Four WWII Era Postal Covers for Four U.S. Submarines

The group includes an envelope commemorating the laying of the keel of the USS Blower on July 15, 1943, and the cover was postmarked on that date by the U.S. Navy; a cover for the launching of the USS Salmon on June 12, 1937, unused; a cover for the laying of the keel of the USS Brill, unused; and a cover for the laying of the keel of the USS Gabilan, unused. The USS Blower made three war patrols in the Pacific. The USS Salmon was at sea in the Pacific at the time of the attack on Pearl Harbor and immediately went on the offensive. The Salmon would ultimately carry out an extraordinary 11 war patrols and would receive the Presidential Unit Citation. The USS Brill departed New London 7 December 1944 and arrived at Pearl Harbor 8 January 1945. Her war operations extended from 28 January to 9 August 1945 during which time she completed three war patrols in the South China Sea and the Gulf of Siam. Brill received one battle star for World War II service. The USS Gabilan conducted six war patrols in the Pacific and earned four battle stars for its service. The envelopes are toned with age but are in very good condition.