World War II

8-1. Eisenhower on Presentation Card.

Rather scarce form of Eisenhower’s signature, as Supreme Commander on ivory card, deeply  steel-engraved in Army green, bronze, and metallic silver with Headquarters insignia,  “Autograph” in black. 2¾ x 4½. Boldly signed in darkest brown-black, trifle offset by his hand  or blotter. Light foxing freckles, small stain at blank right edge, else about fine and unusual. •  With original letter of transmittal from Lt. Col. C. Craig Cannon, Aide to Gen. Eisenhower, on  stationery “Allied Powers Europe / Office of the Supreme Commander,” Jan. 23, 1952, 8 x  10¼. To admirer Katie Anderson, Houston. “Gen. Eisenhower is happy to furnish his  autograph for you. Enclosed is a card embossed with the headquarters’ insignia which he  signed for you with best wishes.” Original folds, some handling evidence, else very good. •  Glossy, 8 x 10, modern print, of an impressive wartime gathering of twelve World War II  American Generals, including Patton, Spaatz, Eisenhower, Bradley, Hodges, et al. An  interesting group. $275-350 (3 pcs.) 

8-2. Halsey on his Fleet Letterhead.

Sheet of stationery imprinted in blue “Commander Third Fleet” with four-star flag, bold  signature “W.F. Halsey” centered in top half, with T.L.S. below of Flag Lt. W.J. Kitchell, Apr.  10, 1945. To Eleanor Scanlan, Westerly, R.I. 7¼ x 10¼. “In accordance with your request,  Adm. Halsey has asked me to forward to you the above copy of his signature.” (The signature  is not a “copy,” but original.) Graduated brown toning, judged from placement in a period  album, five horizontal folds, one passing through signature, tip wrinkles from mounting  corners, else good plus, and a highly desirable war-date example. Very scarce thus. “During  Sept. 1944-Jan. 1945, (Halsey) led the Third Fleet during campaigns to take the Palaus, Leyte  and Luzon, on many raids on Japanese bases, and during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. He returned  to the combat zone in late May 1945 to command the Third Fleet through the end of the  Pacific War and was present when Japan formally surrendered on the deck of his flagship,  USS Missouri...”--history.navy.mil. $140-190

8-3. Supreme Allied Commander.

Close of postwar T.L.S. of (Gen.) M.B. Ridgway, first commander of 82nd Airborne in World  War II; helped plan Operation Overlord, then actually jumped with his troops at Normandy.  In Korea, led 8th Army in recapture of Seoul, succeeding MacArthur as Commander-in-Chief.  Attractively matted with portion of his letterhead displaying home address in Pittsburgh, and  dramatic photo, 2½ x 4½, showing Ridgway in field, in trench coat and helmet, a hand  grenade (and a first aid packet often mistaken for a second grenade) at the ready. His fountain  pen fine at his initials, then the ink gaining to rich black at “Ridgway.” V.F. Omar Bradley  described Ridgway’s work turning the tide of the Korean War as ‘the greatest feat of personal  leadership in the Army’s history.’”--wikipedia. $60-80 

8-4. “My recent appointment to be Chief of Staff....”

Superb T.L.S. of Gen. M.B. Ridgway, on letterhead “Allied Powers Europe, Supreme  Commander,” May 26, 1953, 5½ x 8. To Sen. Edward Martin, Washington. “...I am most  appreciative of your congratulations on my recent appointment to be Chief of Staff of the  Army. I approach the assumption of the responsibilities...with a sense of deep and humble  humility. You may be assured that my every effort will be devoted to the task of developing a  sound fighting Army dedicated to the highest traditions of the military service, and entirely in  accord with our democratic institutions. Your expressions of friendship and cooperation are most encouraging to me as I approach the  great task ahead.” Blue “received” handstamp neatly applied at lower right, “Edward Martin, United States Senator,” pencil “44” at  upper left, else very fine. $175-225

8-5. Survivor of the Bataan Death March.

