The 30 Minute Rule begins November 19 at 7:00 PM EST. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By November 19 at 6:00 PM EST To Participate After 6:00 PM EST
Bracket-bound packet of 39 black-and-white reconnaissance photographs of Iwo Jima associated with the 1945 invasion, each measuring approximately 6 x 6, hole-punched and bound along the left margin with two brass fasteners. The prints are numbered in the negatives from 1 through 40, with No. 4 absent. The reverse of the first print bears the wax-pencil notation “CT 26 / APA 121.” The photographs carry the identifying code “28PR5MC22-2,” corresponding to the 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, and depict low-level oblique views of the island’s coastline and terrain, including Mount Suribachi. Several bear wax-pencil numbers and directional markings, which the consignor interprets as possible advancement points for the unit. Several images are overexposed. In overall very good to fine condition, with toning, and wear and curling to the edges.
The “CT 26 / APA 121” notation suggests an association with Combat Team 26 of the 5th Marine Division aboard USS Hocking (APA-121), a Haskell-class attack transport that participated in the assault and occupation of Iwo Jima from February 19–27, 1945. According to the consignor, the markings suggest that the packet likely belonged to a member of that combat team and was prepared for, and possibly used during, the initial February 19 invasion. Its individual ownership and actual combat use remain undocumented.
Although the prints are undated, their imagery is consistent with the extensive photographic reconnaissance undertaken before the invasion of the heavily fortified island. The 28th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron operated F-5 photographic reconnaissance versions of the P-38 Lightning, equipped with cameras in place of nose armament. The contemporary operational intelligence report records low-level oblique coverage of the beaches from as low as 50 feet beginning in late November 1944, followed by increasingly extensive missions and coverage of practically the entire island in early February 1945.
The April 18, 1945 action report of the 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, documents the landing of Landing Team 2-26 from Hocking on February 19 and the reconnaissance party that preceded its troops ashore:
‘In the early morning the USS HOCKING (APA 121) ‘lay to’ about 15000 yards off the Eastern Beach of Iwo Jima. The weather was favorable for the landing, with clear skies and calm waters. Orders to prepare for debarkation were received from the Combat Team Commander at 1130, and debarkation commenced at 1200. The advance echelon of the LT 2-26 Command Post, consisting of Major Amedeo Rea, Bn Executive Officer, First Lieutenant Royer ‘G’ Warren, S-3, Second Lieutenant William M. Adams Jr., S-2, and company guides preceded the troops ashore for the purpose of reconnaissance. LT 2-26 landed on Red Beach #2 under mortar and artillery fire, and ‘dug in’ on the beach awaiting orders. At about 1730 guides from the reconnaissance party contacted the companies on the beach, and they proceeded to a reserve assembly area at 147-J. Enroute intermittent mortar, artillery, machine gun, and sniper fire was encountered, and some casualties occurred.’
The packet documents the coastal approaches and terrain examined in preparation for one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.
