Boatswain's Pipe of Rufus Gentry

Object/Artifact

-

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Name/Title

Boatswain's Pipe of Rufus Gentry

Description

A sterling silver boatswain's pipe engraved with "R. G. GENTRY JR. BMC - USN."

Use

A boatswain's pipe is a communication tool used to signal orders, activities, and make shipboard announcements.

Context

“If you don’t want me back on this damn tub, get me off this damn thing! I didn’t ask to come back!” --Rufus Gentry to Captain Gehres. After the March 19, 1945 attack against the USS Franklin was over, Captain Gehres promised charges and court-martials for "deserters." However, Gehres considered men blown or forced overboard deserters as well, and as such, lost the respect of many of the crew. A Boatswain's Mate aboard the USS Franklin (CV-13) during the March 19th, 1945, attack, Rufus Gentry was blown overboard by an explosion and treaded water for hours afterwards.

Collection

USS FRANKLIN CV13/CVA13/CVS13/AVT8

Acquisition

Accession

2002.00022

Source or Donor

USS FRANKLIN CV-13 Museum Association, Inc.

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

1943 - 1945

Update Date

03/05/2025