Lot 286

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Description:

WW II; IWO Jima's Renee Gagnon ALS on New Year Eve 1943

Gagnon who was the battalion runner (messenger) for Easy Company, became a part of what was most likely the most celebrated American flag raising in U.S. history

Autograph Letter Signed by Renee Gagnon who was the battalion runner (messenger) for Easy Company, became a part of what was most likely the most celebrated American flag raising in U.S. history. Dated "Charleston D.C. December 31st, 1943", and signed by Renee Gagnon "Love you as ever / Renee / xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx". The letter is on marine corp stationary with a spectacular 3 color (red, white and blue) emblem bearing the American Eagle and two American flag. 6.75" x 10.5"

Gagnon was  transferred to the Marine Guard Company at Charleston Navy Yard in South Carolina and remained there for eight months. On April 4, 1944, he joined the Military Police Company of the 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, California. On April 8, 1944, he was transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division. In September, the 5th division left Camp Pendleton for further training at Camp Tarawa, Hawaii. The 5th Division trained there to prepare for the assault on Iwo Jima by three Marine divisions of the V Amphibious Corps (code named "Operation Detachment"). 

However shortly before his mission training, on New Years Eve while in Charlestown, he writes a love letter, longing for normalcy, shown in part below;

"Dearest Darling...

Well as you noticed by the date, this is New Years Eve, and I guess there won't be no celebrating this year, as I'm in duty tonight... I certainly hope that the New Year brings victory, don't you, so we can all be together next Christmas... 

Right now the radio is tuned in to Kate Smith, and she's singing all old songs... it seems to bring me back to that time that when my mother saw my father go to war, I guess she never dreamed that one day, she'd have a son thats[sic] would also be in the service. And by the way I've got the swellest girl in the world waiting for me too..."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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November 11, 2020 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

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