American Battle Flag Flown on D-Day Over Omaha Beach During the Invasion of Normandy to be Auctioned

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-duster trench 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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