October 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, October 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2013
WWII Iwo Jima hero Rene Gagnon autograph letter signed as a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corps. Letter is datelined 27 May 1943 on Marines stationery from training camp on Parris Island, South Carolina. Gagnon was one of the six WWII soldiers elevated to icon status after appearing in the famous photograph "Raising The Flag on Iwo Jima." Love letter is addressed to his sweetheart back home, Pauline Harnois, and discusses his desire to return home to her. Reads in part: "…we just had to fall out for a little 2 1/2 hour walk with rifle and cartridge belts which weight altogether about 15lbs…You asked me how I liked the Marines well I like it pretty well, but it isn't half as nice as being with you. Honest to God, I'd rather be with you for 1 minute than be a Lieutenant in the Marines…till we meet again and that won't be so long…" Signed "Rene". Written in pencil. Includes original postmarked Navy Yard stamp envelope with return address and Gagnon's full name written in his hand. 6pp. letter on three sheets measures 7" x 10.5". Expected toning and two folds from mailing. Very good overall.
Rene Gagnon WWII-Dated Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...had to fall out for a little 2 1/2 hour walk with rifle and cartridge belts...''
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