Military
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342.      John Rodgers (1812-1882) Admiral. Rodgers took command of the Ironclad Monitor Weehawken in July 1862. After successfully navigating her from Brooklyn to Charleston through the same storm that sank the USS Monitor, he distinguished himself during the attack on Fort Sumter in May 1863, and in capturing the Confederate ram Atlanta on June 17, 1863. The latter service won him the promotion to Commodore and Christopher Raymond Perry Rodgers (1819-1892) Admiral. He served in the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, as Superintendent of the Naval Academy, and Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Squadron. 8 ½” x 13 ¼” partially printed document signed, Navy Department, September 17, 1874 directing an unidentified naval officer to “…report to Rear Admiral Rodgers, without delay….” The document is signed by C. R. P. Rodgers for the Secretary of the Navy and twice by John Rodgers as Commandant of the Mare Island Navy Yard. Minor paper loss at the right and left margins.

$300 to $500

343.      Raymond P. Rodgers (1849-1925) Admiral. Rodgers was the second head of the Office of Naval Intelligence. During the Spanish-American War he served as executive officer of the battleship USS Iowa. For his "imminent and conspicuous conduct" in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba which destroyed Admiral Pascual Cervera's squadron, he advanced five numbers in grade. 7 ¾” x 12 ¼” autograph letter signed, two pages, U. S. S. Tennessee, New York, July 3, 1883, to Rear Admiral George H. Cooper.  “…After an illness of more than two months I find my wife's condition to be such as to give me considerable alarm. For several weeks the one under the care of Dr. Hoehling, in Washington, who finding that her disease did not yield to treatment advised that she should have a change of air and scene. Since her arrival in Orange, N.J., she has become decidedly worse, until her strength and general condition have fallen so low as to cause decided apprehension for her recovery. This ship is about to sail on a voyage which, I understand, will be of some five weeks duration. As my wife's illness during the coming month will certainly be critical I desire to ask that I may be granted a leave of absence from this ship, if this be deemed impossible I should feel obliged to ask for my detachment, a step I should take with the greatest reluctance..." The reply from the Admiral reads; "For the reasons stated above, leave of absence of the Tennessee from the United States-Upon the return of the ship to a northern port of the U.S., you will report on board, without delay – Leave your telegraphic address."   

$300 to $500

344.      William A. “Billy” Bishop (1894-1956) Canadian flying ace. Bishop was a WW I ace officially credited with 72 victories, the highest number for a British Empire pilot. 7” x 9 ¼” photograph of a painting of Bishop, mounted to 10 ¼” x 13 ¼” signed on the mount under his image “To Louise My first copy of my first photograph as A. M. Billy.” There is a small tear in the lower margin that is repaired on the reverse with tape, there is no show through. 

 $200 to $400

 

345.      William Lambert (1894-1982) World War I Air Ace.  Lambert, born in Ironton, Ohio became a fighter pilot in the British Royal Flying in 1918. He was credited with the destruction of twenty-two German aircraft and received the British Distinguished Flying Cross from King George V. 8 ½” x 11” original pencil drawing of five fighter planes, drawn and signed by Lambert, who dates the drawing “19-8-18.”  Lambert drew this sketch for his book, Combat Report. 

$400 to $700

 

346.      Eddie Rickenbacker (1890-1973) World War I ace. Rickenbacker was awarded the Medal of Honor for shooting down 26 enemy airplanes in World War I. 5” x 3” card with a “Wright Brothers” commemorative stamp affixed, signed through the stamp. 

$100 to $200


347.      Eddie Rickenbacker.
Check signed, Chemical Bank, August 3, 1971, payable to Adelaiide Rickenbacker. The cancellation stamp touches the beginning of the signature.  

 $150 to $250

 

348.      Jimmy Doolittle (1896-1993) General. Doolittle led a daring raid on Tokyo, for which he received the Congressional Medal of Honor. He commanded air operations on many fronts, including attacks on Germany in 1944-1945. 7 ¼” x 10 ½” typed letter signed, personal stationery, February 25, 1972, to George T. Banister. “…Will be pleased to autograph your book; look forward to seeing you at the banquet….” 

