This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/27/2015
Rene Gagnon WWII autograph letter signed eight-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 future wife Pauline Harnois. Dated 6 December 1944, love letter reads, [uncorrected for minor errors] in part, ''...I hope you'll excuse the wisecracks but, I'm in a joking mood tonight: And its not because Ive been dancing or romancing with any South Sea Hula girls; and I'm not drunk either. I'm probably changing; You'd like that wouldn't you; Remember how I used to get mad when someone made a wise remark and I didn't like it. Maybe this outfit will do me some good after all. Hold it a minute while I light a cigarette...I started smoking Old Gold to get in good with [your father] then when I came home again he was smoking Lucky's so I switched again...I'm sure we won't be back for at least a year and a half...Hopeless Chest...I hope you were just kidding; please don't give up hope, now after waiting two years, you must be able to wait at least a couple more...Rene...'' Accompanied by the censor-stamped mailing envelope made out in Gagnon's hand in ink, including his name and return address. 7pp. letter in ink on 7 sheets of plain stationery measures 6.25'' x 9.75''. In addition to signing the closure of his letter, Gagnon writes ''R.A. Gagnon'' at the bottom edge of every sheet. Toning and creasing, with a small red stain to the penultimate page, else near fine.