Lot 364
MacArthur, Douglas (1880-1964) U.S. general who served with distinction in France during World War I, was commanding general of U.S. forces in Asia during World War II, and commanded the occupation of Japan following the war; he was relieved of his command in 1951 after publicly questioning President Truman's policy in the Korean War. Small, personal Japanese flag inscribed and signed, "Best wishes, Harry, / Douglas MacArthur / Tokyo. 1946," 11½ x 14½ in. The flag was given by MacArthur to his friend, General Harry Vaughn. Translated, the Japanese characters say: "Everlasting Success in War!" When they went off to war, Japanese soldiers were often given small flags, inscribed with sentiments such as this, by family, friends, or business associates.
General MacArthur spend five and a half years in Tokyo as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers, overseeing the occupation of Japan and the transformation of that devastated country into a modern democracy. General Harry H. Vaughn (1893-1981) had served alongside Harry Truman in World War I and the Army Reserves between the wars. Truman became a senator from Missouri and Vaughn went back to active service in World War II. He was injured in a plane crash in Australia in 1943, and while being treated at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, was transferred to the staff of the Senate Armed Services subcommittee, headed by Senator Truman, which was investigating arms procurement. As an investigator for the committee, General Vaughan uncovered numerous instances of deception by the munitions industry, which led to national prominence for Truman, and his selection as FDR's running mate in 1944. When he became Vice President, Truman named Vaughn his military aid. He supported Vaughn through accusations of influence peddling, accepting gifts for himself and friends, and accepting a medal from Argentina's neofascist government. The men remained friends and enjoyed playing poker and drinking bourbon and branch water together.
Estimated Value $2,500 - 3,500.
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| Realized $6,300 |
