Description:

Excessively rare set of plans and maps prepared for the attack made by a battalion of U.S. Marines on Iwo Jima, February 19, 1945. The grouping includes a bound set of typed plans for the attack on "WORKMAN", the code name for Iwo Jima prior to the release of the name of the actual target. The plans total 60pp. 4to., all marked "TOP SECRET" and issued to "BLT 3 RCT 24 4th Marine Division", "IN THE FIELD", Jan. 22, 1945. The plans, issued to Regimental Combat Team 24, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Division concern the approx. 1,200 soldiers in the 3rd Battalion and quite specific. It details, in part: landing beaches, assignments and targets; boat assignments by platoon; vessel assignments to various landing waves, debarkation and approach schedules; casualty replacement and contingency plans; map references; etc. There are also two "onionskin" blueprinted maps meant to use as overlays on printed topographical maps. The first map is labeled: "BLT 3 IN THE FIELD 22 JAN 1945...OPERATION OVERLAY...SPECIAL AIR AND GUNNERY TARGET...TOP SECRET" and shows the "YELLOW" and "BLUE" landing beaches, directions of attack, and various distances from the beach to be used for artillery strikes. The second map, very faded, 20 1/2" x 18 1/2", is labeled "BLT 3 AT SEA 22 JAN. 1945...ALTERNATE PLAN..." and shows the "WHITE" and "ORANGE" landing beaches on the west side of Iwo Jima, along with arrows showing the expected direction of attack. The first page of the plan of attack is chipped at the margins, two tears repaired on verso, one map faded (as noted), else very good. Battle plans from Iwo Jima are very rarely encountered!

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April 30, 2019 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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