Rites and ceremonies

Original caption: "The No. 1 shellback receives the summons for the pollywog of the President's party (Admiral Leahy)." Admiral William Leahy participates in a crossing the equator ceremony on the USS Missouri, on the return trip from Brazil. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Original caption: "Capt. Dennison publishes his summons to the Missouri's passengers and crew." Captain Robert Dennison participates in a crossing the equator ceremony on the USS Missouri, on the return voyage from Brazil. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

President Harry S. Truman (center, in white hat) participates in a crossing the equator ceremony on the USS Missouri. He is returning from a trip to Brazil. Others are unidentified. Original caption: "Davy meets the Missouri's No. 1 Polly wog." From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Original caption: "Davy serves a summons on Capt. Dennison." Captain Robert Dennison participates in a crossing the equator ceremony on the USS Missouri, on the return voyage of President Harry S. Truman from Brazil. Others are not identified. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Original caption: "Davy Jones has been sighted." President Harry S. Truman (near center, in printed shirt), First Lady Bess Truman (front row of large group, second from right), and Margaret Truman attend a crossing the equator ceremony on the USS Missouri as they return from a trip to Brazil. Others are unidentified. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Original caption: "Collecting funds for the Royal Treasury." This is a scene from a crossing the equator ceremony on board the USS Missouri on the return voyage from President Harry S. Truman visit to Brazil. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Original caption: "The Swilalah line warms up." This is a scene from a crossing the equator ceremony on board the USS Missouri on the return voyage from President Harry S. Truman visit to Brazil. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Original caption: "A full dress shot gun wedding." Scene from a crossing the equator ceremony on the USS Missouri, on the return voyage from Brazil where President Harry S. Truman made an official visit. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Original caption: The going gets rough for a would-be tough pollywog. This is a scene from a crossing the equator ceremony on the USS Missouri. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.

"Commander Wesche is just another pollywog." This is a scene from a crossing the equator ceremony on the return voyage of the USS Missouri. From the album, President Truman's Trip to Rio de Janeiro.