Description:

Iwo Jima
various, various
Iwo Jima (10) Marine Autographs, Many M.O.H. Recipients & Rare Examples: Basilone, Schrier, "Howlin Mad" Smith, & More!
Archive
A collection of ten items individually signed by notable Marines present at the Battle of Iwo Jima, many of whom received the Medal of Honor for their actions. Various places, various dates, consisting of (4) first day covers, (5) index cards, and (1) cut signature. Highlighted autographs include 1st flag raiser Hal Schrier, General "Howlin Mad" Smith, 2nd flag raiser Ira Hayes, and Guadalcanal hero John Basilone (later killed in action), among others. Exhibits degrees of light age toning and handling wear throughout. Otherwise, very good overall condition. Please see below for further information on contents.

The lot includes, in order of last name:

1.) John Basilone (1916-1945) signed air mail cover, postmarked November 1, 1941, Niagara Falls, NY. Signed and inscribed at lower right: "With lots of luck/ Sgt. John Basilone". Killed in action on Iwo Jima, received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Guadalcanal campaign, and posthumously the Navy Cross for heroism. 6.5" x 3.5".

2.) Robert H. Dunlap (1920-2000) signed index card, inscribed with rank as "Major Robert H. Dunlap/ C.M.H.- Iwo Jima 1945". Received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. 5" x 3".

3.) Ira H. Hayes (1923-1955) signed flag raising cover, postmarked July 11, 1945, Washington, D.C. Signed at top left "Ira H. Hayes/ P.F.C., U.S.M.C." Best known as one of the six men who appear in Joe Rosenthal's iconic "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" photograph. 6.5" x 3.75".

4.) Rufus G. Herring (1921-1996) index card signed with rank as "Rufus G. Herring/ Lt. Cmder. U.S.N.R. (Ret.)/ C.M.H." Received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima. 5" x 3".

5.) John H. Leims (1921-1985) index card signed with rank as "John H. Leims CMH/ Capt. U.S.M.C. (Ret.)/ Iwo Jima/ 7 March 1945". Awarded both the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart. 5" x 3".

6.) Joseph J. McCarthy (1911-1996) index card signed with rank as "Joseph J. McCarthy/ Col. U.S.M.C.R. (Ret.)/ M.O.H.- Iwo Jima/ 4th Mar. Div. 1945". In addition to receiving the Medal of Honor, McCarthy was also awarded a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. 5" x 3".

7.) Francis J. Pierce (1924-1986) signed and inscribed index card reading "Francis Pierce/ MOH- Iwo Jima 1945/ WWII". Received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima and was awarded two Purple Hearts. 5" x 3".

8.) Harold G. Schrier (1916-1971) cut signature as "H.G. Schrier". Most known for being part of the first flag raising of Iwo Jima in addition to being awarded the Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Purple Heart. 5" x 2.5".

9.) Franklin E. Sigler (1924-1995) signed first day cover postmarked February 23, 1990, Cheyenne, WY. Inscribed with rank as "Franklin E. Sigler MOH/ Co. F, 2/26th Marines/ 5th Marine Division/ Iwo Jima/ 14 March 1945". Received both the Medal of Honor and Purple Heart. 6.5" x 3.5".

10.) Holland M. "Howlin Mad" Smith (1882-1967) first day cover postmarked July 11, 1945, Washington, D.C. Signed at lower right as "H.M. Smith". Dubbed the father of modern amphibious warfare, Smith notably served as the overall Marine commander at Iwo Jima. 6.5" x 3.75".

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 6.5" x 3.75" (largest)
  • Medium: Archive

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March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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