July 2017 Auction Ends Thursday, July 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/27/2017
World War II autograph letter signed by the rarest of the Iwo Jima flag raisers, Ira H. Hayes. Here, Hayes writes on ''Semper Fidelis'' Marine Corps stationery to his family in 1942, shortly after enlisting in the Marine Corps Reserve. Letter reads in full, uncorrected for small errors, ''Pretty tired right now, had a long rugged day. About 9:30 now go to bed in 15 minutes, so I have to write fast. I haven't answered much letters science [since] Sunday. I got your package yesterday + was very glad you sent the candy. Training pretty hard now, many of the city boys have lots of trouble. That I just can't stop feeling sorry for them. But there taking it calmly. Were just now learning positions of shooting. Coaches come over + sit on top of us twist our arms + legs + body all kind of ways + is really to much of a strain of the bigger, heavier fellows. We shot for record with a pistol yesterday. Don't know if we qualified yet. But from what the boss; most of us should qualify. We'll know on the last day of our 3 weeks here. Wednesday will be the time we will start shooting rifle for the rest of our stay here. Range is really large here all kind of odd targets run by electricity. Will shot from 200 + 300 + 500 yards, quick fire + slow fire. Which will be really interesting. Getting cold here now. We have real heavy fogs here in the mornings. And you remember we march 1 1/2 mi to each meal. Corporal got radio yesterday got KTAR not long ago. Darvins O'Kay only at times think he gets lonely or home sick. But were both doing all right. I'm getting sleepy now. Guess I'll close here. Hoping you are all right. I am so please don't worry about me. I know what I'm here for. So I'm making myself self reliant. Well everybodys going to bed. So I'll close here. Your loving Son + Brother / Ira Hamilton Hayes / I enclose some clippings I hope you will read.'' Two page letter one one sheet of Marine Corps stationery is composed in red pen. Folds and light soiling, otherwise near fine.
Ira Hayes Autograph Letter Signed From 1942 During Marines Recruit Training -- ''...Were just now learning positions of shooting...I know what I'm here for. So I'm making myself self reliant...''
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