December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 77:
Description
This is an exceptional and historically rich grouping belonging to Captain John Mitchell Sheehan, USN, a distinguished naval aviator whose career spanned the critical early years of US military flight, from WWI service through World War II, as confirmed by his logbooks and extensive official documentation. Sheehan was Naval Aviator 484. The lot centers around two US Navy Aviators Flight Log Books Log Book and Log Book II, both clearly marked with his name and rank, which provide tangible, handwritten records of his early training and active flights from at least 1924 through 1935. These entries detail flights in early naval aircraft such as the DH-4, VE-7, and F5L flying boat, with activities including advanced instruction, bombing practice, and towed target practice, chronicling the development of naval aviation tactics.
The collection is significantly enhanced by multiple official documents which confirm his promotions and extensive service. These include his impressive Presidential Commission signed by Herbert Hoover appointing him Lieutenant Commander in the Navy in 1932. Other documentation confirms his rank progression to Captain by November 1942 and a Statement of Service dated December 1946 showing his career span from enlisted inactive service in 1917 to active officer service through 1946, confirming service through World War II. A personnel records letter dated 1989 further details his WWII service, listing his entitlement to the American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal and World War 2 Victory Medal, while another document records him reporting for duty aboard the U.S.S. Wyoming in 1932. Accompanying these documents is a rare, early issue US Naval Aviator Wing , a full-sized gold-toned metal badge, which solidifies this collection as an in-depth, documented view into the long and pioneering career of a pivotal WWI-era Navy flyer who rose to the rank of Captain.
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