Bold signature on card of Medal of Honor recipient “J.M. Wainwright / General USA,” in Waterman blue on pale cream, 3 x 5. Sent to  The Philippines in Dec. 1941 (Manila had been bombed in synchrony with Pearl Harbor), Wainwright soon succeeded MacArthur as  Commander-in-Chief. Defending Bataan and Corregidor, he was taken prisoner by the Japanese, enduring the Bataan Death March and  a long imprisonment. The highest-ranking American P.O.W. of the war, Wainwright was rescued in 1945 in time to rejoin MacArthur  aboard the Missouri for Japan’s surrender, though a gaunt figure. Receiving his fourth star several weeks later, a ticker tape parade in  New York’s Canyon of Heroes was held in his honor. $110-140 

8-6. America’s Hot - and Cold War Warrior.

Photo of Gen. Omar N. Bradley, one of World War II’s elite handful of five-star general officers,  boldly signed in black marker on white lower mount. Trimmed to 7½ x 9¾. Postwar pose, in  uniform, with official Dept. of the Army imprint in purple on verso, partly covered by collector’s  typewritten biography of Bradley, dated 1979. A member of West Point’s Class of 1915, “the class  the stars fell on”: Eisenhower and 57 other fellow classmates became generals! “From the  Normandy landings through the end of the war in Europe, Bradley had command of all U.S.  ground forces invading Germany from the west; he ultimately commanded forty-three divisions  and 1.3 million men, the largest body of American soldiers ever to serve under a U.S. field  commander”--wikipedia. Bradley later served as the first Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, the  fifth and last General of the Army – and head of the V.A., notably improving its health care  system, his hard work clearly compromised since. Bradley served as chief military policymaker  during the Korean War. Trim variation easily remedied by matting, else very fine and clean.  $175-225

8-7. From Tripoli to Tokyo.

Handsome photo of Gen. Mark W. Clark, America’s first World War II commander of ground forces in Europe, then commander in  North Africa and Italy. Inscribed in uncharacteristic purple, “To Ralph Delligatti / from his friend....” 8 x 10 glossy. Official Army  photo, taken 1952 at his desk in Tokyo; probably signed c. 1970s. Commander of the first American field army overseas - the Fifth Army  - Clark became the youngest American to be General (in 1945). Succeeding Ridgway (see Lots 8-3, 8-4), Clark was head of the UN  Command in Korea, and is credited with coining the phrase “intelligence community.” Some smudging of inscribee’s name, presumed  by Clark’s hand, minor blind handling evidence, soft bend at lower right tip, else a crisp, flattering image, and fine. $65-85 

8-8. “A photograph of me in battle dress.”

Pleasing pair of Gen. Mark W. Clark items: T.L.S. as Pres. Emeritus of The Citadel, Charleston, S.C., June 17, 1970, 8½ x 11. To J.R.  Wilson, Indiana. “...I have forgotten what the award was that you presented. I note your desire to have a photograph of me in battle  dress. The one I enclosed is the only one I happen to have.” Very fine. • With splendid semi-matte photo, 4 x 5, showing Clark with full  “fruit salad,” inscribed in blue ballpoint, “...With the best wishes of Mark W. Clark.” Choice. • Original envelope, printed cornercard  “Gen. Mark W. Clark, U.S.A., Ret., Francis Marion Hotel, Charleston....” Postal wear, else very good. $225-275 (3 pcs.) 

8-9. Leader of “Thirty Seconds over Tokyo.”

Color photo of Medal of Honor recipient (Gen.) J(immy) H. Doolittle, taken in later years, signed in blue on light field. 8 x 9¾.  “Courtesy Mutual of Omaha” imprint. Doolittle led the Apr. 1942 raid over Japan, providing a much-needed morale boost for America.  It is estimated that the Japanese killed 250,000 Chinese while searching for Doolittle’s crew after their post-mission landing there.  Victory followed at Midway about six weeks later, and the Japanese advance in the Pacific was halted. Few short blind postal creases,  else about very fine and wonderful for display. $80-110 

8-10. “Have been on the jump....”

