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Pearl Harbor Purple Heart Awarded to Seaman 1st Class Carl Edwen Estes, Killed in Action Aboard the U.S.S. Arizona...
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Sold on Jun 10, 2024 for:
$9,375.00
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Description
Extremely Rare Pearl Harbor U.S.S. Arizona KIA Purple Heart
Pearl Harbor Purple Heart Awarded to Seaman 1st Class Carl Edwen
Estes, Killed in Action Aboard the U.S.S.
Arizona.Carl Edwen Estes was born in Independence, Kansas on December 15, 1920. Records indicate that he joined the U.S. Navy on August 6, 1940. Little is known of his early service in the Navy but fate found him serving as a Seaman 1st Class on the U.S.S. Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941 when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Estes was one of 1,117 men serving on the Arizona killed in the attack and his remains, like so many others on board, were never recovered. We are honored to offer this exceptional group, including Seaman 1st Class Carl Edwen Estes' Purple Heart, awarded for his ultimate sacrifice.
Estes' Purple Heart is likely the first version of the Navy contract of 1942. The medal is gilded sterling silver with a half-wrap pinback brooch. The medal is 34.5 mm wide and measures approximately 81 mm overall to the pendant. The reverse of the medal is elegantly engraved "CARL E. ESTES / S1C / USN". The purple and white silk suspension ribbon has some small areas of fraying and soiling from handling. The medal itself has some wear and patina to the gilt but the purple enamel is crack and chip free. The medal is accompanied by Estes' Oath of Allegiance document, one page, 10 x 7 inches, dated August 6, 1940, signed by Estes and Lt. Commander W. V. Michaux. The document has been folded and has uniform toning and scattered areas of soiling. Included is a bronze Pearl Harbor Commemorative Medal in the original fitted case and paper sleeve. The bronze medal is 38 mm in diameter. The medal is accompanied by letter from Texas Congressman John Bryant on his Congressional letterhead, dated August 4, 1992 addressed to Carl Estes' sister Lorena Estes James. He writes, in part: "As a member of the U.S. House Veterans Affairs Committee, I take great pride in the fact that millions of Texas veterans performed admirable service to our nation in the U.S. military...I want to take this special opportunity to commend your late brother for earning the Pear Harbor Commemorative Medal, authorized by Congress." The letter includes the original transmittal envelope. And lastly, the group is accompanied by a document honoring Estes bearing the printed signature of President John F. Kennedy. Attached to the verso of the document is a 10 x 7 ½-inch black and white photo of Carl's mother and father. This medal is one of the first of the very many Purple Hearts awarded during WWII. Extremely rare and exceptionally poignant.
Auction Info
2024 June 10 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6291 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2024
10th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
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