[WORLD WAR II]. Extensive US Marine Corps album identified to African American Corporal Charles H. Fowler, 52nd Defense Battalion, USMC, who trained at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Red limp cloth album with acrylic boards, approx. 12 3/4 x 8 3/8 in. (missing back cloth cover, discoloration and soiling, wear to page edges, some items loose) containing 40+ documents and other imprints including certificates, registration/identification cards, newspaper clippings, Japanese currency, and more; and 129 photographs ranging in size from 3/4 x 1 1/8 in. to 9 1/4 x 6 1/4 in., most secured with adhesive (conditions vary, some with significant toning, some with bends and creases, wear to edges). Photographs are predominantly silver gelatin snapshots capturing Fowler and fellow African American soldiers; operations in Japan, some showing casualties and prisoners, armored vehicles, and landscape views; and Fowler with family members. Several larger photographs are group shots of all-African American platoons including 374, 375, 376, and 377.

Cloth album cover is comprised of a fringed banner bearing applique emblems including the Marine Corps' eagle, globe, and anchor symbol; and the 51st and 52nd Defense Battalion patches. Some documents and imprints contained in the album include Fowler's honorable discharge documentation, Marine Corps identification card, Selective Service registration certificate, Veterans' "Rights and Benefits" handbook, and "Individual Battle Doctrine" booklet labelled "Restricted."

Charles Harrison Fowler (1924-1997) attended Pasadena Junior College before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps and completing basic training at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. It is unclear whether or not he entered as a corporal or was promoted to that rank after entering the service. He likely mustered into the first African American Marine Corps combat unit, the 51st Defense Battalion, at Montford Point and was one of 400 officers and men transferred to the 52nd Defense Battalion under commanding officer Colonel Augustus W. Cockrell. The 52nd boarded the USS Winged Arrow, which took them first to Pearl Harbor and then to the Marshall Islands, where they served in many capacities including guarding against forays by Japanese air power and reconnaissance missions to some of the smaller islands to move natives from the path of destruction. The battalion moved to the recaptured island of Guam on 4 May 1945.

Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

To request further details about this lot, please email [email protected]

Please contact the Auction Specialist for details.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

We are open for pick-up Monday-Friday: 9am-4:30pm.

For questions about shipping or packing, please contact [email protected] or see our Shipping/Packing page.

[WORLD WAR II]. Extensive US Marine Corps album identified to African American Corporal Charles H. Fowler, 52nd Defense Battalion, USMC, who trained at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

African Americana

[WORLD WAR II]. Extensive US Marine Corps album identified to African American Corporal Charles H. Fowler, 52nd Defense Battalion, USMC, who trained at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup