Admiral John Ballentine
Details Of The Artifact
Uniforms of Admiral Ballentine, Admiral Uniforms have been updated from Rear Admiral to Vice Admiral, Captians uniform named to Ballentine as a Lt. Commander. Orginal medals awarded to Admiral Ballentine.
A Bit of history about Admiral Ballentine
Quite a few officers simply withered under Ernest King demeanor. (KIng during WWII would become Chief of Naval Operations and one of only 4 men to obtain the rank of Fleet Admiral). Admiral King was a force few could withstand, but those that did usually earned King's begrudging respect. When a torpedo plane missed the Lexington's flight deck and landed on the starboard gun gallery one afternoon, its pilot faced the inevitable summons to the bridge. John Ballentine the ill fated pilots squadron commander made it to the bridge fist.
"Ballentine", King barked, " What is wrong with your Pilots?"
"Nothing" Ballentine replied. "Your ship is not into the wind, and until it is, I will not let any more of my pilots land."
After Ballentine stormed off the bridge, King adjusted Lexington directly into the wind and recovery operations continued.
King remembered Ballentine. Later, when King returned to sea duty wearing his admiral stars, he specifically requested that Ballentine become his operations officer.