This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
World War II US Navy KIA Purple Hearts, flight log book, photos, newspaper articles, EGAs, and research file of a Marine pilot and one of the original members of VMF-215. Grafton Samuel “Sammy” Stidger was born on January 12, 1920 in New Mexico and was the eldest of 4 sons born to Howe and Hazel Stidger. Grafton, more commonly known as “Sam” or “Sammy”, attended Farmington High School and graduated with the class of 1937. After graduation, he worked in the mines in Farmington, but his dream was to become a pilot. Sammy enrolled as a freshman at Fairmont State College in the fall of 1939 and when he found out that the Civilian Pilot Program was being offered at the college, he jumped at the chance to enroll. He received his primary and secondary flight training at the Bridgeport Airport, achieving his goal of becoming a pilot. Sam later decided to fly for the military and he enlisted in the US Navy in August 1941. He completed his single engine training in July 1942, and was listed as an aviation cadet, USNR. According to his logbook, Sammy had made the transition from N3Ns and SNJs to F4F Corsairs by the winter of 1942 and is listed to have participated in the early combat air patrols and convoy escorts with VMF-215 in early 1943. The young pilot, known for his “wit and charm” departed the United States with the squadron on February 23, 1943, and was first sent to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii, departing on May 12 for Midway where they stayed for 2 months before leaving in mid-June 1943, when they left Midway and departed for the South Pacific. Sammy and the rest of the squadron arrived on Espiritu Santo on July 1, 1943, and immediately began taking part in fighter sweeps against Japanese bases in the northern Solomon Islands. The squadron made history on August 14, 1943 when an F4U Corsair from VMF-215 was the first plane to arrive at the newly captured Munda airfield. However, the most remarkable and historical action for VMF-215 of the time was not landing at Munda airfield, but instead was committed by Stidger. While flying over San Isabel on August 30, 1943 Sammy Stidger jumped an FW-190 and shot it down in the vicinity of San Isabel, as recorded in his logbook. According to records, only 1 FW-190 A5 was sent to the Imperial Japanese Air Forces for testing in 1943. One of the test pilots, Lieutenant Commander Aramaki Yoshitsugu, noted when he was questioned regarding the fate of the aircraft, that he thought it was loaned to a reconnaissance unit and knew no more. Photos later surfaced of the fuselage of a FW-190 at Kagamigahara. Apparently, the German fighter was acquired by Kawasaki in time for the development of the Ki-100 at Kagamigahara by late 1944 and the remains of the aircraft were located by American occupiers towards the end of the war. This kill raised some eyebrows when Stidger made the claim, as it would be very strange for the squadron to encounter an aircraft which was quite a rarity in that theater. How this type of plane would be flying reconnaissance in the South Pacific was a mystery to the members of VMF-215, but nevertheless, Stidger was given credit for an FW-190 kill. Accounts state that friendly natives gave another member of VMF-215, George Sanders, a pistol taken from the pilot of Stidger’s downed “FW-190” and that the pilot had been cut in two by the explosion of the aircraft and no longer needed a weapon. It would later be confirmed that VMF-215 pilots claimed 4 Ki-44 single engine fighters that day, one of which was misidentified as an FW-190. After this action, Stidger and the squadron continued their operations and a month later Sammy would find himself in a predicament in the air. On September 1, 1943, then Lt. Grafton Stidger was flying as fighter cover over Rendova Island in the Solomons, when their flight was spotted by enemy aircraft. A dog fight ensued in which Stidger was credited with scoring hits on several Japanese aircraft. During the commotion, an enemy plane came in behind him and, according to Captain Charles Mathiew, "poured a long burst into his plane." The Japanese fighter inflicted serious damage on Stidger’s Corsair, resulting in a hole in his gas tank, and a section of wing was also shot away. Gripping his controls, Stidger struggled to maintain altitude as the cockpit filled with smoke, and as the engine began to choke. Accounts state he was seen pushing back his canopy as he pushed himself out of the bullet ridden and doomed Corsair. His ordeal was not over, as he did not get clear of the aircraft as he bailed out and he struck the antenna, aerial wires, and rudder with such force that he was knocked unconscious just as he was able to pull the cord on his parachute. Although dazed, he managed to gather his bearings after regaining consciousness and, shortly after, landed in the water where he was later rescued. After this encounter he spent 3 weeks in a Sydney, Australia hospital and was awarded his first Purple Heart for wounds received in action. In the aftermath of this incident, Stidger wrote to the man who had packed his parachute, Pfc. Richard L. Cook of Lansing, Michigan, to thank him for “a packing job that worked.” On his return to base after recovering from his injuries, Stidger received 2 gifts: the parachute that had saved his life and a new watch to replace the one lost on the mission. The note still survives with Richard Cook’s family. Stidger jumped back into his cockpit as soon as he got the chance and continued his harassment of Japanese forces. He is mentioned over 40 times in Jeff Dacus’ book “The Fighting Corsairs” with many details provided regarding his missions. There are mentions of Stidger strafing and destroying aircraft on the ground and how even in a dark time of war, he would see the humorous side of things, especially when he would describe the Japanese ground personnel scrambling around during raids. Other mentions include how Stidger would harass Japanese ground forces “Stidger spotted a seventyfoot-long boat loaded with Japanese soldiers, sending