 x 18″ with some toning to mounts, and a few creases on corners, but nothing coming apart.
• Two large records of the christening made by the Columbia Recording Co. on May 25, 1943, in their original sleeves, and cardboard container. Mailed to Station WBZ, Boston.  Made in 33 1/2 R.P.M.
• Rear admiral’s 2 star vehicle flag.  Ballentine was promoted just after leaving the Bunker Hill. 11 x 16.5″. Some moth holes.
• A presentation leather bound edition of the history titled, THE U.S.S. BUNKER HILL – NOVEMBER 1943 – NOVEMBER 1944, The record of a carrier’s combat action against the Axis Nations in the Pacific. Published 1945. Gold embossed & personalized cover to “Rear Admiral J.J. Ballentine, USN,” 271 pages well illustrated.  Comes with a forwarding letter from the USS Bunker Hill Publishing Committee dated, May 14, 1945. Lieutenants Wallace C. Mitchell and Eugene F. Brissie, USNR, Co-Editors, write, “…There’s not a Bunker Hill crewman or “alum” who would not feel a sense of pride in being able to present you with the enclosed volume….You deserve, and hold, our highest credit and respect for this record.” Signed by Wallace Mitchell.  In the book were other items related; a color photograph of ADM Ballentine speaking at the Hotel New Yorker, June – 1969;  a letter addressed to Mrs. Catherine Ballentine (the ADM passed away in 1970), dated 21 November, 1971, this being a cover letter with a series of photocopies about the efforts of the Bunker Hill Assoc. to purchase the carrier from the Government, but a Dan LoRusso writes, “..Things do not look too promising for obtaining the Bunker Hill for a Naval Museum;  Copy letter to President Nixon, dated 15 July, 1971, seeking his help in preserving the ship;  A letter from the Dept. of the Navy dated, 29 July, 1971 to LoRusso from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Robert A Frosch, stating that after the Navy finishes her services as a “special test platform” …the application (for purchase) will be give full consideration;”  A copy of the contract with the Sheraton- Chicago Hotel for the 1972 reunion, a follow up letter from the Sheraton.  A news article about the proposed scrapping, copy from one of the pilots discussing that not much has been done economically “to the Preservation of the Bunker Hill for the problems of establishing the shrine.”   4 page Fall Edition of the “The Monument- U.S.S. Bunker Hill news letter, Vol. 4, No. 1 1971.  Finally, a typed letter signed by Dan LaRusso to Mrs. Ballentine, dated January 18, 1972 on Association letterhead, he writes, “It’s rather difficult to describe my feelings when I’m with my Bunker Hill shipmates….” He asks Mrs. B if she would remember some story or short anecdote from the Admiral…”
• A HISTORY of the U.S.S. BUNKER HILL  CV-17, DECEMBER 1942 – OCTOBER 1945.     Stiff paper boards, well over 100 pages (each section numbered separately), including maps, photographs.  Comes with an original typed letter on USS Bunker Hill letterhead dated, October 20, 1945, on U.S.S. Bunker Hill letterhead, “Dear Admiral Ballentine: As you know, the Chief of Naval Operations directive for all aviation units to submit histories was recently extended to include aircraft carriers, Accordingly, the boys went to work on the life story of the BUNKER HILL.  It was suggested that as the first commanding officer of the ship you might like to have a copy, of which is enclosed herewith, with all the good wishes of a loyal crew.”  Signed by H.L. Meadow. (with copy letter.  Most of the photographs in the book show the damage done by Kamikazes during the war, after Ballentine left the ship.  Being a Navy publication, it is filled with engagements, names, places, etc.  A valuable just post wartime work.  Spine tape missing, and cover edges are folded over and torn as the covers extended the text by a good quarter inch. Intact and a usable and rare copy with ownership letter.
• Signed 8 x 10 glossy photo signed by Ballentine and another officer to Mrs. Ballentine.  Her nickname for the admiral was “Buz,”  The other officer on the left is “Billy Pownell.” Bug damage on left margin mostly, but image otherwise is fine. Lines in the admiral’s face is glare from lights above when photographed.
• Confidential Morse Cord with code sheets.
• Oval and etched single dog tag as captain, T-4-42.
• Oval and stamped single dog tag as captain, service number, T-10 -43, “O” for officer “USN” and “P” for protestant.
• Holy Bible, presented June 29, 1917 “Upon his Graduation at the United States Naval Academy.”  This is a well used copy, that looks like Admiral Ballentine used continually throughout his career.  I put the Bible her, as he most likely used it during his first combat assignment in WWII.
• Book, Fighting Fleets ,1943 Edition By Critchell Rimimgton, Dodd, Mead, & Company, New York, Blue cloth bound, 312 pages, well illustrated. Presented to Ballentine from another captain, B.P. Kemp on the inner flyleaf.  Very good copy, tight with only some partial sun fading on cover.
• Book, Helldiver Squadron – The Story of Carrier Bombing Squadron 17 With Task Force 58, By Robert Olds.  Dodd, Mead & Company, New York, 1944.  Red cloth bound, 225 pages, illustrated with maps, drawings, and photographs. Has a great presentation on an inner flyleaf, “To Admiral John J. Ballentine   Who, through his leadership and courage as captain of the “Holiday Inn” – The Bunker Hill – inspired the boys about whom this book is written – to become men, With my best wishes, Robert Olds.”  There is a two page typed letter by Olds dated January 19, 1945 – nice content. Faded spine, some spotting on cover, very good copy.  The author mentions in his letter, he was not able to name the Bunker Hill since that information had not been cleared for publication. Olds writes, “It is my sincere hope that your portrayal was accurate. There were many who wanted to tell me about you, The reports were remarkably consistent and full enough to please the writer.”
• Un-used brown leather – gold embossed name plate for flight jacket.
• Photo ID card as captain, signed,
• Hand colored card with signature, nickname “Bally” Ballentine.
• Card – Domain of Neptunus Rex,  as captain of Bunker Hill, and printed aboard ship. Dated 26 October, 1943.  Given for crossing the 180th Meridian.
• Photo ID card, as captain.
• Ship made pointer made from .50 caliber shell acting as the handle, with an aluminum shaft, ending in a copper case bullet.  “43” dated head stamp on shell.

