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Douglas MacArthur. Historic World War II-dated autograph letter signed ("MacArthur")....
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$57,500.00
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Description
Douglas MacArthur. Historic World War II-dated autograph letter signed ("MacArthur"). 6 pages (7.75 x 9.5 inches), in pencil, from Australia, (circa March 20, 1942), to "General George C. Marshall, War Dept." This original handwritten letter was intended for the telegraph office, and features several cross outs as written by MacArthur during the composition of this important communiqué. Two original binder holes at the head of each page, and the lower portion of page four is missing (though presumably did not contain any handwriting, judging from the content).In an urgent message to George C. Marshall, Gen. Douglas MacArthur recounts the details of his daring escape from Corregidor.
"This hazardous trip by a Commanding General and key members of his staff through enemy controlled territory undoubtedly is unique in military annals"
Shortly after his arrival in Australia from Corregidor, MacArthur describes the circumstances of his escape to his commanding officer. MacArthur writes in full:
"Departed from Corregidor at dark on twelfth with party of twenty including my family comma Rear Admiral Rockwell and his Chief of Staff travelling on four U.S. Navy motor torpedo boats stop. Late afternoon air reconnaissance revealed one hostile cruiser and one destroyer off west coast of Mindoro but we slipped by them in the darkness stop. Passed following day in shelter uninhabited island but risked discovery by air and started several hours before dark in order to approach Mindanao at dawn stop. Sighted enemy destroyer at fifteen thousand yards but escaped unseen making scheduled run despite heavy seas and sever buffeting stop. Upon arrival Mindanao learned that of four planes dispatched only one had arrived and that without brakes or superchargers and being unfit for mission had already departed stop. [(strikethrough) Upon my report] Brett selected three more planes for trip of which one developed mechanical trouble and two arrived safely taking entire party out stop. [(strikethrough) Turn although completion of trip by only three out of seven planes and one of those disabled did not lend encouragement] stop. Safe arrival and departure forced us to pass latitude of Ambon at dawn but course set somewhat to eastward enabled party to escape interception stop. Landed Batchellor Field while Darwin [Australia] was under air raid stop. This hazardous trip by a Commanding General and key members of his staff through enemy controlled territory undoubtedly is unique in military annals stop. I wish to commend the courage and coolness of the officers and men of this headquarters who were engaged in this hazardous enterprise stop. It was due entirely to their invincible resolution and determination that the mission was successfully accomplished stop. The following official personnel comprosed this party colon Admiral F.W. Rockwell USN, Generals Sutherland, Akin, Marshall, Marquat, George and Casey semicolon Captain H.J. Ray USN Colonels Willoughby Stivers comma, Lieut Colonels Diller, Wilson, Huff, Sherr comma Major Morehouse comma Captain J.R. McMicking Phil[ippine] Army and master Sargeant Paul P. Rogers.
MacArthur"
List of occupants of the four PT Boats in MacArthur's party:
PT 41 (Lt J.D. Blakeley)
General MacArthur
Mrs. MacArthur
Arthur MacArthur, son
Chinese nurse
General Sutherland, CofS
Capt Harold G. Ray, USN
Lt Col Sidney L. Huff, Aide
Maj C.H. Morehouse, Med O
PT 34 (Lt R.G. Kelly)
Admiral Rockwell
General Marshall, DCofS
Col Charles P. Stivers, G-1
Capt Joseph McMicking (PA), Asst G-2
PT 35 (Ens A.B. Akers)
Col Charles A. Willoughby, G-2
Lt Col LeGrande A. Diller, Aide (PRO)
Lt Col Francis H. Wilson, Aide to Sutherland
M Sgt Paul P. Rogers, Secy
PT 32 (Lt jg V.S. Schumacker)
Brig Gen Spencer B. Akin, Sig O
Brig Gen Hugh J. Casey, Engr O
Brig Gen William F. Marquat, AA O
Brig Gen Harold H. George, Air O
Lt Col Joe R. Sherr, Asst Sig O
Accompanied by an LOA from PSA/DNA.
Auction Info
2022 May 7 Treasures from the Melvin "Pete" Mark, Jr. Collection Signature® Auction #6256 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
May, 2022
7th
Saturday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
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