Seaman’s Protection Papers 1919 to 1946- Capital Ships & Submarine S-14 & More

Seaman’s Protection Papers 1919 to 1946- Capital Ships & Submarine S-14 & More.

Protection papers, also known as “Seamen Protection Papers”, “Seamen Protection Certificates”, or “Sailor’s Protection Papers”, were issued to American seamen during the last part of the 18th century through the first half of the 20th century. These papers provided a description of the sailor and showed American citizenship. They were issued to American sailors to prevent them from being impressed on British Men of war, during the period leading to and after the War of 1812. (Wikipedia).

These papers belonged to Richard Saul Spangler, born 17 Dec., 1900 at Moore, W.Va. Under the special qualifications section on his bio sheet he is listed…”1 August, 1926, Qualified Gun Range Finder / Operator on Mk. XI, Mod. 5, 11/2 Meter Base. 1 December, 1929 Qualified for Submarine Torpedo Boat Work.  On June 30, 1924, (new enlistment) C.W. Nimitz (not signed) is listed as the recruiting officer.

I have provided photos of each page, and certificate contained here, and a list of those ships or stations in order by year, as the name of said ships etc, may not be completely visible due to the compact nature of pages where held down.

This pocket size book is covered in a hard green cloth cover.  Spangler sent a good deal of time aboard the USS S-14, an S-Class Submarine laid down in 1917, and commissioned in 1921. He remained on S-14 until she was decommissioned at Philadelphia Navy Ship Yard, in 1934. At the beginning of WWII, Spangler was assigned to the 4th Naval District, in the District Intelligence Office, and promoted to Chief Warrant rank.  In 1946, he was sent to Philadelphia Naval Hospital, and remained there until discharged in 1946. A lot of ships and other assignments; one of the longest serving seaman’s papers I have acquired over the years.

Fine condition.