bullets back and forth through its hull. A giant explosion sent pieces of wood, metal, and flesh flying above the waves.” and “Stidger’s guns wreaked havoc among the parked aircraft, and the other pilots reported four planes burning after his attack.” Constant combat and climate conditions continuously wore down Stidger's Corsair, which gained a reputation for not functioning properly on missions. Despite the disrepair, he would continue to climb into the cockpit and fly missions regardless of his safety. This would ultimately come back to haunt the young pilot. In January of 1944, VMF-215 was operating from the Island of Bougainville in the British Solomon Islands, and were flying strike missions directed at Rabaul. Stidger had been encountering engine trouble with his corsair and spent 3 days trying to fix it. On January 14th 1944, the 24-year-old Marine climbed into his corsair for one last time. After taking off in his war weary plane, he again ran into engine trouble and attempted to return to base. According to his friend Major Robert Owen, while on approach, Stidger must have swerved to miss aircraft which were taking off and crashed short of the runway. He was killed instantly, 2 days after his 24th birthday. His logbook ends with the entry on January 14, which was added by one of his friends, “Capt. Stidger killed in action this date”. The Japanese could not claim Stidger, and in a cruel twist of fate the devoted aviator was killed by his own plane. After his death, he was first buried on Bougainville but was later reinterred at Arlington National Cemetery. He was posthumously awarded an Air Medal and another Purple Heart. The lot consists of 2 of Stidger’s Purple Hearts, WWII Victory Medal, Flight Logbook, 2 newspaper clippings, Aviation Cadet Card, and 2 period photos. The paper items are contained in an envelope which was sent home by Stidger dated November 18, 1943. (A) The first Purple Heart is missing everything but is nicely engraved “CAPT. / GRAFTON S. STIDGER / U.S.M.C.R.” on the reverse in USMC style engraving. The medal is accompanied by an onion skin citation which states the Purple Heart was awarded for injury as a result of enemy action on August 10, 1943. CONDITION: Slight areas of gilt loss. Overall good. Citation has been folded for years but is in very good condition. (B) 1942 US Mint Type I Naval Purple Heart, constructed of sterling silver, sterling silver planchette ring, plastic heart, and sterling silver split wrap brooch. All, with the exception of the plastic heart, are gold gilded. The ribbon features a gold star, denoting a second award, this is presumably the medal which was awarded to Stidger posthumously. The medal is engraved on the reverse “CAPT. / GRAFTON S. / STIDGER. / U.S.M.C.R.” in USMC style engraving. The medal is complete with its 1/2” ribbon bar which is marked “STERLING SILVER” on the reverse and is housed in the original Type I purple box. The Purple Heart is accompanied by a WWII Victory Medal. CONDITION: The medal exhibits gilt loss around the edges, especially towards the bottom. Ribbon is slightly faded. Velvet lining exhibits a circular impression and scattered stains. Exterior of the box is clean, with evidence of once being taped shut. The lid opens about 75%. Overall very good. (C) Stidger’s flight logbook, named to him on the interior as well at the bottom. The entries start at December 8, 1941 with training flights and end with his death on January 14, 1944. The book is about half full of entries. Stidger had very good penmanship and wrote various notes for each mission including which of his squadron mates crashed, what missions entailed, and where they were going. His “FW-190” kill is recorded and the entire logbook is an interesting read especially considering the latter entries, which are his combat missions, and may have been the last things Stidger wrote. CONDITION: The book exhibits handling wear, which is typical considering Stidger handled this book most days. Entries are clear and legible. Overall good. (D) Also included in the lot are a Gemsco 1930s era officer's dress cap EGA and a pin-back single collar emblem. (E) 2 newspaper articles, 1 detailing the success of the squadron ending with details of his death, and another regarding Stidger’s mother receiving his Purple Heart. The article is quite interesting and details his “reconnaissance aircraft” (FW-190) kill as well as several successful strikes by Stidger. CONDITION: Typical yellowing and edge wear. Overall fair. (F) Envelope and aviation cadet card. CONDITION: Both exhibit blemishes typical of old paper but the print remains legible. Overall fair. (G) 2 photos, the first of Stidger on his cadet uniform, annotated on the reverse that it was taken in Jacksonville, Florida in May 1942, and later period annotated in 1944 noting that he was killed in action. The second photo is of a Corsair pilot who does not appear to be Stidger, but perhaps a fellow VMF-215 pilot. CONDITION: Photos are clear, light wear. Overall very good. Finally, the group is complete with a file of research and copies of photos of Stidger compiled by our researcher. The file includes muster rolls, memorials, and accounts from Stider’s service. The photos depict Stidger in his flight gear, a group shot of VMF-215, and a photo of members of VMF-215 receiving awards in November 1943, Stidger is pictured on the far right, standing at attention waiting to be awarded with his first Purple Heart. The only thing that could improve the group is a copy of Jeff Dacus’ book “The Fighting Corsairs” and it would be wise for the buyer to purchase a copy. In conclusion, this is an excellent, fresh to the market Purple Heart grouping from a model Marine who flew in a reputable squadron. Grafton “Sammy” Stidger may have been Killed in Action in 1944, but his memory and exploits will live on through his medals and the new caretaker. Stidger never got to grow old and sacrificed his life to preserve future generations. It is only fair that the deeds are reciprocated by preserving his surviving memorabilia and legacy. JLD
Item Dimensions: 9" X 6"