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Douglas Pilarski
American Battle Flag Flown on D-Day Over Omaha Beach During the Invasion of Normandy to be Auctioned
2024-06-25
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Photo byMilestone Auctions
American military history, from the Civil War through Vietnam, will be revisited and honored on June 29 at Milestone’s Premier Military Auction, with all forms of remote bidding available in addition to in-person bidding at the gallery.
The 700-lot selection is topped by a U.S. Navy D-Day archive whose centerpiece is a 48-star Ensign #10 American Battle Flag flown on LCI-538 during the first wave to land during the Invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944.
A near-sacred symbol of the coordinated effort that became the most significant military invasion in history, the iconic flag was retrieved as a souvenir by Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class Frank R Maratea, who was aboard LCI-538 during its landing.
Maratea’s archive also includes a WWII US Navy Commission streamer flag, his own Honorable Discharge and military papers; original photographs taken on Omaha Beach and on the deck of LCI-538; ephemera from D-Day Landings 50th Anniversary Reunion, and more. Unique and highly important, the grouping is estimated at $40,000-$60,000.
The event’s historically significant U.S. Navy D-Day grouping includes the D-Day Ensign #10 American Battle Flag flown on LCI-538 during the first wave at Omaha Beach, Invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944.
Also on offer is a US Marine Corps M2-A1 flamethrower, a variant of, and successor to, the model used extensively in the Pacific Theater in WWII. This example is fitted with an M2-2-style hourglass-shaped backpack frame, improved valves, regulators, and capacity.
Photo byMilestone Auctions
Also featured in this auction:
German SS general’s uniform
Several significant items are from the now-closed American Armored Foundation Inc Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum of Danville, Virginia, including a WWII Nazi German Waffen “named” S.S. general’s uniform that belonged to Fritz Kraemer, who was tried for war crimes and found guilty.
The tunic’s collar tabs signify the rank of a Waffen-SS group leader and lieutenant general. The outfit consists of tunics, breeches, leather boots, and gloves, estimated at $20,000-$30,000.
WWII Japanese general’s uniform
Also having museum provenance, a complete “named” uniform grouping of WWII Imperial Japanese Army Lt. General Tatsuji Ogura, who commanded the 127 Division in Manchuria during the final desperate months of WWII, is expected to sell for $8,000-$10,000.
USMC Korean War flamethrower from Virginia military museum
The US Marine Corps M2-A1 flamethrower is a variant of, and successor to, the model used extensively in the Pacific Theater during WWII. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000.
Oerlikon MK II cannon
The 1940s 20mm Oerlikon MK II “cutaway” cannon with a 55-inch barrel, of a type used by both sides for troop instruction during World II. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000.
Engraved WWII Luftwaffe dagger
German WWII double-engraved Nazi Luftwaffe dagger and hanger with nickel silver crossguard, pommel, and scabbard fittings, 1st model, 1934-’35. Blade engraved on both sides. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000
Douglas MacArthur’s dog tag
U.S. Army 1st lieutenant’s dog tag of then-future General of the U.S. Army Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964). Circa 1904-1906. Estimate: $5,000-$10,000
Photo byMilestone Auctions
The auction’s comprehensive range of military antiques includes
Edged weapons: swords, knives, daggers, and katanas
WWII Hitler Youth presentation knife
WWI Model 1918 knuckle-dustertrench knife with scabbard
WWI Imperial German Garde du Corps Prussian helmet
WWII Nazi German named Panzer general’s visor hat
WWII 82nd Airborne uniform grouping with insignia
WWII combat medic’s uniform grouping with helmet, medals, and insignia (including Nazi)
Photos, flags, and more.
Milestone’s Premier Military Auction will be held at Milestone’s gallery in Cleveland on Saturday, June 29, 2024. All bidding forms will be available, including live via the Internet through Milestone’s bidding platform, LiveAuctioneers, or Invaluable.
For additional information on any item in the auction, call 440-527-8060 or email info@milestoneauctions.com.
SOURCE Milestone Auctions
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Douglas Pilarski is an award-winning Writer & Journalist based on the West Coast. He writes about luxury goods, exotic cars, horology, tech, food, lifestyle, and business.
You’re welcome to share your thoughts or tell me your story. dp1@sawyertms.com
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