Description:

PURPLE HEART AND OTHER ITEMS FROM A MARINE KILLED IN THE SINKING OF THE USS INDIANAPOLIS
A fine grouping of items concerning the death of Marine Pvt John H. Kirchner who, with 883 comrades, met his death in the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the subsequent drownings and shark attacks. Included is a letter from ALEXANDER A. VANDEGRIFT (1887 - 1973) Marine Corps general, commanded the 1st Marine Division to victory at Guadalcanal and for his actions during the Solomon Islands campaign, he received the Medal of Honor. T.L.S. (secretarial signature) on Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps letterhead, 1p. 4to., Washington, Oct. 1, 1945 to Kirchner's parents in the Bronx. In part: "...It is a source of profound regret to me...that your son, Private John H. Kirchner, U.S. Marine Corps, lost his life in action against the enemies of his country and I wish to express my deepest sympathy...There is little I can say to lessen your grief...the knowledge of your son's splendid record...and the thought that he nobly gave his life in the performance of his duty may in some measure comfort you in this sad hour...". Sold with a cased Purple Heart with ribbon and lapel pin issued to the soldier and bearing his name engraved on the verso. Also present is a 2 1/2" x 3 1/4" photo of Kirchner in Marines uniform, as well as the front page of the Aug. 16, 1945 Parkchest Press-Review. It bears a photo of Kirchner and notes that he is "missing in action". Four pieces. Of the 39 Marines aboard the Indianapolis when she was torpedoed, only nine survived.

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September 27, 2012 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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