The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 1048:
Description
This lot is an incredible tribute to Colonel Michael J. Quirk (1920-2006), a decorated “Double Ace” of the WWII European Theater, a true figure of the Greatest Generation. Quirk flew with the storied 62nd Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group (“The Wolfpack”), which was the first fighter unit deployed to England, where he became one of the top-scoring Republic P-47 Thunderbolt pilots. His remarkable Tally Record of 12 confirmed kills is listed in the accompanying biography, along with his numerous decorations, including the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross (with 4 OLCs), Purple Heart, and the French Croix de Guerre. He was shot down and wounded on his 100th mission in September 1944, becoming a POW at Stalag Luft I. After the war, Quirk became a Regular Air Force Officer, served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars (flying combat missions in 1968), and retired as a Colonel. The collection includes four detailed black and white prints of the P-47 Thunderbolt—the very aircraft he flew—which appear to be signed by Michael J. Quirk himself. These high-quality prints, coupled with his detailed biography and personal note, make this a uniquely complete and significant historical artifact. The prints are in excellent condition, showing only minor edge wear and handling consistent with a stored collection, with no visible tears or significant defects. Part of the John Bannister Collection. H 11″, W 17″. See photos.
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