December 10, 2019 Edged Weapon, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2019
World War II flag purported to be the first flag flown over the liberated town of Bastogne. The 48 star flag is marked on the heading "5' X 9-1/2' Philadelphia Q.M. Depot" and is multi-piece wool construction. Accompanying the flag is a signed letter from Robert Lust, Belgian Army courier who obtained the flag in 1945. The translation of the letter reads as follows: 11/1/03, Robert Lust, This statement is original and exactly, as I recall the facts of some 60 years ago. In 1944-1945 I served under Field Marshal Montgomery, as courier, cyclist. After the 101st Airborne saved Bastogne, the next day I was ordered to deliver documents to the US Command. This occurred in Northern French territory, done in a "covert" activity, due to the "confidentiality" of the documents. I arrived 3 days after the taking of Bastogne, at 12:00 midnight. I stopped a civilian, asking directions to US Command. The person was in possession of a 48 star US flag. After questioning, he admitted stealing the flag from the City Hall. I confiscated the flag! This is THE flag, flown by the 101st Airborne, immediately after defeating the Germans. I kept this flag until today, an on November 1st, 2003, I sold this flag with markings 5-1/2 X 9-1/2 ft...Q.M. Philadelphia Depot. (signed) Robert Lust". Included is an original 2-1/4" X 3-1/2" photograph of Lust on a motorcycle, copies from his Belgian Army soldiers pay book, copy of his canteen pass and copies of various Belgian Army documents. CONDITION: Excellent. DG