Lot 292

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Description:

CHARLES S. FERRIN (1892-1976) Highly-decorated Army Brigadier General, most notably served as the Provost Marshal of Tokyo after war's end and charged with the security of the International Military Tribunal, Far East, during the incarceration of the Japanese war criminals. During World War II, he was an Assistant Plans Officer at Pearl Harbor and the Artillery Commander of the 27th Infantry Division. An enormous and impressive archive of Ferrin's medals, military documents, and various relics. The lot starts with his thirteen medals, housed in a wooden display case with blue felt backing, including: named Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; Bronze Star Medal; named Commendation Medal; Mexican Border Service medal; World War I Victory Medal with France bar; Army of the Occupation of Germany medal; American Defense medal; American Campaign medal; World War II Victory medal; Army of Occupation Medal with Japan bar; and a Mexican Military Merit medal, First Class. The lot is also sold with his original award certificates for the Legion of Merit, Air Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Mexican Service Medal (a lower corner chipped); four military diplomas; an oversized portrait image of Ferrin in uniform, 14 x 17 in.; and others. WITH: Two files and one large binder filled with hundreds of field orders, letters, commendations, photographs, and other documents, spanning his 35-year military career. Largely unresearched, but a small sample includes numerous citations; the announcement of his appointment as Provost Marshal and a stapled business card bearing his name and title; his military promotions and appointments; etc. Some notable signatures within these files include ADLAI STEVENSON, J. LAWTON COLLINS, R. L. EICHELBERGER (4-5 examples), and 3-4 S.P.s from unidentified generals. WITH: Important collection of 30 first-generation photographs of the defendants of the International Military Tribunal taken during their captivity, 3 x 4.25 in., annotated on the face with the name and prior rank of the accused. A typed biographical note has been affixed to the verso of each. WITH: Great tribunal-related manuscript for a presentation titled 'Tojo and Company' by Provost Marshal of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East Aubrey S. Kenworthy, 38pp. 4to., summarizing many of the defendants and describing them often in a somewhat positive light. Kenworthy adds: '...some of us practically lived with these people...we got to know them as former Rulers, Statesmen, and Warriors of Japan...if I speak of them...as a good fellow I am referring only to his actions while our prisoner...' Much more content about other defendants, including many of Kenworthy's anecdotes. WITH: Ferrin's Brigadier General's flag, 50 x 36 in., bearing a white star stitched to the center of a red field, also folded on one edge to form a hoist and bearing yellow fringe on the other sides. WITH: Ferrin's rayon American flag, 50 x 36 in., with the hoist edge being folded over and sewn for hanging via a flagpole and bearing yellow fringe on the other sides. Some age toning and soiling, suggesting its use during his service in Japan. WITH: his wooden desk nameplate as the Provost Marshal of Tokyo, labelled 'BRIG. GEN. CHARLES S. FERRIN' on one side and the equivalent in kanji on the other side. WITH: Ferrin's brigadier general's car plate, bearing a silver general's star with two screw holes present at the lower corners for attachment. Sold with its green canvas case. WITH: his U.S. Army belt with two-piece brass buckle, marked 'Hickok 34' in gilt lettering on the interior. WITH: three books including 'The Tiger of Malaya', 'The Amphibious Eighth' and 'The 1st Cavalry Division of World War II', the last example being signed by Major General WILLIAM C. CHASE, who also adds a dedication and 'Tokyo, Japan... 5 Oct 1948'. This is one of the most complete and appealing archives we've brought to market in years.

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May 22, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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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