 

John J, Ballentine (1896 -1970).  Graduated United States Naval Academy, Class of 1917.  After graduating he served during WWI on the U.S.S. Nebraska, and a few years later was aboard the U.S.S. Arizona in 1920. Later that year Ballentine reported for flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, with additional training with U.S. Army Air Corps, Carlstrom Field, Arcadia, Florida, and in pursuit plane training at Kelly Field, San Antonio, Texas.

May of 1921, he reported to the Atlantic Fleet, Torpedo Plane Division, for duty with the first torpedo plane squadron in the fleet.  In June of 1922, he was Officer In Charge, Naval Air Detail, Naval Proving Ground, Dahlgren, Va, where he served until February 1926. During that time, he worked with Carl Norden, a Navy consultant, who designed his first bombsight in 1922, and then Lieutenant Ballentine put it through its original tests, and later tested the first production model; he also controlled from the ground, the first airplane operated under radio control.

In the late 1920’s, Ballentine assumed command of Observation Squadron 11, serving in the Asiatic and made to special trips to Tokyo, Japan to make official inspection of Japanese naval aviation and aircraft manufacturing facilities.

During the early years of WWII, he was the executive officer of the U.S.S. Ranger in 1941, and later that year assumed command of the U.S.S. Long Island, a converted merchant ship with a flat top only.  On January 2, 1943 he reported to the Bethlehem Steel Company, Quincy, Massachusetts, to fit out the U.S.S. Bunker Hill, which he commanded from her commissioning from May 25, 1943 to February 5, 1944. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal for “conspicuous gallantry in intrepidity in action against enemy Japanese forces during the assaults on Rabaul Harbor and the invasion and occupation of the Gilbert Islands in November 1943.

In February 1944, he was promoted to Rear Admiral, and reported for duty as Deputy and Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander, Aircraft, Pacific Fleet, at Pearl Harbor until October 1944. After a brief duty as commander of Carrier Division 7, under Admiral Halsey’s 3rd Fleet, from June until August 1945, with his flag in the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard. On August 15, planes from his division in the 3rd Fleet were launched against Japan, not knowing at the time that two atomic bombs had been dropped on Japan. Admiral Halsey sent out instruction to recall all aircraft from the attack on the Japanese homeland.  In his message, he said that all pilots will not shoot down any enemy aircraft with vindictiveness but to shoot them down in a “Friendly” manor (at this point the order related to Kamikazes apparently unaware of the surrender talks then beginning between the Allies and Japan. The Bon Homme Richard dealt with 70 some Kamikazes that day.  Halsey ordered all ships in the fleet, to raise their battle flags, and for all officers to send up their own flags. Ballentine said in his diary, it was the first time he had flown his flag in action,  Shortly after, he was reassigned as Fleet Liaison Officer for the Commander in Chief, and Supreme Commander for the Allied Forces, Pacific. Ballentine had the honor of landing at Atsugi Airport on August 30, 1945, in the airborne occupation of Japan and of escorting General of the Armies, Douglas MacArthur to the surrender ceremonies aboard the U.S.S. Missouri on September 2, 1945.

He was awarded the Legion of Merit (second gold star), and the citation better sums up his importance in the Pacific Theater, ” …for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Liaison Officer between the CinCPac (Nimitz) and the Supreme Commander for the Allied Forces for the Occupation of Japan (MacArthur) from 30 August to 20 December 1945. Rear Admiral Ballentine, as the representative of the CinCPacFlt accompanied the Supreme Commander on his flight into Japan on 30 August 1945 and thereafter rendered outstanding service and displayed commendable initiative in connection with the arrangements for the formal surrender of Japan, the recovery of Allied personnel from Japanese prison camps, the repatriation of the Japanese from overseas, the seizure of Japanese naval vessels, stations, and equipment, and the removal of mines from Japanese waters. Rear Admiral Ballentine’s conduct was at all times with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

He had several assignments after the war, and in July 1947, assumed command of Carrier Division One, in the Mediterranean in the U.S.S. Midway, that winter, and then commanded the Sixth Fleet in the U.S.S. Roosevelt 1948-49.  In April of 1951, he became the Commander Air Force, Atlantic Fleet, and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1954.  Much, much more in his career to go into here.