Cat carrier: Meet the feline who lived aboard Battleship North Carolina

The Battleship North Carolina, previously known as the USS North Carolina while in service, proudly holds the distinction of being the most decorated American battleship of World War II.

The ship, BB55, earned 15 battle stars, serving in every major naval offensive across the Pacific, according to the Battleship's history webpage.

However, hidden amidst the ranks of its crew once resided a feline friend, whose presence added a touch of charm and humor to the Battleship of North Carolina's storied history.

How did a cat come aboard the Battleship?

George the Cat was rescued by Ed Cope, BB55 crew member, who was aboard the USS North Carolina in 1944.

"I pulled George out of the bay at Noumea," Cope said, according to the Battleship North Carolina archive record. "The Ship's photographer made up a liberty card for him."

Nouméa is the capital of New Caledonia located in the South Province of France.

A furry feline sailor: Meet George the Cat

George the Cat's rescuers crafted a comprehensive profile for him, filled with amusingly humorous detail.

George was enlisted as a 'Navyman' on Aug. 28, 1944, with no prior service. George the Cat, Christian name General Electric, was a Catholic, according to his physical examination records. His next of kin being "the guys in the Lighting Shop: USS North Carolina" and "any old alley cat."

Quirky details about George's physical appearance accompany his record, with his complexion listed as "hairy" and his general appearance as "cattish." His eye color is listed as green and in "peachy condition." George's left ear is noted as "pointed," with the right as "pointed (too)."

A medical abstract playfully suggests George was born in Hogan's Alley, with the abstract of service document satirically indicating "born: yes."

Perhaps the smallest among his crew, George's height is listed as one foot and one inch, weighing in at merely 10 pounds. Under descriptions of spine and extremities, George's crewmates detail his "twitchy tail." As for his nervous system, documents indicate that George "worries hell out of everyone."

An anatomical drawing of George includes whiskers, pointed ears, a tail and claws atop a human outline. Dental records outline his abnormally pointed teeth. A note by the medical examiner indicates that he "doesn't really look or exactly act human."

George the Cat's fellow crew members undoubtedly recognized his qualifications, certifying him for the special duties of "(submarine) duty, aviation, diving, shore duty, and sea."

A black and white photo of George is included in his file with his serial number "69-69-69."

How long did George the Cat live onboard the ship?

Battleship North Carolina archive records indicate that George lived on the USS North Carolina for a considerable period of time.

"George lived with me in the Lighting Shop for over a year," Cope said, according to archive records.

It appears that George spent his final days on board alongside his rescuer and fellow crewmates.

Cope said George "went over the hill when (they) reached Seattle."

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Meet the cat who lived aboard the USS North Carolina in the 1940s