Description:

OMAHA BEACH HERO COL. WILLIAM B. GARA'S M1902 OFFICER'S SWORD
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, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. From the estate of Lt. Col. William B. Gara, commander of the crucial 1st Engineer Combat Battalion and among the first to land on Omaha Beach, is his German-made U.S. Army Model 1902 officer's saber, 30.5 in. blade and 36 in. overall, gifted to Gara upon his commission of officer. It is customary for all U.S. Army officers to receive a saber on the occasion of their commission, however, at the start of the war this custom was put on hold as contracts with Germany were cancelled due to the United States wishing to separate themselves from the country. This saber was likely one of the last made by Germany for American officers before the U.S. eventually entered the war. The sword features a basket-style nickel hand guard, pommel, and a black Bakelite grip with knurled finger ridges. Suspended from the hand guard is a brown leather braided knot. The mirror-finish blade is exquisitely etched with patriotic and floral motifs, including an American eagle, the initials ‘U.S.', American flags, and more. On the side opposite of the ‘U.S.' initials is Gara's full name etched in between the designs in gothic script. The reverse ricasso bears a maker mark indicating manufacturing by the Warnock Uniform Co. of New York. The blade shows a few very light spots of oxidation along with a few nicks, else very good. Housed within a bright steel scabbard fitted with two suspension rings, with an etching set between the rings, reading: ‘Presented by The New York Commandery M.O.F.W. May 1940'. The M.O.F.W. or Military Order of Foreign Wars is one of the oldest veterans' and hereditary associations in the nation with a membership that includes officers and their hereditary descendants from all of the Armed Services, founded in 1894. The blade and scabbard are held within a grey cloth bag.

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.

September 10, 2025 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 $999,999 $10,000
$1,000,000 $1,999,999 $50,000
$2,000,000 + $100,000