Over the past 20 years, the USS Midway Museum’s curatorial department, along with its library, has evolved into an incredible repository of unique Midway and Navy artifacts, classic pieces of naval art and a plethora of military books, publications and manuals.
The curatorial team was recently surprised by a one-of-a-kind Midway flag that was donated from a former Midway crewmember. The flag has been added to the museum’s distinctive and ever-growing collection.
“Midway veteran Roger Cheetam donated the Midway flag,” said Dave Hanson, Midway’s curator. “The Midway logo is the most interesting, as we had never heard of such a flag before. It joins another important Midway flag in our collections, the Tip Of The Sword battle flag, that was flown on the ship during Desert Storm.”
This newly donated flag was created using a version of the Midway’s shield logo. The donor indicated that it had been sewn by the ship’s crew and was also on board during Midway’s involvement in the Gulf War in 1991. Roger had the flag in his possession since Midway was decommissioned in 1992, but decided it belonged back on the ship.
Another donation was an American flag that contained only 48 stars that was created before Alaska and Hawaii were admitted to the union as states in 1959.
“The 48 star flag was definitely vintage and showed considerable wear and tear,” said Dave. “I can say that it probably dates between 1912 and 1959, and looks like it is made of linen. It arrived folded in the commercial bag it was sold in.”
Since the flag is fragile due to damage over the years, it will remain in storage, but could be used for special occasions at the museum.
“The 48 star flag was sent on to the curatorial freezer as we suspected that it had moth damage,” said Dave. “It could, however, be used for future Midway events and ceremonies.”
“An incredible repository of unique Midway and Navy artifacts, classic pieces of naval art and a plethora of military books, publications and manuals.”
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