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More Than a Mascot: The Official Medical Files of George, the WWII Battleship Cat
During WWII, a stray cat named George was rescued by the crew of the USS North Carolina. To boost morale, they created hilarious 'official' medical and service records for him, cementing his legacy as a cherished member of the crew and a unique figure in naval history.
For centuries, the relationship between sailors and cats has been one of practicality and companionship. Cats controlled rodent populations that threatened ropes and food supplies, but they also offered a comforting presence during long, arduous voyages. Yet, few ship's cats have ever been as distinguished, or as humorously documented, as George, a feline crew member aboard the formidable battleship USS North Carolina during World War II.
A Fateful Discovery
The story begins in 1942 at the bustling New York Naval Yard. As the newly constructed battleship USS North Carolina (BB-55) prepared for its commission, a small, stray kitten was discovered. The sailors, perhaps seeking a distraction from the looming conflict, took the kitten in and named him George. He quickly became an indispensable part of the ship's company, a furry morale officer who patrolled the decks of one of the most powerful warships in the world.
The 'Official' History of a Feline Sailor
Life on a battleship during wartime was a mix of intense stress and long periods of monotony. To lighten the mood, some creative crew members, likely with a surplus of time and official-looking forms, decided to give George the full military treatment. They created an incredibly detailed and witty 'Official Medical History' and 'Service Record' for him, elevating him from a simple mascot to a fully-fledged, if fictional, member of the service.
His service record listed his name as 'George D. FSA,' with 'FSA' humorously standing for 'For Sweeping Alleys.' His rate was designated 'Mouser, 1st Class.' But it was his medical file that truly captured the crew's wit. His list of ailments painted a picture of a cat living his best life at sea:
Has a tendency to over-indulge, has a 'Coney Island' stomach... Has fought with several of his shipmates... result of which he has had his ear chewed.
The record also noted that he 'suffers from insomnia (on 4-8 watch),' a playful nod to the grueling watch schedules sailors endured. The lighthearted jabs continued in his 'Commendations,' which praised him as a 'conscientious sleeper, on duty and off,' an 'expert traveler and train rider,' and an accomplished 'drill and bomb-dodger.'
A Lasting Legacy of Laughter
While humorous, these documents served a vital purpose. They were a creative outlet, a shared inside joke that humanized the grim reality of war. They fostered a sense of camaraderie and gave the sailors a positive focus during a period of immense uncertainty and danger. The story of George reminds us that even in the darkest of times, people find ways to create moments of levity and connection.
Today, the tale of George lives on. His official records are not lost to time; they are carefully preserved and displayed at the Battleship North Carolina museum in Wilmington, North Carolina. They stand as a charming testament to the bond between a crew and their cat, and the enduring power of a good sense of humor on the high seas.