August 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, August 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/28/2014
Rene Gagnon WWII autograph letter signed as a Private First Class in the U.S. Marine Corps. Gagnon was one of the six soldiers pictured in ''Raising The Flag on Iwo Jima'', the iconic image of the turning point of the war and one of the most famous photographs of all time. Gagnon writes to his sweetheart and future wife Pauline Harnois from an undisclosed location in the ''Central Pacific'' on 7 November 1944, just three months before he hoisted the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi. Tender letter reads (uncorrected for minor errors), ''Dearest Darling, Well here's an answer to your many letters I've received lately. I'm sorry I can't write everyday or as often as I'd like to, but I guess you must understand that we spend most of our time out here in the field, so that doesn't leave me much time to get down to writing letters. I received your letter today in which you told me that Mom gave you the pillow case I had sent from Frisco, I'm glad that's settled now. I'm enclosing a picture I had taken here with one of my buddies, you'll have to disregard the mustache and beard, as I don't shave every night like I used to when I was in California, or when I met you at the bus at 9:45. Remember, I used to get up always in the nick of time to keep a date with you, and one time I really got up late and I met you in front of the State Theater and I hadn't shaved; You didn't seem to mind to much, it's a good thing that didn't happen on our first date, I'd have made a heck of an impression wouldn't I? Well I can't think of anything else to write about now, and besides its about time for lights out, so I guess I'll have to close. I'll be dreaming of you darling. I'm sure anxious to see that picture of you and Mom, she wrote and told me about it too. Love as ever, Rene / P.S. Please don't worry to much when I don't write, it's because I haven't the time.'' Accompanied by the censor-stamped mailing envelope made out in Gagnon's hand in ink, including his name and return address. 2pp. letter in ink on 2 sheets of ruled stationery measures 8'' x 10''. Toning and creasing, else near fine.
Rene Gagnon Autograph Letter Signed 3 Months Before Iwo Jima -- ''...we spend most of our time out here in the field...''
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