February 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, February 27th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2014
Rene Gagnon WWII autograph letter signed three times 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. From an undisclosed location in the ''Central Pacific'', he writes to his sweetheart and future wife Pauline Harnois. Dated 17 October 1944, letter reads, (uncorrected for minor errors) in part, ''...I've tried writing you a mushy letter, then I thought that they were going to censor it, so I couldn't get sentimental like I use to...I hope you didn't forget the reason I joined up in this outfit when I did, I could have stayed out quite a while, I guess you remember that...Love as ever and forever, Rene / Rene A. Gagnon''. Accompanied by the censor-stamped mailing envelope made out in Gagnon's hand in ink, including his name and return address. Single-page letter in ink on one sheet of delicate plain stationery measures 8.5'' x 11''. Toning and creasing, else near fine.
Rene Gagnon Autograph Letter Twice-Signed From ''Central Pacific / Oct. 17, 1944'', 4 Months Before Iwo Jima -- ''...I hope you didn't forget the reason I joined up in this outfit...''
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