December 15, 2020 Edged Weapons, Armor & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2020
Historically significant Brigadier General Flag that was presented by George S. Patton before the United States' entrance in World War II. The flag is constructed of wool bunting and exhibits a US Army Eagle contained within a blue star that is sewn in place underneath brigadier general rank insignia. There are two grommets on the hoist, which has reinforcement patches at each end. “WLCA #26 From: Gen. Patton 6-20-41” is written on the hoist in the top corner. The most interesting part of the flag is the hoist, not due to construction, but because the flag is inscribed and contains a note that is signed by George S. Patton. The note is typed on wax paper, and the corners have been ironed onto the hoist. The note reads "20 June 1941 / My Dear Colonel: Hope this flag will do. Tell the wife it’s all I could come up with here. Much success in her charitable venture. Glad to hear things are well at my old post. / Most Sincerely, / G.S. Patton Jr." The flag is clearly the general officer’s flag used by Patton from October 1940 to April 1941 as brigadier general in command of the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 2nd Armored Division, and acting division commander, until his promotion to major general and division commander. The recipient and occasion of the presentation are not identified, but two possibilities are strongest. One is that is a gift by Patton for a charity auction held by the wife of the colonel to whom it was sent. This would explain the number on the flag and Patton’s reference to her “charitable venture.” A possible recipient of the donation could have been Josephine Frost Woodhull, wife of Willis D. Crittenberger. An alternative is that the flag was a gift to the colonel himself on a recent or coming promotion. A number of colonels were being promoted to “temporary” brigadier general at the time. Although this flag does not directly identify the Colonel the flag was presented to, a possible candidate is Col. Willis D. Crittenberger, who was promoted to Brigadier General in 1941 and who was also a friend of Patton. After Patton was promoted to major general and later the general commanding the 2nd Armored Division in April 1941, Crittenberger took over command of the 2nd Armored Brigade of the 2nd Armored Division. Patton was a brigadier general and commander of the 2nd Armored Brigade from October 1940, but was also acting commander of the division during November 1940. Crittenberger, who attended USMA and graduated with the class of 1913, was a good choice for the significant promotion to brigadier general. He was a cavalry officer who became interested in armored warfare and was a Lt. Colonel and Chief of Staff of the 1st Armored Division when promoted. Given their backgrounds, Patton likely supported Crittenberger and played a role in his promotion and transfer. Crittenberger’s promotion to Colonel was officially announced ten days later on June 30, 1941, and his promotion to Brigadier General was announced just eleven days after that, on July 11, 1941. On top of that, his transfer to the 2nd Armored Division under Patton at Fort Benning was announced just ten days after that, on July 21, 1941. This is too rapid a series of promotions and assignments not to have been in the works for some time. Although the congratulatory letter is dated June 20, 1941, Patton most likely knew about Crittenberger's promotion and probably received word that it would go through several months ahead of time. Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that this flag was presented to him by George S. Patton who could have prepared this flag for him ahead of time. Crittenberger had a flourishing career in the Army throughout World War II as he went on to command the 2nd Armored Division when Patton took over the 1st Armored Corps and was promoted to Major General. Crittenberger then commanded the 3rd Armored Corps, redesignated as 19th Corps, before transferring to command of the 4th Corps 5th Army which was well known for its fighting in Italy. He ended his active duty service in 1952 with a successful army career behind him. This flag was previously sold by Federal Hill Autographs in 1982 to noteworthy WWII veteran and collector John K. Lattimer and a receipt of the sale addressed to Mr. Lattimer is included as provenance with this flag. CONDITION: The flag exhibits several holes which are mostly noticeable around the blue star. The largest is about the size of a pen cap. However, despite the slight damage on this flag, it is in wonderful condition and with no fading, smells, or tarnishing. The flag is a nice displayable size and measures approximately 51” x 34”. The note on the hoist displays slight tears and creases around the edges. The signature has slightly faded but is still legible with no smudging. Overall very good. This is great flag that is presented and inscribed by one of America’s most famous military commanders. JD/SR
Item Dimensions: 18" x 13"
Paperwork
Letter of purchase from consigner