Description:

‘SECRET' MAP OF OKINAWA PREPARED JUST DAYS BEFORE BATTLE
Especially rare and important Allied map showing the Okinawa town, Yonabaru, on a 1:25,000 scale and dated May 17, 1945 at the right in red just beneath the marking ‘SECRET'. Below this label are the directions ‘Not to be carried forward of division command posts. Not to be carried in aircraft'. The 22.5 x 20 in. topographical map shows the locations of coastal defense guns, artillery, radio towers and stations, trenches, reefs, underwater obstacles, lighthouses, roads, railroads, rice fields, and Japanese defensive lines. The folds, which show it was folded down to a pocket-size, indicate this map was assuredly field used. At the bottom left it is marked ‘Contours Revised By 64th Engr. Top. Bn. USAFPOA April 1945 From Captured Japanese Map', clearly stating this map was created from a used map of a captured Japanese soldier. In pencil at the top right margin is the name of the owner ‘M/SGT. GAGAT'. Our research has revealed the Master Sergeant who owned and carried this map in the field to be Matthew Gagat, head of the machine shop on Okinawa and in charge of 50 mechanics and welders, tasked with repairing the 40-ton tanks, half-tracks and other vehicles on the island. Gagat had a brother who fought in the intense battles on the island as a 1st sergeant of the 6th Marine Division, and had barely survived. On the reverse is an aerial view of Yonabaru. The Battle of Okinawa commenced on May 26, 1945, a mere nine days after the creation of this particular map. The battle was the bloodiest in the Pacific, nicknamed ‘typhoon of steel' for the ferocious fighting, kamikaze attacks, and the sheer number of ships and armored vehicles of the Allies. An exceptional relic. Expected wear, showing heavy foxing and some marginal tears.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

*SEE ADITTIONAL SHIPPING ABOVE* -Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

April 25, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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