December 14-17, 2021 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/15/2021
World War II unengraved and unnumbered Purple Heart Medal with ribbon bar, lapel pin, Good Conduct Medal, and marksman badge contained in a Purple Heart Coffin case. The medals are attributed to William G. Yates, who was a member of the 38th Infantry Regiment's Antitank Company. The group includes Yates' period discharge paperwork as well as a few scans, and a letter that was written by his company commander, Lt. Joe E. Steakley. Yates most likely requested that Steakley draft this letter so he would be eligible for more veteran benefits after his records were destroyed at the National Personnel Records Center fire on July 12, 1973. Mr. Yates was born on November 9, 1915 and was entered into active service on February 2, 1942. The story of how Mr. Yates earned his Purple Heart could be made into a film and is recounted in Steakley's letter. "William Yates served in Antitank Company, 38th Infantry, as a top-rate soldier from the D-Day +1 landing at Omaha Beach until his being wounded and captured on the night of April 2, 1945. He had come through the fierce fighting at the Normandy landing and subsequent breakout through highly fortified German concrete fortresses. he fought at Brest, France, with a special task force to capture the German submarine facilities and garrison. He fought through the Battle of the Bulge, and he participated in the crossing of the Remagen bridgehead." On the night of April 2, 1945 Yates and his company were nearly overrun by the Waffen SS, which resulted in Lt. Steakley calling in close artillery fire which he describes as a "last-ditch action was taken out of desperation, when I saw very little hope for survival." He recounts "The artillery began coming in on our position in extremely heavy salvos. The Krauts panicked and began a very disorderly retreat. As first daylight appeared, we had the distinct advantage. Many of our soldiers fired so many rounds that they literally melted the barrels of their own rifles and carbines. I melted down two carbines and one pistol until they jammed." Steakley goes on to mention after the battle they had counted at least 225 dead German SS soldiers and reveals the fate of Yates and his squad. "During the fighting on Easter night, Soldier William Yates, along with five other Antitankers were defending their outpost at the railroad section in Bonenburg. They were hit with large caliber fire from one of the Nazi tanks or armored weapons carriers. All of them were wounded, including Soldier William Yates, very seriously." Althought this Purple Heart is unengraved, it comes with incredible history to a soldier who was wounded and captured during World War II. CONDITON: The medal and case exhibit typical blemishes from handling wear, and the paperwork exhibits small tears and creases that are typical of old paper. Overall good. JLD
Item Dimensions: 10" X 10"
Paperwork
Consinger Notes, Discharge Papers