"Imperial Domain of Golden Dragon"
subject: United States. Navy--Ephemera; World War, 1939-1945--Military life--American
description: The card is yellow and stamped in green ink with a border of stylized oceanic images (including mermaids, fish, starfish). The text of the card reads "Imperial Domain of Golden Dragon This is to certify that Ukleja, Edmund F. was duly inducted into the SILENT MYSTERIES OF THE FAR EAST, having crossed the 180th Meridian heading for TOKYO, 27 May 1945, on board the U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD." At the bottom is a signature space, labeled His Servent, A. O. Roale (?); to the right is a space for Golden Dragon, labeled "August Ruler of the 180th Meridian." [The Domain of the Golden Dragon is an informal, unofficial award given to US Navy and Coast Guard members who pass the antimeridian line (International Date Line). The reference to the dragon is for vessels sailing west, into Asian nations. This was a very common 'award' given during WWII and was also available to British soldiers.]
date: circa 1945
type: Membership card