Uncommon 1945 T.L.S. of Lt. Gen. J.H. Doolittle, on letterhead “Headquarters, Army Air Forces,  Washington,” with typewritten address “Carlyn Apts., 2500 Q St., N.W...,” Oct. 4. 1945, 8 x 10½.  To Francis Fendley, Washington. “Have just returned to Washington...Am leaving tomorrow  morning at daylight for Los Angeles. Have been on the jump since my return from overseas. Do  not have time to do any writing now and doubt if I shall in the future. As a matter of fact, my  earnest desire at the moment is to ‘sit’ for a while.” “Save” and “...Buy War Bonds” logos. Uniform  toning, bold black signature, considerably more expansive than in later years, and fine plus. Good  content - and context. In 1948 Doolittle advocated desegration of the military, noting then, “I am  convinced that the solution to the situation is to forget that they are colored”--wikipedia.  $160-220

8-11. A Rare Naval Variant.

Imposing matte photograph signed “C.W. Nimitz / Fleet  Admiral / USN,” 8 x 10, seated in front of a world map,  Brazil seen just over one shoulder. Inscribed “To Edwin H. LeBaker - with best wishes....” A  member of the elite five-star club, Nimitz became Admiral and Commander-in-Chief of the  Pacific Fleet ten days after Pearl Harbor; his appointment could not be made on a battleship  according to custom - as they had all been destroyed or disabled. This photo may be dated  between Dec. 1944, when he was made Admiral of the Fleet, and Nov. 1945, when he was further  promoted to Chief of Naval Operations; he was America’s last surviving Fleet Admiral. In cold  grey ink, across light portion of photograph. Some minor blind handling evidence, uniform  toning to eggshell white, else fine, and elusive from this period. (Not to be confused with  photographs of the Missouri ceremony signed by Nimitz with rank “Fleet Admiral,” but in later  years.) Actually once court-martialed - at the tender age of 23 when his destroyer ran aground in  The Philippines - by the time of Pearl Harbor, Nimitz already boasted some 36 years of naval  experience. He was largely responsible for the successful island-hopping campaign against the  Japanese. It is Nimitz’ signature that appears on Japan’s instrument of surrender, representing the U.S. (Also see Halsey signed  photograph.) $950-1250

8-12. America’s Titan of the South Pacific.

Wonderful, indeed cinematic photograph of Admiral William F. “Bull” Halsey, who succeeded  Nimitz as Admiral of the Fleet. Inscribed in darkest blue on mid-toned portion, “To Elaine /  with much love from (I hope) a fellow Pacific warrior / Bill,” with excellent contrast. 8 x 10,  semi-matte. Fortuitously at sea aboard his flagship aircraft carrier USS Enterprise when Pearl  Harbor was attacked, just weeks later Halsey led the strikes on the Marshall and Gilbert  Islands. His carrier task force took part in Doolittle’s Raid. Named Commander of Allied naval  forces in the South Pacific, he defeated the Japanese in the epic three-day battle off the  Solomon Islands in Nov. 1942. Made Adm. that same month, he took command at a critical  stage of the Guadalcanal campaign. Halsey replaced Nimitz as Admiral of the Fleet in Dec.  1945. In white mat, with old tape on verso of photo; few contact arcs, visible only from certain  angles, else fine plus, and one of the most charismatic photographs we have handled of a  World War II leader (understandably rivaled by Churchill). $275-375  

8-13. Omar Bradley’s 50th West Point Reunion – and an Old Controversy from 1915.

