Some individual researchers accompanying the Central Group made up personal cachets for use on their mail and covers. Generally used on private mail only, they are quite scarce. Both portions of this cachet are in black. Conducting geological and ice physics research in the Little America area was Dr. Arthur D. Howard of the U.S. Geological Survey.
Known impressions are black.
This was done presumably to commemorate the date that Central Group moored to the ice at the Bay of Whales. This team, which was involved in testing cold water diving gear and survival equipment, prepared a penguin handstamp incorporating an impression of the heel of a boot. To top off this exciting aspect of cachets it has been reported that at least one cover has been found with the penguin design illustrated as figure 5. Mail and collateral items were also prepared by Father William J. Menster, Chaplain, USN, aboard the U.S.S. Mount Olympus during Operation Highjump. Although aviation played a major role in Operation Highjump, it is safe to say that documented flight covers are among the most elusive to be found from the expedition.