USS Franklin (CV-13) Life Ring

Name/Title

USS Franklin (CV-13) Life Ring

Description

A white life ring with rope handles and "USS Franklin CV-13" printed in blue and black lettering.

Use

A piece of survival safety equipment that is buoyant and able to be used as a flotation device in the water.

Context

Donated by Medal of Honor recipient, Lt. Donald "Don" Gary. An engineering officer aboard the USS Franklin, Gary received the medal for his actions during the March 19, 1945 attack on the Franklin. Gary rescued several hundred sailors trapped in a compartment below decks, leading them in groups through the smoke and flames until all were topside.

Collection

USS FRANKLIN CV13/CVA13/CVS13/AVT8

Acquisition

Accession

2002.00023

Source or Donor

USS FRANKLIN CV-13 Museum Association, Inc.

Acquisition Method

Gift

Made/Created

Date made

1943 - 1945

Update Date

March 7, 2025