Greetings all ye men of the deep sea!

Creator

Berns, Harry

Date

• May 6, 1943

Summary

• 7" x 10" certificate of proclamation from "Neptunis Rex" certifying that Lt. Cmdr. J. A. Hartman was on board the submarine U.S.S. "Puffer" during a practice dive to a depth of 312 feet in Lake Michigan on May 6, 1943. The humorous proclamation, printed on heavy card stock, is illustrated with drawings of a submarine, mermaid, and several fish surrounded by an elaborate border that includes a graphic symbol for the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, which built the "Puffer" and twenty-seven other World War II submarines. Also included as an inset is a small commissioning emblem which details the "Puffer's" building, launching, and commissioning dates, with her commissioning being April 27, 1943, shortly before this dive. The proclamation is signed on behalf of "Davy Jones" by Lt. Cmdr. M. J. Jensen who was in command of the "Puffer" at the time. J. A. Hartman, recipient of the certificate, was probably Joseph Hartman, who served in the Navy's Supervisor of Shipbuilding office at Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company, with responsibilities for inspecting construction work and witnessing tests of the submarines. There is a 1.5" embossed "Department of the Navy" seal at the bottom left, and the name "H. F. Berns" at the bottom right. Harry F. Berns was the staff artist and photographer for the Manitowoc Shipbuilding Company. He designed this and similar proclamation certificates for a number of Manitowoc-built submarines that underwent trials in Lake Michigan.