I'm not a dealer, just a longtime collector of WW2 and aviation history insignia and books. In about 1993 I began a hobby of attending veterans reunions and other events, to meet some of the members of the Greatest Generation in person. As a U.S. Army veteran myself, I found these men were welcoming and appreciative of someone who knew about their units and campaigns. I typically brought a book or two with me, and they graciously agreed to sign my books. One signature at a time over 30 years, I built quite a library of signed WW2 books. I'm retired now, and it's time to put some of these books back into circulation, so other collectors can enjoy them in the future.
Here is a copy of the official Marine Corps unit history "Hold High the Torch: a History of the 4th Marines." Written by Kenneth W. Condit and Edwin T. Turnbladh, the 458-page book was published in 1960 by HQ Marine Corps, G-3 Division, Historical Branch. The 4th Marines is one of the most famous of all Marine regiments, with a history dating back to 1911, including 14 years of service in China from 1927 until late November 1941; defense of Corregidor in the first five months of the war; reactivation of the regiment in February 1944 at Guadalcanal, incorporating the newly deactivated 1st and 2nd Raider Battalions; service in the 1st Provisional Marine Brigade and later the Sixth Marine Division in the invasions of Guam and Okinawa; and post-war occupation duty in Japan and China.
What makes this copy special is the signature on page 412 at his Medal of Honor citation by Cpl. Richard E. Bush, a veteran of 1st Raider Battalion in the New Georgia campaign who received the MOH for actions as a member of the 4th Marines on 16 April 1945 during the final assault against Mt. Yaetake on Okinawa. (Read his citation, it's a quinessential example of why there will always be an America as long as there is a U.S. Marine Corps!) I met Mr. Bush and he signed this book at a Medal of Honor Society annual reunion.
Note: It's probably obvious to everyone reading this listing, but the silver WW2 submarine commissioning model that appears in one of the photos is just a convenient paperweight for taking the photos. It is not included as part of the sale offer of the listed book!
If you're the winning bidder, please wait for an invoice before you pay, so I can calculate the actual shipping cost.
Key words: WW2, USMC, Marine Corps, Medal of Honor, MOH