Presentation Aluminum Ashtray To Skipper Of The USS Seawolf (SS-197) – SOLD

Description

Presentation Aluminum Ashtray To Skipper Of The USS Seawolf (SS-197).

This presentation ashtray that was given to Captain Frederick Burdett Warder, “FROM SOUTHERNMOST SUBS.”  The presentation is stamped on the rim of this nearly 4 pound ashtray made of aluminum, which must have been at one time part of an engine or some other piece of machinery.

The ashtray measures 8.5 inches at the base, by 1 3/16 inches high. Incorporated into the base of the ashtray are a submariner’s badge, and half hull model of the Seawolf. The two figures appear to be a part of the entire piece of aluminum, and not fully understanding the process, appear to be fuzed somehow.

Frederick B. Warder (1904-2000), was a highly decorated submarine officer during WWII, commanding the USS Seawolf (SS-197), and was awarded two Navy Crosses, and the Legion of Merit.  He commanded the Seawolf for over three years and 7 combat patrols.  In 1942, during the boats 4th patrol, Warder, having been extremely frustrated with the new Mk 14 torpedos, took on 3 Japanese cruisers at close range to ensure the troublesome torpedos would meet with success.  For this action, Warder was awarded his first Navy Cross, and earned the nickname, “Fearless Freddie.”  On Seawolf’s 7th combat patrol, wanting to document the continued problem with the Mk 14 torpedos, and made a test remaining stationary for a long period of time, and sent barrages of torpedos against a Japanese vessel, proving the failures of the Mk14, and having success against that ship with the old pattern torpedo Mk10.  His bravery and that of the entire crew earned them a Navy Unit Commendation, their second, and the first sub crew to do so.  Warder would receive his second Navy Cross on the same 7th patrol, sinking a 16,810 tons of Japanese vessels, and part of the total tonnage Seawolf sunk, becoming the most Sargo-class submarine of WWII.  Later in the war, Warder commanded the Naval Submarine School, at New London, Connecticut.   He retired in July of 1962 as a Rear Admiral.

Fine condition.

An historic piece of US Naval history.