November 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, November 20th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/20/2014
WWII Iwo Jima hero Rene Gagnon autograph letter signed as a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps, datelined 16 June 1943 from training camp on Parris Island, South Carolina. Letter is addressed to his love back home, Pauline Harnois, and discusses training camp, particularly drills at the rifle range. Written in ink on Marine Corps stationery, letter reads in part: ''...I am writing you from the rifle range now, we were transferred here this afternoon, boy this place is like heaven...this morning we ran what is called the bayonet course, we have to run the whole course inside of 40 seconds and we have 8 points to spare...The first time I ran I lost more than 8 points and I didn't qualify then I was given a second and last chance...Then came the great moment, I jumped up and was on my way after stabbing, jabbing and slashing the target I got to the end...The Lieutenant looked at me and said you made it...That means you'll have another medal to polish, this one is for bayonet expert...'' Signed ''Rene''. Includes original postmarked envelope with return address and Gagnon's full name written in his hand. Letter runs two pages on a single sheet. Measures 7'' x 10.5''. Expected toning and two horizontal folds from mailing, else near fine.
Iwo Jima ''Flag Raiser'' Rene Gagnon 1943 Autograph Letter Signed -- ''...I jumped up and was on my way after stabbing, jabbing and slashing the target I got to the end...''
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