April 27-30, 2021 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/30/2021
Extensive World War II uniform and ephemera grouping identified to Lieutenant John Shirk who was an original member of the 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion. The 702nd was activated on December 15, 1941 at Fort Benning, Georgia and arrived in mainland Europe on June 11th 1944. Less than a month later, the 702nd would be part of the Second Armored Division's spearhead during Operation Cobra. John Shirk entered service shortly before the outbreak of World War II on November 24, 1941 in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. He was assigned to the 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion right after its formation in 1941 and sent overseas with the 702nd in 1944. According to his family, John distinguished himself in combat and was commissioned in the field as a second lieutenant in 1945. A copy of Lieutenant Shirk's discharge is included in the auction and states that John finished the war as a Tank Destroyer Unit Commander. This group is quite extensive and consists of Lt. Shirk's WWII officer's jacket which displays his awards including the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal, and ETO Theater Medal with five battle stars. The uniform also displays tank destroyer officer's collar insignia, a 2nd Armored Division Hell on Wheels patch and bullion lieutenant bars. The uniform also consists of a wool enlisted shirt, sam brown belt, and 5 OS hats, 2 with cavalry piping, 1 with TD piping, and 2 with officer piping. The group also includes 3 yard long unit photos, 1 is of the 16th Armored Replacement Battalion and 2 are of the 702nd tank destroyer battalion. 1 photo is very interesting as it is of the whole unit wearing their combat gear. There is also a framed map that details the 2nd Armored Division's movements throughout World War II. The rest of the grouping is a mix between wartime souvenirs, including a projectile John brought home, reunion memorabilia, newspapers, and paperwork which is mostly post war and details the 702nd throughout the war and their post-War reunions. Even though the paperwork and books are post-War, they are very detailed and provide a wonderful history of the 702nd TD battalion and its members both during and after the war. It appears as though Mr. Shirk was very proud of his service and his unit. This is an excellent archive group from a renowned tank destroyer battalion that would be a plethora of information for anyone researching the 702nd TD Battalion. CONDITION: Uniform pieces are excellent showing little signs of wear. All paper items range from fair-very good. Pictures and framed map are excellent. JLD
Item Dimensions: Largest (Framed Map) 44" x 32" Heavy