Lot 219

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Description:

ERICH TOPP
(1914 - 2005) Third most successful of German U-boat commanders, recipient of the Knight's Cross with Oak Leaves and Swords. Topp sank the USS REUBEN JAMES before the U.S. entry into the war, sparking a diplomatic fury. Fine archive of material includes an A.L.S. on his letterhead, 1p. 4to., Remagen, June 23, 2000: "...I have written something in connection with the 'Reuben James'...The book has been published...". Also included is a copy of a letter Topp sent to the son of a crewman aboard the NIBLACK, which rescued REUBEN JAMES survivors. Topp explains that in the early morning he could not make out the vessel's flag and assumed it was British. He also claims that American claim to the western Atlantic was against "international law". Also present is a copy of a clipping he annotated with a note stating that he did not attack the NIBLACK as she was involved in rescue operations. Several pages of his memoirs concerning the event are included, as is a 5" x 7" photo signed by Topp adding his three commands, and a photo of the REUBEN JAMES. Fine.

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February 18, 2014 11:00 AM EST
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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