Description:

American Military Heroes
various, various
Military Heroes: Group of 3 Books Signed by J. Lucas, J.A.G. Troup, D. Van Kirk
Signed books
A group of three books signed by military heroes. Comprises, in alphabetical order by signer's surname:

1.) Indestructible by Jack H. Lucas. Cambridge: Da Capo Press, 2006. First Edition, First Printing. Signed in blue felt tip on the front free endpaper, "Jack H Lucas", with a stamp reading: "Semper Fidelis / Medal of Honor / Iwo Jima 2-20-45". 212pp, 5.75" x 8.5". Lucas's bookplate with printed signature is adhered at dedication page; his business card is tucked into the cover. Both book and dust jacket are in fine condition.

Jacklyn Harold "Jack" Lucas (1928-2008) was an American Marine in World War II who was awarded the Medal of Honor at the age of 17 as a private first class in the Marine Corps during the Battle of Iwo Jima. During a close firefight in two trenches between Lucas and three Marines with eleven Japanese soldiers, Lucas saved the lives of the other three Marines from two enemy hand grenades that were thrown into their trench by placing himself on one grenade, while pulling the other grenade under him. The grenade he covered with his body exploded, and wounded him severely; the other grenade failed to explode. He is the youngest Marine and the youngest serviceman in World War II to be awarded the United States' highest military decoration for valor. Lucas later commissioned into the United States Army and reached the rank of captain.

2.) The Last Mission by Jim B. Smith and Malcolm McConnell. New York: Broadway Books, 2002. First Edition, First Printing. Signed in blue felt tip on the title page, "Major Dutch Van Kirk / Dimples 82 / Hiroshima - 1945". 346pp, 6.5" x 9.5". Show through from signature to copyright page. Faint stain to lower left on front of dust jacket. Very minor shelf wear. Both book and dust jacket are in very near fine condition.

Theodore Jerome "Dutch" Van Kirk (1921-2014) was a navigator in the United States Army Air Forces, best known as the navigator of the Enola Gay when it dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. "Dimples 82" was the code name for the Enola Gay. In August 1946, Van Kirk completed his service in the Army Air Forces as a Major. His decorations include the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and fifteen Air Medals.

3.) On The Bridge by Capt. J.A.G. Troup, RN. First Edition, First Printing. London: Rich & Cowan, Ltd., 1934. Signed and inscribed in black ink on the front free endpaper, "To my friend / W.M.B. / from / J.A.G.T. / with the author's warm good wishes / Glasgow. / January 1942." Includes a typed letter signed, "J.A.G. Troup", 1p, Glasgow, January 12, 1942, reading in part: "I enclose copy for you of that great work entitled "On The Bridge"! As I mentioned to you, I know no better remedy for sleeplessness than this production. However, it is only fair to add that in technical circles it did well..." 102pp, plus 21 fold-out diagrams. 8.5" x 11". Original dust jacket is present and in near good condition, with loss at spine, chips, tears, soiling, and scattered foxing. Grey boards with navy spine and gilt titling show soiling and edge/corner wear. Toning and foxing to text block and inner pages. Book is in near very good condition.

Vice-Admiral Sir James Andrew Gardiner Troup (1883-1975) was an accomplished officer of the Royal Navy during the First World War. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1936 and advanced to Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 1943. Troup was appointed to the rank of commander in the Legion of Merit by the President of the United States in 1946.

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: largest: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Signed books

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