The following text applies to this group as well the three following groups. Also, in our section of large WWII items see extensive collection of rare ribbon badges relating to WWII submarine launches. The Sun Ship And Dry Dock Company, located in Chester, Pa. a few miles south of Philadelphia, was developed by Sun Oil Company and launched its first ship in 1917 just as the US was entering WWI. At the start of WWII it was among the country's five largest ship yards with eight slipways. 20 slipways were added during the war making it the country's largest ship yard. At its peak more than 40,000 workers were employed. The company built 281 T2 tankers during WWII, about 40% of the US total. It also produced hospital ships, cargo ships and others. Typically these buttons come in the 1.5" size (see following three lots) but these are the much larger 2" versions. Each of these is individually dated between 1942 and 1944 and all name at least two ships launched on the same day while one actually names three ships launched March 23, 1943. That one has some faint scuff lines showing only in reflected light. This one displays Mint and the other six are NM displaying Mint.