April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
Small but significant named World War II US Navy Corpsman grouping named to Wallace H. Fritsch, who served on Peleliu during World War II. Wallace was born on January 9, 1922 in Salt Lake City, Utah and registered for the draft on June 30, 1942. Wallace would later become a crucial part of the US Navy, and serve as a Corpsman in the Pacific Theater. He would spend most of his 26 months overseas on the Island of Peleliu, which was fought over by the United States and Imperial Japan from September 15-November 27, 1944. The battle, which was codenamed Operation Stalemate II, was part of a larger offensive campaign known as Operation Forager, that was waged from June-November 1944. The Battle for Peleliu was controversial for the US because of the island's insignificant strategic value and especially due to the high casualty rate, which exceeded all other amphibious operations during the Pacific War. After the battle, one of Wallace's jobs was to command Japanese POWs to bury the dead, which is stated in a singed letter from his grandson. According to the letter, Wallace did not leave the island after 2 years for R&R, as he chose to stay and help wounded soldiers and assist with Marine operations on the island. Wallace's service is mentioned in a variety of muster rolls and newspaper scans which are provided with this group. The grouping consists of Wallace's US Navy blue jumper which is named to him on the label on the neck. The jumper is relatively plain with the exception of his rate and ruptured duck. Wallace brought home a souvenir Type 90 helmet which is missing the star and liner. There is kanji applied with white paint on the interior brim. Quite an interesting relic that Wallace brought home from his time on Peleliu. There are also 2 photos of Wallace standing outside of a shelter in his Navy fatigues. The photos are not inscribed but these were most likely taken on Peleliu. CONDITION: The Navy jumper is excellent. Name tag is slightly faded with Wallace's name still legible. The helmet retains some of its original paint with scattered scratches, scuffs, and chips. Surface rust is evident on the interior. Despite being incomplete, the helmet has a fantastic look and is especially desirable due to its provenance. it can only be assumed that Wallace salvaged this helmet before continuing to oversee the burials he was in charge of. Overall good. A very nice group with great provenance. JLD
Item Dimensions: 18" X 14"
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