Description:

Large collection of over 100 war-date letters written by and to Aldace Naughton Jr. of the U.S. Army Air Force, from 1943 to 1945. His letters read in part: ‘...I handled 304 mgs – sent and received – in 14 hours today by hand...that damned telegraphers paralysis is my dread fear and I'm near it now...I passed required speed for radio operator today...We had two air raid evacuations this week. Roll full pack in 10 mins., then a forced march to evacuation area. This makes the night very short...I've worked terribly hard on code...God just never made me to be a good radio operator...we had a tough day in the field and topped it off with a personal inspection, a fire drill, and a blackout. Blackouts are almost an every day occurrence...be sure to wave at all the soldiers – it boosts morale...I saw a B-29...it makes B-17s look like dwarves and B-24s look tiny...On the reports we are the best station in the 2nd air force...This B-29 program must be perfect and sure – if it is my job to help in that I want to do the utmost to make it complete so I can come home...We had a B-29 crash 1 mile from the field today...I haven't heard how many were killed – all I know is they brought them all to the field in a meat wagon...I won't be able to tell you much of what I am doing from now on – later I won't be able to tell you at all. But don't worry you know I'll be in there pitching and doing ok...It is pretty rugged, not even time to eat...got to get up at 4am every morning...It was Wienstien, an old buddy of mine who was in the same barracks as me at Fort Monmouth...he told me the news of guys I never thought I would hear of again. It was sort of sad too nearly all of the boys are dead...You can look at that picture of the old company and know that fully 75% of them are not among the living...I'd give anything to have these feet in good shape maybe they will issue me a pair of crutches to fight with...' Naughton would survive the war and marry a woman whom he wrote frequently of to his parents, Marjorie Jean. Interestingly Marjorie became the first woman to become a telegrapher with the St. Joseph branch of the Santa Fe Railroad during World War II. A fine lot worthy of further research.

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.

January 25, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 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