Not long after the initial three weeks of training for the apprentice seamen at the Navy’s Great Lakes Training Station, William and Agnes Tully Stevens’ son Frank pursued further specialization. The first step in what became the focus of his career with the Navy—he eventually became a Pharmacist’s Mate—was his graduation to the rank of Hospital Apprentice, Second Class.
A somewhat time-worn but still proudly-kept certificate reminded him—and his family—of that achievement on the 29th day of May, 1942. Somehow, though he is no longer with us, that paper is still here, tucked in the material passed down to Frank’s children—and now, grandchildren.
I've never seen such a document before. A goodly number of my ancestors (great uncles and such) were in the Navy - but my grandfather didn't like them - so I never met them - let alone heard of what they did - except to know that 5 of them on 5 separate ships sailed into a port in Italy on the same day - and they accidently met up on the dock to their own amazement - not having seen each other in months or more.
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