September 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, September 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2019
Stunning 101st Airborne Division flag made by one of its soldiers during World War II for use on the battlefield, then given to the 101st's commanding General Maxwell D. Taylor. The 101st Airborne was, of course, the ''Band of Brothers'' Division that led the D-Day invasion, parachuting into France the night before the beach assault in order to secure exit routes for the Infantry; they would continue to fight throughout June 1944 during the Battle of Normandy, losing 4,600 men in one month.
101st Airborne Division flags are very scarce, with this field expedient example rarer still, although it was likely never used on the battlefield given its condition. Flag is made of bright red and blue wool, measuring 4'1'' x 3', hemmed to create the hoist, where two leather tabs at each end are sewn so that the flag could be attached to the flagpole. At the center is the 101st's combat service identification badge, the famous ''Screaming Eagle''. The badge, made of bamberg, is sewn on each side, typical for battlefield flags. A dozen or so small holes populate the flag, most in the left red portion, otherwise the flag is in near fine condition, with exceptionally vivid colors on both the wool and the badge.
Flag is from the collection of Ludwell B. Pruett, who worked in the Flag Mission of the Quartermaster General's Clothing & Textile Material Division from 1958-61, and was responsible for all flags originating from the U.S. Army Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot. Flag is accompanied by a signed letter of provenance from Lt. Col. Edward N. Foxworth, dated 8 January 1958, to Ludwell Pruett on military-watermarked stationery, giving its history. Lot also includes a letter of authenticity from Ludwell Pruett's daughter and son-in-law, to whom the flag was given. A very scarce and desirable flag from one of the most famed military divisions in United States history.
Scarce 101st Airborne Division Flag From WWII -- One of the Few Field Expedient Flags That Survived the War, With Provenance Attributing it to General Maxwell Taylor
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