WW2 JAPANESE SILK SOUVENIR WAR FLAG TUCSON ESTATE

Description

From the Tucson estate of former Quartermaster 2nd Class Edward Joseph Goodfriend is this WW2 Japanese silk war flag. This is the version having the sun with rays (the red disk slightly offset to the left on the white field as typical), rather than just the red disk. Be aware these flags are not an area of extreme expertise for me so I'm not sure if this is specifically a navy or army example - that said, you may know.  Flags of this sort were a top tier bucket list wartime souvenir you might acquire in the aftermath of combat.  Edward Goodfirend served aboard LST-599 and personally helmed it during  the Invasion of Okinawa. His serial number was: 952 ** ** (exact number supplied to winner).  LST-599 was commanded by Ensign (later Lieut.) Peter P. Roney, being assigned to LST Flotilla Twenty-One, LST Group Sixty-Two (as flagship of Cdr. W.M. Gullet), LST Division One Hundred Twenty-Three, during the assault and occupation of Okinawa Gunto. She was engaged there April 2-9, 1945.  In that regard and while anchored off Kerama Retto on April 3 with LCT-876 stowed aboard,  a kamikaze "Tony" plowed right through the LCT and into her main deck inflicting severe damage. On board at the time were Marine Corps officers and men ofVMF-322, at least seven of whom were among the twenty-one casualties from the incident. Goodfriend was also present during his ship's subsequent occupation duty, and I believe a portion of its time in China - from November 17, 1945 until the termination of his theater service on January 30, 1946. His likely awards would be the Navy Combat Action Ribbon (retroactive to the April 3 incident at Kerama Retto), China Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic - Pacific Campaign Medal with one (1) bronze battle star for Okinawa, WW2 Victory Medal, and Navy Occupation Medal with "Asia" clasp. I have already sold off his dog tags and personal knife and a Japanese Type 30 bayonet, this Japanese flag being the last thing left from the estate.  Condition is quite fine with a distinct aura of time to the silk. That subtle age toning of the fabric is both diagnostic and normal for its years including decades of slumber in storage. Be aware I have avoided any refreshing or "improving" of what I consider the exact look you want - you feel the need, you do it. The cotton corner ties are commensurately toned and still strong. There is the usual minor wrinkling from being folded all these years. No holes or tears or any hidden restorations. I'm obviously nitpicking for the obsessive here (as opposed to sellers who just say "used"), and a look at the pics should give a good idea of appearance and condition. Size is about 19 3/4 in. horizontal and 14 in. vertical. If you seek out these coveted veterans of the Pacific War, or simply wish a single tangible link to one man who helped save the world, this will have great meaning for you. NOTE: I am doing this as a final sale auction like the old days, so feel free to ask any questions and bid accordingly.
Payment Terms
PAYMENT WITHIN 10 DAYS OF AUCTION CLOSING. I ACCEPT PAYPAL AS PER EBAY RULES.
Shipping Terms
THIS IS LISTED AS U.S. ONLY; INTERESTED INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS PLEASE EMAIL. BUYER PAYS FOR SHIPPING. GENERALLY WILL SHIP US PRIORITY MAIL OR USPS FIRST CLASS WITH DELIVERY CONFIRMATION, BUT CAN NEGOTIATE; BOOKS GO MEDIA RATE.
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