Description:

SAMUEL VAUGHAN WILSON (1923 2017) Army Lieutenant General and guerilla warfare specialist, the Chief Reconnaissance Officer for the 'Merrill's Marauders' which operated behind enemy lines in Burma during World War II. Later, he acted as the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, coined the term 'counterinsurgency', and helped to create Delta Force, the U.S. Army's premier counterterrorism unit. Rare post-war uniform attributed to Wilson, including a green wool tunic, closed at the front by four brass buttons and bearing four flap-pockets on the front. The green shoulder straps bear tiny holes throughout, suggesting that epaulettes were once affixed. Similarly, sections above the upper flap pockets bear tiny holes, suggesting to us that a sizeable number of ribbon bars were once present. The left upper sleeve bears a sewn 'Ranger' tab, while the right upper sleeve bears an insignia patch of the 'Merrill's Marauders'. Each lower sleeve bears wide black mohair cloth rings. The interior lining has two slash pockets near each hip, the left pocket bearing a typical cloth name tag (unfilled, save for a size inscription '43L') and another tag reading: 'This garment is warranted to meet or exceed the standards of purchase description UOC-S-1-73 and was produced under certificate number 1K-1583-e...' Sold with a green wool pair of trousers, bearing a matching warranty tag stitched to the lining, with two bars of black cloth running the length of each leg. Each is in very fine condition. This uniform was donated the piece from one of Wilson's direct descendants. The lot is sold with a photocopy of a letter of provenance from that museum, which thanks the descendant for the donation.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

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.

May 22, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
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 + $10,000