Lot 794

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

ORIGINAL THIRD ARMY CAMPAIGN MAPS
Superb war-era relics, Third Army campaign maps from the personal collection of Col. Rufus Bratton, the Army infantry and intelligence officer whose work and actions during the Pearl Harbor attack were fictionalized in the movie Tora Tora Tora". In 1943, the Army transferred Bratton to the position of Headquarters Commandant for Patton's Third Army-- keeping Bratton in close contact with Patton from the Third Army's Nazi-greased trek through France to their post-war occupation of Berlin. Bratton organized operations from the shores of France to the bombed-out buildings of Berlin, and was awarded a Bronze Star and Legion of Merit citation for his actions. Included in the lot are: war-date silk [rayon] map, "Zones of France, 2nd edition", March, 1944, 20" x 24", marking the Third Army's routes and approach to France in red and blue markers; French Michelin map, "Carte Michelin Les Grandes Routes" [no date], 20" x 43", which Bratton has marked with "X'd" blue circles to indicate Third Army positions and a printed Third US Army map, June 1945, prepared by the G-3 Historical Subsection 11 1/2" x 28 1/2", highlighting the very campaigns Bratton had previously marked while fighting them! Also included are official war-date copies of Bratton's citations:

The Bronze Star citation reads, in part: "For meritorious service... This officer, serving as Headquarters Commandant, Headquarters Third United States Army, had the difficult task of planning and executing the frequent movements of the Army Headquarters during its rapid progress across France... this outstanding performance of duty merits the highest praise..." Also included is an 8" x 10" color photograph of Bratton and another Third Army officer in the Headquarters' Tactical Operations Center and an 8" x 10" photograph of Bratton conducting a maneuvers briefing.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

January 21, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 22.5% 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 + $1,000