Description:

COLD WAR SUBMARINE VETERAN'S GROUPING
A fine grouping of items from U.S. Navy veteran James L. M. Berry (1943-2022), a 26-year Navy veteran with 15 years of service aboard submarines. The lot includes Berry's 21 x 11 in. zippered ditty bag upon which he inked the many vessels upon which he served during his long career. These include the World War II Pacific battle veterans USS POMFRET, USS CHARR and USS RATON. Berry also served on the carrier USS RANGER, the famous USS NAUTILUS, the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, and the nuclear powered submarines USS BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, USS GEORGE BANCROFT USS LAPON, and the USS KAMEHAMEHA. Also present are two jackets, Berry's leather jacket bearing his name, positions as Machinist's Mate, and vessel name 'USS RATON' on a leather patch on the left breast, and a USS RATON 'The Raidin' Raton' cloth patch on the right breast; with a Navy issue Intermediate Cold Weather green cloth jacket, similarly decorated, the leather patch faded. Berry's medals and insignia are included as well: his chest ribbons with Meritorious Unit Commendation with Star, Good Conduct with Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960's Device, and several others; Navy Medal with four Stars, National Defense Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Star, and Republic of Vietnam Medal; a miniature set of the same medals, four sets of submariner's 'dolphin' chest pins, one bearing four bronze stars, a smaller pin showing a nuclear sub with four bronze and two gold stars, and a gold and silver 'U.S.N.' pin. There are also two lighters, one bearing the same cartoon image in enamel as the jacket patches, personalized to Berry, with a 'dolphin' emblem and the sub's name on one side, the second lighter bearing the name of the USS CHARR and a similar enameled emblem on the obverse. Finally, there is a group of name tags, pins, etc. which the proud veteran wore to the many reunions he attended following his retirement to Pensacola. An excellent grouping, rarely seen.

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*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.

September 10, 2025 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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000