This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/16/2022
Major General Edward O'Connor was born to Edward Denis and Gladys Marie O'Connor on June 22nd, 1931, growing up in Newton, Massachusetts. He attended Boston College, completing his undergraduate studies in 1952, completed the Reserve Officers Training Corps curriculum that same year, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery in the United States Army. He advanced through the ranks until 1966 when, as a Major in the artillery, he requested assignment to Viet Nam, where he commanded 6th Battalion, 27th Artillery. 6th Battalion, 27th Artillery was known as the "Cannon Kings", and the first artillery unit to fire into Northern Viet Nam. Between February and August, they fired over 87,000 rounds without an artillery incident, participating in the Tet Counteroffensive of 1969, Sanctuary, Fish Hook, and Consolidation I. They provided fire support for the 1st Cavalry, 1st Infantry Division, 101st Airborne, ARVN 5th Division, 11th Armored Cavalry, and 3rd Marine Division, while providing close artillery for RVNAAF and US Army Special Forces Groups. Between 1970 and 1972 he was the Assistant for NATO Affairs, Officer of Secretary Defense, 1972 Secretary for Joint Staff Vietnam, 1973 Chief of Staff, Joint Military Commission Vietnam. Post-War highlights include Commander of the Division Artillery for 1st Armored Division in Europe 1973-1974, Deputy Director Operations for the National Military Command Center, Joint Chiefs of Staff, 1977-1978, the Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver) 1st Armored Division Europe, 1978-1979; the Chief of Nuclear Activities, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe, Belgium from 1979-1982; Director of Operations, Readiness and Mobilization (ODCSOPS) for the U.S. Army, 1982-1983; and Commanding General for the Security Affairs Command, Army Material Command, 1983-1986. During his time as Chief of Nuclear Activities he became a Major General, promoted to that position in 1981. As part of being a Major General, O'Connor would have been entitled to use an M15 General Officer's pistol, the new sidearm approved in October, 1972. This pistol is listed in Williams and Brunner's "U.S. General Officer Pistols: A Collectors' Guide" by serial number as being issued to "Edward O'Conner" [sic], clearly a typo. Correct configuration with fixed sights, serrated slope front sight, barrel with single lug, shortened bushing and recoil spring guide, two part recoil spring. Left side of slide with "General Officer Model / RIA" infilled with gold, right side of frame with "Serial No. GO 553", also infilled with gold. Fully checkered walnut grips, left with plate for inscribing name (vacant), right with RIA escutcheon. Barrel marked "F" on right lug, "P" on left lug. Small arts comprise a narrow checkered hammer, serrated slide release, left side only safety, chromed trigger, checkered magazine release, long 1911A1 grip safety, checkered front strap, and arched mainspring housing with lanyard loop, correctly serrated with 6 horizontal lines at bottom. Magazine with "R" on baseplate lip for Risdon manufacture electropencilled on side with matching serial number. Accompanied by a plethora of additional items including the original holster and belt, magazine pouch with 2 additional magazines numbered to the gun, cleaning rod, shipping box with packing materials, a plaque reading "MAJOR GENERAL E.C. O'CONNOR / SHAPE, BELGIUM / CHIEF, NUCLEAR ACTIVITES BRANCH / 9 JULY 1979 - 25 JUNE 1982.", the original bill of sale dated June 10th, 1986 listing this gun by serial number, copies of Major General O'Connor's obituary, a copy of the basic issue items for an M15, and a brief overview of Major General O'Connor. Other militaria included comprises a swagger stick with presentation plaque that reads "Presented to / MAJOR GENERAL EDWARD C O'CONNOR / Commander, USASAC / 18 June 1985 / by / MAJOR GENERAL VICENTE M PICCIO JR, AFP / Commanding General, Philippine Air Force”. Uniform pieces include his overseas hat, with sweatband embossed “Tailored by Bancroft”, correct general’s gold piping, and clutch back major general rank, composed of 2 clutch back stars, the first marked “STERLING” and the other marked “G-23 / 1/20 SILVER / FILLED”, red Army beret with clutch back major general rank and marked “DENMARK’S MILITARY” on the interior. His Vietnam War 1-piece US ARMY OG-107 Sateen Cotton Coverall Jumpsuit is also included and features a 1st Armored Division patch on the left shoulder with appropriate US Army and name strip sewn to the chest. The final uniform piece is O’Connor’s OG-107 Second Pattern Class 2 poplin ripstop fatigue jacket with colonel rank and US Army General Staff insignia on the collar, proper US Army and name strip insignia on the chest and MACV patch on the left shoulder. Medals include an unengraved, cased Defense Meritorious Service Medal with ribbon, lapel pin, ribbon bar, and mini medal. There is also a Korean Military Order contained in the Defense Meritorious Service Medal case. CONDITION: Overall very good plus, showing light handling marks, probably from the remanufacture at the arsenal and light use. Retains virtually all of the high polish blue finish, with a couple of light pits under the blue on the left side of the dust cover which does not detract, as these guns were made from arsenal pistols. Some very light handling marks, and some very minor silvering to high edges and reciprocating areas. Mechanically fine, bore is good with well-defined rifling and some frosting in the grooves. Uniform pieces are very clean overall with scattered stains from wear/storage and are in excellent condition. Coveralls and fatigue jacket were neatly folded and were kept clean, reflecting the discipline of a career army officer.
Accessories
Uniform, Documents, and memorabilia
Manufacturer
Rock Island Arsenal
Model
M15 General Officers Pistol