Lot 930

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Description:

BIG RED ONE AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
A fine collection of autographed material including signed and unsigned photographs and a 1942 Christmas dinner menu signed by approximately 50 generals, officers, and men retained by Maj. Paul H. Gale who served in North Africa, Sicily and in the Allied invasion at Normandy with the 1st Infantry Davison, better known as "The Big Red One". Gale's courageous conduct at Omaha Beach earned him a Silver Star. The centerpiece of the collection is a framed folio Charismas dinner menu bearing an image of a wreath and candle in the shape of the 1st Infantry Division's insignia and the heading: "Christmas 1942 North Africa"signed by approximately fifty fellow generals, officers and men including GEN. TERRY ALLEN, GEN. THEODORE ROOSEVELT JR., GEORGE E. PICKETT III, GEN. V.E. MCQUILLIAN, GEN. CLIFT ANDRUS and many other members of the storied division. The menu is inscribed to Gale's wife by Gale at the center. The collection also includes nine I.S.P.'s (mostly 8 " x 10" b/w & sepia) all inscribed to Gale including Maj. Gen.CLARENCE R. HEUBNER who writes: "To Col Paul Gale A decorated brave officer of the 1st Division and a loyal friend..."; WILLARD G. WYMAN writes : "with vivid recollections of Omaha Beach and in admiration..."; Perhaps the most interesting photo in the group is signed and inscribed by noted combat reporter DON WHITEHEAD, who, according to his 2006 memoirs, was helped across the landing beach at Sicily in 1943 by Gale: "To Paul Gale who helped make the Big Red One the great division it was and helped me across the beach..." Other inscribed signed photos include, THEODORE ROOSEVELT, JR. and CLIFT ANDRUS. The group also includes about 18 unsigned photos including several of Gale as well as a 12" x 9" composite photograph of Gale during the war as well as Gale's typed citation for the Silver Star: "...For gallantry in action in the vicinity of St. Laruent-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, 6 June 1944. Voluntarily subjecting himself to intense enemy artillery, machine-gun, and small-arms fire, Major Gale personally supervised establishment of an advance command post and reorganization of assault troops..." A superb collection in overall very good condition.

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June 4, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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