The story
USS Makin crossed the Equator. In the line cross ceremony, 800 pollywogs, including Rear Admiral Calvin Durgin and Captain William Whaley, were hazed and initiated by shellbacks who had previously crossed the line.
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.