The John Bannister Collection - D-Day and Militaria
Lot 2126:
Description
An exceptional, historical grouping of World War II Pacific Theater documents and photographs, including a Japanese National Flag (Hinomaru). The core of the lot features a Task Force Thirty-One (TF-31) certificate, issued to R. B. Davis as a member of the Tokyo Bay Occupation Force for participation in the initial landing and occupation of the Tokyo Bay area and the capture of HIJMS Nagato on August 30, 1945. The certificate is facsimile signed by Brigadier General E. C. Rose (Commander U.S. Army Ports, Commander Port Landing Force), Captain R. E. Carey (Commanding Officer) -real ink, and Rear Admiral T. D. Ruddock, Jr. (Commander U.S. Naval Base, Commander Tokyo Bay Occupation Force), facsimile. Also included is a small U.S.S. South Dakota (BB-57) “Rising Sun” battle flag certificate card, dated September 2, 1945, certifying the presence of Walter Kaminski? in Tokyo Bay aboard the flagship during the formal surrender, signed in facsimile by Admiral W. F. Halsey and Captain C. P. Forrestel. Other items include two period photographs: one of a Japanese soldier in a cold-weather uniform (from an album) and another group photo of several Japanese soldiers. The main Hinomaru flag is a cotton or linen example, showing expected age and fading, with the red solar disc slightly bled into the field fabric. The paper documents show creases and age-related toning, particularly the large certificate, which has been folded. All pieces exhibit a consistent and desirable level of wear commensurate with field use and age. Flag 17” wide x 13.75” tall. Certificate 11.75” wide x 9.75” tall. Photos 5.75” x 3.75” and 2.5” x3.75”. Card 3.5”x2.5”. Please see photos.
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