Description:

World War II
n.p., December 7, 1941
Pearl Harbor Official Dispatch: "This is not drill", with Intriguing Provenance!
Document
An official radio dispatch from the headquarters of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Command (CINCPAC) relaying the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 1p, 8" x 6.5", n.p., December 7, 1941. Headlined as "URGENT", the message reads in full: "AIRRAID ON PEARL HARBOR X THIS IS NOT DRILL". Paper watermarked with the Seal of the United States. Expected folds and creasing, with areas of darkened toning. Minor pin holes present along middle fold. Clipping at lower right and left corners. Otherwise, very good.

A similar example sold within a larger archive at our September 2024 auction, fetching a total of $17500!

Provenance: From the personal papers of Private Anthony J. Dimarco, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Division.

Together with a photocopied letter addressed to Dimarco from President Truman thanking him for his service, reading in full:

"To you who answered the call of your country and served in its Armed Forces to bring about the total defeat of the enemy, I extend the heartfelt thanks of a grateful Nation. As one of the Nation's finest, you undertook the most severe task one can be called upon to perform. Because you demonstrated the fortitude, resourcefulness and calm judgement necessary to carry out that task, we now look to you for leadership and example in further exalting our country in peace."

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: 8" x 6.5"
  • Medium: Document

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October 30, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000