Unusual and interesting collection of World War II material originating from the collection of Brigadier General Waldo Henry Fish of Rhode Island, highlighted by a captured Japanese good luck flag. The linen Japanese national flag, or hinomaru yosegaki, measures 32.5 x 28, with three rows of Japanese characters along the right border, most likely identifying the flag’s recipient, the date, and the organization that presented him the flag. Also included is a folder labeled “Secret,” and “Operation Mike One, US Artillery in Luzon,” with the name of Lt. Colonel J. S. Andersen printed along the bottom of the folder. The folder contains a 27-page printed report on the operation, with the foreword stating it “is limited to those aspects of particular interest to gunners.” Also included are original maps which show enemy disposition installations; five maps of various areas of the Philippines done by the Corps of Engineers; Fish’s Retired Reserve certificate, and a 1944 news clipping from the Providence Journal. In very good condition, with uniform toning to flag, with areas of heavier staining, a few small holes, and areas of material loss to bottom portion of flag. A couple of the maps have repaired separations as well. Accompanied by a 2014 letter of provenance from the grandson of Fish, which reads, in part: “I…verify that the items in this collection were accrued by my grandfather, Brigadier General Waldo Henry Fish, while serving in the Pacific Theater during World War II…The Japanese flag that is included in the collection was surrendered directly to him by a Japanese soldier during his service in the Philippines.”The first in a planned series of American landings in the Philippines, Operation Mike One commenced on January 9, 1945, and was countered by a Japanese kamikaze attack which failed. An impressive collection from the ferocious fighting in the South West Pacific Theater. RR Auction COA.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