$ 75 to $150

 

349.      James H. Doolittle. 5” x 3” card with a “U. S. Army” commemorative stamp affixed, signed through the stamp.  

$100 to $200

 

350.      James “Johnnie” Johnson (1915-2001) British air ace. Johnson shot down 38 enemy aircraft in the skies over Western Europe between June 1941 and September 1944. 8” x 10” black and white photograph of his Spitfire, signed. 

 

$ 75 to $150

 

351.      Erich Topp (1914-2005) U-Boat Commander. Topp operated mainly against convoys in the North Atlantic, sinking 30 ships and crippling several others on ten patrols. One of his victims during this period was the destroyer USS Reuben James, the first United States warship to be sunk in WWII on October 31, 1941. 10” x 8” black and white photograph signed.

 $75 to $150

 

352.      Hans Ulrich Rudel (1916-1982) German dive-bomber pilot. Rudel flew 2,530 combat missions and successfully attacked many tanks, trains, ships, and other ground targets, claiming a total of 2,000 targets destroyed - including 800 vehicles, 519 tanks, 150 artillery guns, a destroyer, two cruisers, one Soviet battleship and nine aircraft which he shot down. He was the most highly decorated German serviceman of the war. 4” x 6” note card with his color photograph on the cover, signed on the inside.


 

 

$150 to $300

 

353.      George C. Marshall . (1880-1959) General, statesman. Marshall was the Army Chief of Staff at the outbreak of World War II and played a critical role in training the massive new army, drawing up strategic plans and appointing top military personnel. 7” x 9” typed letter signed, Office of General of the Army, August 17, 1954, to Julius Klein. “…thanks for your letter of August 7 and for the enclosed clipping. I greatly appreciate your generous expressions and value your goodwill and opinion….”  

$200 to $400

 

354.      Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) General. MacArthur was one of the best-known American military leaders of World War II, when he commanded Allied forces in the southwest Pacific, in post-war Japan, and in the Korean War. 5” x 8” letter to MacArthur, dated May 19, 1944, requesting his autograph, signed at the bottom. A rare war-date example. 

 

$150 to $300

 


355.      Douglas MacArthur.
8” x 10 ½” typed letter signed, New York, August 12, 1963, to Don Quigley. “…Thank you very much for your cordial note…I greatly appreciate your kindly sentiments….” Includes the original envelope and a second envelope from MacArthur’s war-time headquarters, Southwest Pacific Area, cancelled October 14, 1943 and signed by the base censor.

 

 

 $250 to $450

 

356.      Holland “Howlin’ Mad” Smith (1882-1967) Marine General. Smith is called the "father" of modern amphibious warfare. On the eve of World War II, General Smith directed extensive Army, Navy, and Marine amphibious training, which was a major factor in successful U.S. landings in both the Atlantic and Pacific. 5” x 3” card signed, “To Mr. and Mrs. Dorney. Kindest personal regards. Sincerely, H. M. Smith General U. S. M. C. Tetd 1/10/47.” 

$100 to $200

 

357.      Jonathan M. Wainwright (1883-1953) General. Wainwright was stationed in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He took command after General Douglas MacArthur was ordered to leave and led the gallant but vain fight that ended in the surrender of Bataan and Corregidor. Wainwright spent the remainder of the war in a series of Japanese prisoner of war camps. Liberated in Manchuria in 1945, the frail, emaciated general took part in the formal surrender ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. His book, General Wainwright’s Story, Doubleday & Co., 1949, signed on the front free endpaper, “To Lieut Max J. Allen, Jr. U. S. N. R. – Sincerely J. M. Wainwright General U. S. A.- (Retired). The dust jacket shows wear.

 

 

$300 to $500

 


358.      Jonathan M. Wainwright
. 5” x 3” card with a “Mississippi Territory” commemorative stamp affixed, signed in green ink through the stamp.  

 $100 to $200

 

359.      Generals. Maxwell D. Taylor (1901-1987) Taylor jumped into Normandy on June 6, 1944, with his men. He was the first Allied general to land in France on D-Day. He commanded the 101st Airborne Division for the rest of the war and Lucius Clay (1897-1978) Clay was a leader in mobilization for World War II, overseeing army production and procurement. In 1944 he was put in command of supply bases in Normandy for the Allied thrust into Germany. 5” x 3” cards with stamps affixed signed. The card Taylor signed has a “Defense” stamp, he signs under the stamp and Clay has signed through a “Credo” stamp. A transmittal letter from Clay’s secretary is included.  

