Domain of the Golden Dragon certificate and card. The certificate is in a black wood frame, 13 5/8" X 11 1/8". The card is 3 1/4" X 2 3/4".
The Domain of the Golden Dragon is an unofficial but highly coveted award of the United States Navy and the United States Coast Guard. It is given to crew members of ships that cross the International Date Line, the 180th Meridian. March 8, 1958, this USMC 1st Lt. was on the ship USNS, GEM, C.D. Barrett T-AP 196. This was a troop transport ship. USNS Barrett (T-AP-196). My only guess about why this ship crossed the Meridian in 1958 was likely to transport new troops to South Korea. We had troops there after the conflict to help rebuild the country. The certificate reads: "To all Ye Trusty Golden Dragons Wherever Ye May Be and to all mermaids, Sea Serpents, whales, sharks, dolphins, eels, skates, suckers, crabs, lobsters, and other living things of the sea Geeting: Know ye: that on 8th day of March 1958, in latitude 33 degrees - 17,'1 Longitude 180 degree 00' there appeared within the limits of Our Royal Domain the USNS, GEM.C.D. Barrett T-AP-196. Be it remembered that the said vessel, officers, crew, and passengers have been inspected and passed on by ourselves and our royal staff, and be it known: By all Ye members of the Armed Forces, Landlubbers, and others who may be honored by his presence, that 1St Lt. Samuel T. Jordan USMC having been found worthy to be numbered as one of our trusty golden dragons was duly initiated into the mysteries of the far east. Be it further understood: That by virtue of the power vested in me, I do hereby command all my subjects to show due honor and respect to him whenever he may enter our realm. Disobey this under penalty of our royal displeasure. Davey Jones, Golden Dragon, ruler of the 180th meridian. " "USNS Barrett (T-AP-196) was originally designed for the American President Lines and was launched 27 June 27, 1950, as the SS President Jackson. With the outbreak of the Korean conflict, this modern designed passenger liner was designated for service with the Military Sea Transportation Service. Probably the most outstanding popular feature of Barrett is her complete air-conditioning. Facilities include a barbershop, diet kitchen, soda fountain, laundry, library, lounges, sickbay, operating room, x-ray room, bacteriological laboratories, a nursery, and formula preparation room for dependent children. Storage spaces for the ship’s supplies, food, fuel, and equipment permit the ship a cruising range of over 10,000 miles." http://www.navsource.org/archives/09/22/22196.htm