Description:

Excellent document and relic grouping from Aviation Radioman 2nd Class William E. Jackson, a veteran of the "Fabled Fifteen" who flew with Torpedo Squadron 15 aboard the USS ESSEX from at least April 25, 1944 until his wounding in action on July 27, 1944. "The Fabled Fifteen" refers to Carrier Air Group 15 (CAG-15), first deployed on the ESSEX (CV 9) in May 1944. When they were relieved seven months later, they had amassed an incredible record of achievement and fought in two of the largest naval battles of the Pacific War. The fighter squadron, Fighting 15, destroyed 312 enemy aircraft in the air and an additional 348 on the ground. Bombing and Torpedo 15 also shared in the collection of accolades. The two attack squadrons destroyed 174,300 tons of enemy shipping. They also played a major role in sinking the battleship Musashi and the carrier Zuikaku, the last surviving carrier from the attack on Pearl Harbor, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in October 1944. Every member of Torpedo 15 received the Navy Cross for actions during their tour of duty. The large grouping contains a number of excellent items, including: Jackson's sterling Air Crew wings with three campaign stars; cased Purple Heart with buttonhole bar, accompanied by the original transmittal carbon of the citation for the award, Aug. 10, 1944 noting date of wounding as July 27, 1944 "for wounds received in action against the enemy"; USS ESSEX shipboard newspaper "The Essex Buccaneer", 8pp. 4to., Apr. 25, 1944; Jackson's white silk "U.S.N." flying scarf, water stain at one end; two aerial gunnery cloth patches; radioman's cloth patch, worn; Jackson's named belt and Navy swim trunks; radioman diploma; 34 original photos of Jackson and his friends, most taken during training; several letters to and from friends, employers, etc.; separation documents, clippings, and more. A great grouping from an historic flying group!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

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

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, 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.

April 1, 2020 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 30% 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