April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2021
Fantastic ID'D World War II US Navy Sub Commander's ephemera grouping. The grouping is ID'D to William Calhoun Thompson who earned TWO Silver Stars and TWO Navy Crosses during World War II. Calhoun served on many vessels throughout his career, including the USS Tennessee, USS Idaho, and USS New Mexico. He would distinguish himself on the submarines he served on, the USS Bowfin and USS Cabrilla. The grouping includes Thompson's submarine combat badge with three battle stars and official letter dated June 11, 1944 which is giving him permission to wear the badge. The grouping also comes with two folders full of records that are all related to Thompson's service in the Navy. They begin with an affidavit from the US Naval Academy when he was appointed to the rank of Ensign. The documents then transition to his assignments and service on the above mentioned battleships. There are documents related to his service on the USS Tennessee which include his promotion to Lt. Junior Grade in 1938. Also included are documents related to the USS Sea Lion, as Thompson was an original member of this crew when the submarine was commissioned. Some papers are quite interesting including documents related to Thompson being reprimanded for disregarding sentry orders. There are many documents relating to his service on the USS Cabrilla and on the USS Spikefish which was another submarine that Thompson commanded. There is an original commendation of Thompson from General Allen while serving on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, documents from his time serving in Argentina, letters that he wrote to his wife, paper with launching material from the USS Sea Lion, college graduation documents, retirement documents and so much more. There are also interesting documents pertaining to the awards and medals of his crew on the USS Cabrilla during its sixth war patrol and then his later decision to reduce some of these awards. This also includes original citations that Thompson wrote for Bronze Star, Silver Star, and Navy Cross recipients. The group does not stop at the documents, there is also a splendid photo album that contains over 100 photos. The content in the photos includes Thompson in uniform wearing his insignia, photo of him being awarded a medal, photos of his sub crew on deck, firing Thompson SMGs, war trophies, crew photos, naval balls, and sailor antics. Included with the group are several papers that outline the contents of the group, history of Thompson, and copies of all of documents pertaining to his awards. CONDITION: Documents are in good condition for their age, some display typical blemishes. Photo album has tears at the spine. All items are overall good-excellent. This is an incredible, rare, and extensive grouping that is attributed to a distinguished submarine commander. Groups like this are seldom offered for sale. JLD
Item Dimensions: 14" X 11"