Lot 1053

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

D-DAY OMAHA BEACH- CARRIED HAVERSACK
Battle-used haversack, 14.5 x 12.5 in., carried by hero Lt. Col. William B. Gara, commander of the crucial 1st Engineer Combat Battalion and among the first to land on Omaha Beach. The top half is constructed of khaki while the bottom portion is made of a more durable animal hide, with shoulder strap and brass hardware. WITH: a period photo, 4.5 x 3.5 in. b/w, showing Lt. Col. Gara in line with his men (the third in), this haversack slung across his shoulder. Gara is shown speaking directly with General Bernard Montgomery just before D-Day on his thoughts of the invasion plan for Omaha Beach. Contained within the haversack is the third edition instructional booklet ‘Mines Minefields and Booby Traps', printed October, 1943. Marked on the front cover ‘NOT TO BE PUBLISHED – The information given in this document is not to be communicated either directly or indirectly to the press or to any persons not holding an official position in the allied forces. THIS DOCUMENT MUST NOT FALL INTO ENEMY HANDS.'. This book provides detailed instructions on how to operate various mines, hand grenades, and bombs, supported by several diagrams. Gara is sure to have referred to this book at some time immediately before the landings, , as it was his battalion's job to breach gaps in the extensive enemy mine and wire obstacles and clear the combat trails leading off the beaches. Gara and his unit received the Presidential Unit Citation for their actions at Omaha as well as at Gafsa, Tunisia. Expected soiling throughout, else very good. WILLIAM B. GARA (1917-2001) was an American Army Lieutenant Colonel, commander of the 1st Engineer Combat Battalion, 1st Infantry Division. Gara was a genuine war hero by any definition. He led his 700 men from North Africa to Sicily, he landed among the very first soldiers on Omaha Beach, was heavily engaged at the Battle of the Bulge, and fought into Germany until the end of the war. His most valiant service was at Omaha Beach in the initial assault fighting while they cleared obstacles where the 1st Engineers were tasked with landing to allow more landing craft to safely arrive, and continuing to clear barbed wire, mines, anti-tank obstacles and ravines, etc. from the beaches to a point a few miles inland to clear the path for infantry, tanks, and then truck transports. Under intense enemy small arms and anti-tank fire, Gara's engineers, along with elements of the 37th Engineers Battalion, opened the first and most important exit from Omaha Beach, E-1, allowing American GIs to flank the German defenses and begin their drive inland. By war's end, Gara had received two Silver Stars and two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

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.

November 30, 2023 10:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 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