48 star ensign 6

[Kmsray]

Hello I have the great honor of being given my father in laws naval flag he traded for while in WWII. Our lacrosse teams do a large military honor night to support all who serve and have served in the military and this will be a great item to feature during our ceremony.

I would like to verify as much as possible for the family as well as for the military event, as we plan on displaying this flag in honor. The flag is marked with US Ensign 6 Mare Island December 1942. My father in law believes this was a battleship ensign and wanted go get opinion on what type and size of ship this flag would typically be assigned to.

Appreciate the help and God Bless Our Troops.

[NAVA1974]

Hi,

Your 17-foot long flag is of a common size that could have been used on many naval installations on land or aboard ships. It is actually rather small for a battleship ensign. A battleship flies a US Ensign No. 1 which, if I recall correctly, is about 20 x 38 feet.

The flags that were raised on Iwo Jima during WW II were also made at the Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

Nick A
Columbia Maryland

[csaanv]

Hi Kmsray,
What a great keepsake. Could you post some photos?
Thanks!