September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/7/2023
A fantastic World War II US Marine Corps grouping which includes both personal effects and Japanese bring back souvenirs. The grouping is from Private First Class Frank Monaco, who served with the 1st Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 1st Marine Division during World War II. The grouping includes Monaco's uniform, consisting of his uniform jacket, trousers, shirt, tie, and overcoat. The uniform pieces are named to several different Marines as well as Monaco. Also included is a pith helmet and front seam swivel bale helmet with "905C" heat stamp. There are various paper items in the group, including several technical manuals, several of which are marked "restricted". Most interesting is the "NANSEI SHOTO" booklet with foldout insert that is marked "To be reduced to RESTRICTED on L-Day" and also marked "TOP SECRET". There are several knives, including a theater made knuckle knife. Along with the pieces is an inventory of items that Frank brought back from the war, with a brief description of the significance of each piece. They are: A Japanese flag that is noted "Killed Jap at Okinawa and picked up flag w/messages/prayers. Another is noted "Frank + his group took over a bunker + napalmed 42 Japs. + took Jap uniforms" The 2 Japanese uniforms are included. Also noted is "Used US Navy Binoculars + Flare gun on the tractor. Used Flare gun to send for help when broken down." The flare gun and binoculars are included. There is also a Type 14 pistol with description "Jap Nambu- His buddy killed a Jap officer + buddy got sword + Frank got Jap Nambu". The included Type 14 was manufactured in 1937 by Kokubunji under supervision of Nagoya. Standard blued finish with 4 - 1/2" barrel, open sights, round trigger guard, and 2-piece ribbed wood grips. Some additional things that are not mentioned are 2 Japanese canteens, 1 with rig, several grenades and shells, leather belt, and US M1 belt. Frank was a decorated Marine and was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. His Silver Star citation reads: "The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Private First Class Frank W. Monaco (MCSN: 372083), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving with the First Amphibian Tractor Battalion, Fleet Marine Force, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Peleliu, Palau Islands, 5 October 1944. When a team of four stretcher-bearers became pinned down by enemy fire while attempting the removal of two wounded men from a zone of action, Private First Class Monaco went forward to render aid. Although wounded by machine-gun fire during this action, he continued on his mission and, reaching the party, applied first aid to a wounded stretcher-bearer. Then, despite the pain from his wounds, he assisted in removing the two wounded men and also aided in carrying the stretcher-bearer to safety. His cool courage and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service". His Silver Star is included and is not numbered or named. Also noted on the inventory is "3 First waves at Pellieu, Cape Glouster + Okinawa. Wounded at Pellieu - Machine gun wound wrist + leg Badly wounded in shoulder. Killed two Japs. Shot one in throat + other in head. The inventory list is signed "Frank Monaco" The items are in varying condition, the uniforms exhibit scattered stains from age and wear and paper items exhibit blemishes typical of old paper. Bring back souvenirs exhibit wear with scattered blemishes that are expected from things sent home during a war. Expected tarnishing and stains. Type 14 is fair overall with a frosted brown patina and cleaned oxidation. Grips are worn. Abraided bore. Good mechanics. Regardless, this is an excellent example of a documented Marine Corps grouping from a hard fought Marine. CONDITION: Fair-very good.
ADDENDUM: Sabre Monarch 131 knife marked "SABRE / MONARCH / 131" and "SOLINGEN / GERMANY" on ricasso. PAL RH-36 fighting knife marked RH PAL 36 on ricasso. Case XX survival knife marked "CASE XX" and "837-60" on ricasso. US Navy Mk 2 fighting knife marked "CAMILLUS, N.Y." and U.S.N. / MARK 2" on ricasso. Scabbard is marked "U.S.N. / MK 2" and "Nord 4728 / B.M. Co 3 vp". Theater made knuckle knife is marked "UNION / PAZ". Photos updated.