Highly interesting, lengthy personal T.L.S. of Gen. Omar N. Bradley, signed “Brad,” on his letterhead with gold-fringed red flag bearing  five stars. Washington, Nov. 25, 1964, 7 x 8½. To Earl (M. Price, fellow member of West Point’s Class of 1915). “...As to Mason, a  decision was made to invite him to the reunion and I have written him and sent him a copy of the reunion letter. I had a letter back  saying that he and his wife expect to attend. I also told him of our Class luncheon on the second Mon. of each month here in  Washington...I am sorry to hear that the doctors have a hold of you, but am glad to hear that you have a good one. Be a good patient  and we will be looking forward to seeing you at the Reunion. Det Ellis is going to break into Walter Reed in a few days for a gallbladder  operation. I had my old football knee operated on last Fall but it is about alright now. I let it go 49 years too long! They had to take the  knee cap out. I had a good pheasant shoot this week and the knee stood up fine. I still manage to keep busy. I am chairman of the  Bulova Watch Co. so I spend considerable time in N.Y. It gives us a chance to see all the shows and we are both very fond of the theatre.  It also gives us a chance to go to Switzerland most every year as we have a watch plant in Bienne, Switzerland. I will pass your letter on  to Freddie Boye....” The letter was almost certainly typed by Bradley himself, on a manual typewriter. The Class of ‘15, justifiably  renowned as “the class the stars fell on,” produced no fewer than 59 generals, including Bradley, Eisenhower – and 57 others; Bradley  was Chairman of its Reunion Committee. Old staple evidence at blank upper left, else fine and clean. • With mimeographed 3 pp. letter  from Bradley to classmates, giving schedule for the five-day affair in June 1965 at West Point and Bear Mountain. “Supper at Gene and  May Leone’s farm near Central Valley. Gene says this will be the best ever -- also that he expects us to help in the kitchen. Ike has  already signed up as chief cook...In 1960 many members brought children, grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. Your  Committee has decided that at certain functions only adults should be present....” • Original carbon copies of the letters from  correspondent Earl Price’s files, to which Bradley responded above, Nov. 16 and 17, 1964, 8½ x 11, 4 pp., manuscript corrections in  Price’s hand. Much heartwarming personal content: “...I hope to be there again and see some faces, clasp some hands...There may be a  few that I have not seen in half a century...A $50 average, is to be commended...Very few Army officers have starved in our time,  although many have been denied the opportunity to capitalize fully their possibilities in an economic way (as well as a military way).  You and I both know of some in our own class who have gotten together a pretty fair coin collection...and alas, we know of others who  have tasted adversity...I have only this thought for Walt Hess: that we remember, when we are together again, to stand up in a row, fill  our glasses and think sentimentally of the fine 1915 men who have preceded us to their reward....” Price’s second letter to Bradley was  intended to be “entirely different,” dealing with a controversial individual who was once in undefined legal difficulty, who may wish to  attend the 50th. “Now I have no doubt that such a thought will cause controversy...Men like...Eisenhower...would not oppose it...The  evidence was circumstantial, although sufficient to convince a majority of a Court. But courts are composed of human beings, and  humans do make mistakes...I believe you were on the Cadet Vigilance Committee over fifty years ago when all this happened. You took  the severe view...and reproached a few 1915 men for not taking a more stern attitude... “Thirty years ago Ike Eisenhower urged a less  severe, more tolerant, attitude upon those who were at the 20th reunion, but Ike may not have any strong reason either, except only his  own generous impulses...Maybe Ike would also have something to offer again. I always thought that his remarks at the 20th, when he  was just another major, did him great credit.” In flight over Germany, Price’s P-47 Thunderbolt is believed the first plane hit by a jet  fighter in combat history. A fascinating group. $350-425 (4 pcs.) 

8-14. Gen. William C. Westmoreland.

Group of three items signed by Gen. William C. Westmoreland, commander of U.S. forces in Viet Nam, and Chief of Staff, their content  spanning the major conflicts of the twentieth century: Sprawling signature on First Day Cover for World War I hero Alvin C. York, May  3, 2000. • Even wider signature, 4½” long, on F.D.C. for World War II’s one-man Army Audie Murphy. Collector’s address label and  pencil notations on versos of each. Some pencil-carbon traces on fronts, one cover with tiny stain at blank upper edge, else both very  fine. • Apparently an early color photocopy of a color photograph, 8½ x 11, with signature against dark portion, the ink reflecting as  metallic copper. Minor tip wear, else fine. $80-110 (3 pcs.) 

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