Lot 277
Iwo Jima Survivor Bradley Gives Address of Gagnon and Hayes (1923-94) Longest surviving member of the six men who raised the second American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima on February 23. 1945; the moment was immortalized by Joe Rosenthal's photograph. Autograph letter signed "John H. Bradley," one page, 6½ x 5¼", Milwaukee, Wisconsin, February 14, 1946. Written to R.L. Moore in Philadelphia, just under a year after the historic event: "I want to thank you very kindly for your very nice gift. That was very kind of you to remember me in that way. The names of the two survivors now in the U.S. are as follows: Rene A. Gagnon / 43 Hollis / Manchester, N.H. / Ira H. Hayes / Bapchule, Arizona…." Fine condition. Accompanied by the transmittal envelope, postmarked from Appleton, Wis. on Feb. 16, 1946 and carrying a 3¢ stamp (Scott #929) issued in 1945 commemorating the flag raising and by a 9 x 10" commemorative poster with an unused 3¢ stamp. An amazing letter written by one Iwo Jima survivor and naming the other two.
In addition to Bradley, Gagnon, and Hayes, Corporal Harlon Henry Block, Pfc. Frank R. Sousley, and Sergeant Michael Strank also helped to raise the flag and are pictured in Rosenthal's photo, but they were killed in action on Iwo Jima before the island was secured on March 26th. Iwo Jima (February 19-March 26, 1945) was the only Marine battle where the American casualties (26,000) exceeded the Japanese casualties, which included most of the 22,000 defending the island.
Estimated Value $500 - 1,000.
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| Realized $288 |