$100 to $200

 

360.      James Gavin (1907-1990) General.  Gavin was the youngest Major General commanding a division during World War Two. During combat, he was known for his habit of carrying an M1 Garand rifle, as opposed to the pistols traditionally carried by officers. Gavin fought against segregation in the Army, which gained him some notoriety. His book, War and Peace in the Space Age, Harper and Brothers, 1958, first edition, signed on the title page, “Boston, Mass. July 20, 1982 To John Flint with best regards James Gavin.” The dust jacket is rubbed and the price has been clipped.

 

 

 

 

$100 to $200

 

361.      “Short Snorter.” A short snorter is a banknote which circulated during World War II. Generally it was either signed by a group of friends to commemorate and remember the bonds of friendship or it would be linked into an informal drinking club, where those without had to buy a round for the others. At which point the “Short Snorter” would be used. A well worn Hawaii issued (1935 series) dollar bill “Short Snorter” dated on the reverse December 19, 1943 with at least twenty-six signatures on the front and back, including James Roosevelt (1907-1991) and Chester W. Nimitz. The bill is worn and many signatures are faded or faint, Nimitz’s is clear and dark. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$400 to $800


 

362.      Ernest King (1878-1956) Admiral. King was a brilliant strategist and organizer. He served as both Commander-in-Chief of the United States Fleet and Chief of Naval Operations during World War II. 3 ½” x 2” card with a Saratoga commemorative stamp affixed, signed across the stamp.

 $100 to $200
 

363.      William F. “Bull” Halsey (1882-1959) Admiral. Halsey led the Third Fleet, working in tandem with MacArthur, to execute the strategy of “island hopping” which led to the defeat of Japan. 3 ½” x 2” card with a United States Navy commemorative stamp affixed, signed across the stamp.

$100 to $200
 

364.      Marc Mitscher (1887-1947) Admiral. Mitscher was served as commander of the Fast Carrier Task Force in the Pacific in the latter half of World War II. 5” x 3” card signed. His name and rank are typed under his signature, mounting corner remains in each corner. The original mailing envelope is included. The envelope is franked by Mitscher and post marked October 11, 1945 (one month before the end of the war)

$200 to $300
 

365.      Claire Chennault (1890–1958) Air Force General. Chennault served in the Army Air Corps for 20 years before retiring in 1937 because of increasing deafness. He became an air adviser to Chiang Kai-shek, and he formed the group of United States volunteer aviators called the Flying Tigers to combat the Japanese. Recalled to active duty in World War II, Chennault commanded U.S. Army Air Forces in China (1942–1945). 6 ½” x 3 ½” air mail postal cover, addressed and censored by General Chennault. Addressed to “Mrs. Peggy Rex” with Chennault’s stamped APO return address with a “Censored By” block to the lower left signed, “C.L. Chennault, Maj. Gen. U.S.A.” The envelope is cancelled October 30, 1944 and shows even toning. 

 $400 to $700

 

366.      Flying Tigers. Flying Tigers was the popular name of the 1st American Volunteer Group (AVG) of the Chinese Air Force in 1941 and 1942. They were former United States Army, Navy, and Marine Corps pilots and ground crew, recruited under Presidential sanction and commanded by Claire Lee Chennault. The group consisted of three fighter squadrons. It trained in Burma before the American entry into World War II with the intention of defending China against Japanese forces. Eight items signed by four former Flying Tiger pilots: Charles R. Bond (1915-    ) 3” x 4” photograph signed, David Lee “Tex” Hill (1915-2007) two autograph notes signed, Flying Tiger stationery, John Richard Rossi (1915-2007) two autograph letters signed, Flying Tiger stationery and a 10” x 8” printed photograph with his biography, all signed and Robert L. Scott (1908-2006) two typed letters signed, “Bob.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$150 to $300

 

367.      Gregory “Pappy” Boyington (1912-1988)  Fighter ace. Boyington flew initially with the "The Flying Tigers" in the Republic of China Air Force during the Second Sino-Japanese War. He later commanded the famous Marine Corps "The Black Sheep Squadron" during World War II. Boyington became a prisoner of war later in the war. For his Marine Corps service he was awarded the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor. Two checks written and signed, Central Bank dated May 21, 1982 and June 29, 1984. A cancellation stamp lightly touches the signature on the June check.

