Description:

CHINA-BURMA-INDIA K.I.A. PILOT INSIGNIA GROUPING AND LETTER HOME
Poignant, saddening grouping of personal articles once belonging to Army Air Corps P-40 pilot Lt. Ray G. Champagne, killed ca. 1943 when his plane crashed in Assam, India. Included in the grouping is a 8 in. long (likely silver) identification bracelet Champagne sent to his sister Bea. The face is engraved: 'LR. RAY G. CHAMPAGNE', the reverse engraved with her name 'BEA'. It is accompanied by a July 2, 1942 letter sent to Bea by Champagne, reading in part: '...Here is a little something for your graduation. Hope you like [it]...Say is is ever hot here, it was 116 in the shade yesterday. I soloed here yesterday in 4 1/2 hours. But it means a lot of hard work before I get through...' Also present is Champagnes small signed statement certifying that the bracelet is a 'bona fide gift', as well as a 2.5 x 3.75 in. photograph of the young officer in uniform and at home with his sister standing in the background. Champagne completed his flight training, as two of his pilot's wings are also present, one sterling silver and made by Luxenberg, New York, the second also sterling silver and possibly his first wings as they have an unusual pin position and thus are likely theater-made. An unused embroidered bullion collar or cap insignia is also present, as is a small pilot's wings lapel pin. Included also are two of the lieutenant's calling cards, both bearing gift messages from Champagne to his sister, as well as a 4 x 2.5 x 2.5 in. finely-made wood and bone box, likely purchased in India, which contained the wings, bracelet, etc.and probably was itself a gift. Finally, the grouping contains two Michigan newspaper notices of Champagne's death in action.

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April 6, 2022 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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