Archive and Navy leather flight jacket belonging to Rear Admiral John Jennings Ballentine (1896 – 1970). Front of jacket with red circle and the number 1 on the left breast, the back with red dragon atop a torpedo and "VT-2B" representing the torpedo squadron VT-2B from the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. Circa 1930s. Archive consists of a framed hand drawn and colored "Red Dragon" logo of the VT-2B torpedo squadron and a collection of military photos and personal photos belonging to Ballentine. Many of the military photos detail life aboard the Naval aircraft carrier with numerous examples of the TG-2 bi-planes that were some of the earliest planes equipped with torpedos. Numerous aerial photos of the VT-2B airplane fleet and carrier are also included. Personal effects include photos of Ballentine's home and family and a handwritten letter addressed to Ballentine while an Admiral. Biography: Born in Ohio, Ballentine graduated from the U.S. Naval Acadamy in 1918. He had a long and distinguised military career, serving in both World Wars. Early in his career he became an expert in naval aviation and served on bases in Florida and Texas, in addition to the aircraft torpedo squadron of the American fleet in the Atlantic. From 1922 to 1926 he served as an officer in charge of the naval field testing in Dahlgren (Virginia ). He later served in the Far East and then in the office of the aviation department of the Navy in Washington. He was also the chief of Section Plans of the War department and later served under the command of Admiral Ernest King. In May 1943, he was appointed commander of the USS Bunker Hill and saw continuous service throughout World War II. He received numerous medals and awards acknowledging his achievement including The Silver Star, Legion of Merit, the Victory Medal, and the Yangtze Service Medal, among others. Condition: Overall wear to jacket with losses to leather, especially to arms. Tearing, losses and holes to wool fabric at neck, arms and base.