Description:

(1898 - 1986) Highly-decorated Brigadier General, Assistant Commanding General and later Commanding General of the 26th 'Yankee' Infantry Division during World War II, which fought in the Battle of the Bulge and liberated Gusen concentration camp with the 11th Armored Division. He later served as the Commanding General of the 7th Infantry Division in Korea between 1946 and 1948, then as the Commanding General of the 4th Infantry Division between 1950 and 1953, ending his military career as Director of the Office of Armed Forces Information & Education, Department of Defense (European Command). Recipient of the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, French Legion of Honor, French Croix de Guerre with Star, French Croix de guerre with Palms, European/African/Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, among others. A fantastic war-date uniform with ironclad provenance, his Model 1944, 'Coat, Wool, Elastique, O.D. Dark Officer's M-1944, Spec. P.Q.D. Number 149C', dated 'April 4, 1944' on a tag within the bottom-left flap pocket. The right upper sleeve bears a 26th 'Yankee' Infantry Division insignia patch, while the left upper sleeve bears a Fifth Army insignia patch. The left breast bears two ribbon bars, one for the Purple Heart and the other for the 'Distinguished Flying Cross' - an award never actually earned by Hartness. Thus, we suspect it was attached by a later, uninformed collector in lieu of the ribbon for the Silver Star - an award ribbon which Hartness did earn and looks remarkably similar to that of the Distinguished Flying Cross. A third ribbon, presumed for the Bronze Star with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, was clearly once attached yet is now absent. (This grouping is sold with a war-date portrait of Hartness, prominently wearing the three ribbons on a similar-styled uniform, including those of the Bronze Star and the Silver Star.) The shoulder straps bear a pair of silver Brigadier General's stars. The upper-lapels bear 'U.S.' insignia pins, and the front bears loops for the inclusion of a belt and buckle, not present. The interior lining bears a brown cloth maker's tag, reading 'REGULATION ARMY OFFICER'S COAT'. Regrettably unnamed within. Fine condition overall. Sold with his original chocolate tie. This jacket was taken from a large grouping of Hartness's uniforms consigned to us from a prominent private collection on public display, many of which bear his name. Adding further provenance, the tunic is sold with an assortment of newspaper clippings and photographs clearly collected by Hartness from the early 1950's period when he was with the Fourth Infantry Division, and a number of pre-war Army deposit slips bearing Hartness's signature, all consigned to us alongside the uniform.

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May 22, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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 + $10,000