Unique vintage matte-finish 7.5 x 8.75 photo of General MacArthur receiving the United Nations flag from US Chief of Staff J. Lawton Collins to fly over his Tokyo headquarters during the Korean War, signed in fountain pen, “‘My command will do all in its power to uphold this noble ideal. This flag is the symbol of one of the greatest efforts man has made to free himself.’ Douglas MacArthur, Tokyo—1950.” Matted and permanently mounted. In very good to fine condition, with some surface loss and adhesive remnants to borders underneath mat.
Just weeks earlier, on June 25, North Korea invaded the South, causing Truman to immediately seek the support of the United Nations to oppose their aggression—a crucial first test of the UN’s ability to do what the League of Nations never could: deter and check aggressors. The US was given the authority to appoint a supreme commander of UN land, sea, and air forces, and Truman selected MacArthur. Taken while MacArthur served as commander of the US occupation of Japan, this remarkable photo bears the general’s stalwart response to UN Secretary General Trygve Lie’s hope that the UN flag would bring MacArthur ‘success in the effort he has undertaken.’ An exceedingly rare and desirable photo of MacArthur taken on the day of the ceremony, and the only autograph quote from the general to appear at auction according to APBC and Rare Book Exchange. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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