$ 50 to $ 75

 

368.      World War II Aviators. Ten letters, seven autographed letters, signed by ten airmen who won honors during WW II. The collection includes: C. E. “Bud” Anderson (1922-) “Triple Ace,” typed letter signed, Robert E. Galer (1913-2005) Galer received the Medal of Honor for heroism in aerial combat during the Battle of Guadalcanal, Robert J. Goebel (1923-    ) Fighter pilot based in Italy, shot down 11 German aircraft, typed letter signed, Travis Hoover (1917-2004) Hoover was one of the famous Doolittle Raiders who led the first United States retaliatory raid on Japan, Arthur F. Jeffrey who flew with the 479th F. G. and was credited with 14 “kills,”  Don Lopez (1923-2008) Lopez saw combat in China as a member of the 23rd Fighter Group. He became an ace, credited with shooting down five Japanese fighters, Carroll “Red” McColpin  British air ace with eight victories, Fred J. Olivi (1922-2004) A-bomber pilot on the Nagasaki raid, Donald J. Strait (1918-    ) Strait scored 13 ½  victories with the 361st FS, 356th Fighter Group, typed letter signed  and John F. Thornell who was a leading ace of famous 352nd FG "Bluenosers."

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

$200 to $400

 

369.      Enola Gay. The Enola Gay was the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb in the history of warfare. The bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1944. It was piloted by Paul W. Tibbets (1915-2007), Thomas Ferebee (1918-2000) was the bombardier and Theodore Van Kirk (1921-    ) served as the navigator. 10” x 8” black and white photograph of the  Enola Gay signed by the three crew members, they have added: “Pilot,” “Bombardier” and “Navigator.”  

$150 to $300

 

370.      Enola Gay. 8” x 10” printed poem, First Atomic Strike Force, signed by Paul W. Tibbets, Tom Ferebee, Theodore Van Kirk and Tail Gunner George R. Caron. Each has added their job on the flight. 

$100 to $200

 

 


371.      Paul W. Tibbets
(1915-2007 ) Pilot of the Enola Gay.
The Enola Gay was the first aircraft to drop an atomic bomb in the history of warfare. The bomb was dropped on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1944. His book, The Flight of the Enola Gay, Buckeye Aviation Book Company, 1989, soft bright yellow cover, no dust jacket, signed on the dedication page “To Luke Potter, With Best Regards, Paul W. Tibbets 2-17-90.”  The book has also been signed by bombardier Thomas Ferebee (1918-2000) and Theodore Van Kirk (1921-    ) who served as the navigator. The book is in pristine condition.  

 $250 to $400

 

372.      Thomas Ferebee. 8 ½” x 11” sketch that he has drawn of his right hand, signed “Tom Ferebee Bombardier of Enola Gay B-29- 6 Aug. 1945 Bombardier of Red Gremlin B-17 Europe April 1942 – Jan. 1943.” 

$150 to $300

 

 

373.      USS Indianapolis CA-35. The Indianapolis won ten battle stars for it participation in some of the most important battles of the Pacific War. She was in the Philippine Sea when attacked and sunk by a Japanese submarine on July 30th,  after delivering critical parts for the first atomic bomb, Little Boy, to the air base at Tinan. While Indianapolis sent distress calls before sinking, the Navy long claimed that they were never received because the ship was operating under a policy of radio silence. Declassified records show that three SOS messages were received separately, but none was acted upon. The subsequent delay of the rescue mission led to the loss of hundreds of sailors. About 300 of the 1,196 men on board died in the attack. The rest of the crew, 880 men, floated in the water without lifeboats until the rescue was completed four days later. 321 crewmen came out of the water alive, with 317 ultimately surviving. They suffered from lack of food and water, exposure to the elements, severe desquamation, and shark attacks. 10” x 8” black and white photograph of the ship in San Francisco Bay signed by 19 of the survivors.

