July 13-15, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/15/2021
Small but significant grouping named to Master Technical Sergeant Billy C. Cook, Provisional Force Signal Battalion, Fleet Marine Force. Although the grouping is small, it contains an original landing force map that Cook carried during the Battle of Tinian island during July 24, 1944 through August 1st, 1944. The map is in 2 pieces and displays discoloration from age, tearing, and scattered stains. These blemishes were inevitable considering Cook carried this map fragment with him while fighting on Tinian. The map displays Tinian Harbor, Red 1 Beach, Red 2 Beach, Green 1 Beach, Green 2 Beach, and Blue beach as well as other landmarks on the island's interior. The map is laid out in a classic grid style pattern with the beaches outlined with square boxes. One corner of the map displays a key labeled "Defense Symbol Key" which shows symbols that designate various pieces of the Japanese defense including pillboxes, artillery emplacements, Command posts, and more. These symbols are scattered across the map and reveal what the Marines expected to be up against. The grouping also includes a original paper that is marked "Beach Markings" that displays various unit and flank markings that are color coded to the designated beaches. The reverse of this paper contains a small map of Saipan, which outlines the beaches, airfields, and mountains, and other landmarks. There are also other various documents that pertain to Cook's service, including artillery shell training diagrams, promotion documents, assignment documents, and his discharge papers. All paper objects exhibit wear that is typical of old paper. The map and corresponding papers exhibit wear that is expected of paper that was carried in the humid climates of the Pacific Theatre of Operations during combat. CONDITION: Fair-very good. JLD
Item Dimensions: 26" x 16"