April 2014 Auction Ends Tuesday, April 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/29/2014
WWII Iwo Jima hero Rene Gagnon autograph letter signed as a Private First Class in the US Marine Corps, dated 22 May 1942. Gagnon was stationed at 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.'' Only three of the six soldiers in the photo survived the hard-fought Battle of Iwo Jima, and the remaining men were reportedly plagued with survivor's guilt, including Gagnon. Letter is addressed to his love back home, Pauline Harnois. Brief letter reads in full: ''Dear Kiddo, I can't say much now but please tell my mother to send envelopes and paper right away because I haven't any more. Please write and tell me what you have been doing. Love Rene''. He then additionally signs his full name ''Pvt. Rene Arthur Gagnon'' and his stationing address beneath signature. Letter on 1pp. measures 5'' x 8'' and is in very good condition. Includes original postmarked envelope addressed in Gagnon's hand, including his full name and return address.
Iwo Jima Hero Rene Gagnon WWII-Dated 1942 Autograph Letter Twice-Signed -- To His Sweetheart Back Home -- While Stationed at Training Camp on Parris Island
Click above for larger image.