 $400 to $700

 

374.      (Harry S, Truman) 12” x 14 ½” presidential citation issued to the family of Charles J. King “…Who Died In the Service of His Country in the European Area, January 11, 1944….” The document has a printed signature and is framed.   

$ 50 to $100

 

375.      Air Force. Four 5” x 3” cards with a stamp commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Air Force, signed through the stamp by: Curtis LeMay (1906-1990) General. LeMay  headed the Berlin airlift, then reorganized the Strategic Air Command into an effective means of conducting nuclear war and Air Force Secretaries, Dudley C. Sharp (1906-1987), Thomas White (1902-1965) and Eugene Zuckert (1911-2000).

 

 

 

$ 75 to $150

 

376.      Iwo Jima. The capture of the Japanese island of Iwo Jima in World War II by three U.S. Marine divisions supported by more than 800 warships and landing craft has been described as the classic amphibious assault of World War II. 12 ½” x 10” printed black and white photograph of the flag raising signed by Medal of Honor winners: Hershel Williams (1923-    ), Jack H. Lucas
(1928-    ) and George E. Wahlen (1924- ).

$ 50 to $ 75

 

377.      Generals - Korea. Two 5” x 3” cards with the “U. S. Army” commemorative stamp affixed, signed through the stamp by Mark W. Clark (1896-1984) and Matthew Ridgway (1895-1993), who has dated the card “09 Oct 86.” The letter requesting his signature has been initialed by Clark. Clark commanded the 5th Army in North Africa and in Italy. From May, 1952, to Oct., 1953, he was supreme commander of UN forces in Korea and also commander of United States forces in East Asia. Ridgway held several major commands and was most famous for salvaging the United Nations war effort in the Korean War. 

 $ 75 to $150

 

378.      Lloyd Bucher (1927-2004) Naval officer. Bucher was the Captain of the USS Pueblo, which was captured in January, 1968 by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. While monitoring North Korea, the Pueblo came under attack by North Korean forces. North Koreans boarded the ship and took her to the port at Wonsan. For the next 11 months, Commander Bucher and his crew were held as POW's by the North Koreans. Three items: 5” x 3” card with a U. S. Navy commemorative stamp affixed, signed “Lloyd M. Bucher L. M. Bucher CDR USN CO USS Pueblo GER-2,” an unsigned calling card and his signature at the conclusion of the letter requesting his autograph.

$ 50 to $ 75

 

379.      Vietnam War. Three 5” x 3” cards with commemorative stamps affixed signed by the following individuals associated with the Viet Nam adventure: Robert McNamara (1916-    ) Secretary of Defense, William Westmoreland (1914-2005) General. Westmoreland who commanded American military operations in the Vietnam War at its peak from 1964 until 1968  and Elmo Zumwalt (1920-2000) Admiral. Zumwalt was the Commander Naval Forces in Vietnam. Also includes a typed letter from Westmoreland’s secretary. 

$100 to $200

 

 

380.      Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 5” x 3” cards with commemorative stamps affixed signed through the stamps by the following military men who have served as Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff: William Crowe, Jr. (1925-2007), Lyman L. Lemnitzer (1899-1988), John M. Shalikashvili (1936-    ) and Earle G. Wheeler (1908-1975). There are also typed letters signed by Lemnitzer and Shalikashvili, on their official stationery transmitting the card. There is also a 7” x 8 ½” typed transmittal letter signed by Wheeler, personal stationery, March 1, 1964 and Crowe’s secretary sends a handwritten letter. 

 

 

 

 

$ 75 to $150

 

381.      Norman Schwarzkopf (1934-    ) General. Schwarzkopf was Commander in Chief of the United States Central Command during the Persian Gulf War against Saddam Hussein. 8” x 10” color photograph, signed in gold ink “With Best Wishes! Norman Schwarzkopf Gen, USA CINC CENTCOM,” and a 5” x 3” card with an “U. S. Army” commemorative stamp affixed, signed, he has added four stars. 

 

$ 50 to $ 75

                                             

 

 

The Written Word Autographs
PO Box 490  Tamworth, NH 03886
Phone/Fax (603) 323-7563
Email: info@thewrittenwordautographs.com