July 12-14, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/13/2022
"A few weeks ago I received word that my boyfriend, Jay Robert Bishop of Wells, Minnesota was killed in action. I have been terribly upset and would appreciate all the details you can give me. The date was June 26. The last letter I received was written on June 2 and his address at the time was...For me Life is worthless and the days are endless. Would you please give me all the details you are allow to? I loved him with all my heart and shall hope to the end of time that a mistake has been made and that he is safe and does come back. Anything you can do will be deeply appreciated." These are the words of Jay Robert's girlfriend, Florence, in which she wrote to the Secretary of the Navy after she was informed of her boyfriend's death. Bishop was born in Minnesota on January 11, 1920 and enlisted in the Navy on March 23, 1942. During the war, Biship obtained the rank of PhM1c and served as a corpsman with Company C, 2nd Medical Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. He is listed throughout US Marine Corps records and is listed to have participated in the battle of Tarawa which was the first American offensive in the critical Central Pacific region. The well-supplied and well-prepared Japanese defenders fought almost to the last man, causing heavy casualties on the 2nd Marine Division. Afterwards, Bishop participated on D-Day, Saipan where he is listed as "Debarked and landed under fire". Saipan proved to be another bloody battle as the Japanese defenders were formidable and inflicted heavy casualties on American forces. Bishop survived these terrible battles, only to be killed on the USS YMS-39 on June 26, 1945 when it struck a mine while it had been assigned minesweeping duties off Balikpapen, Dutch Dorneo, in preparation for invasion of the area. The bolo is in standard configuration, marked "U.S.M.C. / CHATILLON, N.Y." on the cheek. It is housed in its leather scabbard which is marked "USMC / BOYT / 45". The scabbard is named to Bishop on the front in all caps, "BISHOP" as well as "JAY / BIS" and "BISHOP" under the belt hook. CONDITION: The blade exhibits areas of pitting, especially on the obverse blade. The wood grip scales are nicely preserved and exhibit light wear. Scabbard exhibits scuffs and blemishes but remains firm. Overall good. The bolo is complete with a file of paperwork regarding Bishop's service and a 2nd Marine Division Patch. A nice example of a WWII bolo, with great history and a legacy which needs to be preserved in a serious collection. JLD