American Historical Ephemera & Photography Online

Large lot housed in 3 separate binders featuring signed ephemera relating to World War II accompanied by companion documentation such as research, articles, purchase receipts, etc. 

One binder houses material related to United States Marine Corps ace Col. Gregory "Pappy" BOYINGTON (1912-1988) and Masajiro "Mike" KAWATO, a former Japanese fighter pilot who claimed to have been responsible for shooting down Boyington on 3 January 1944. Boyington became a Japanese POW, then was awarded the Medal of Honor upon his return to the US at the end of the war. Included are four Boyington signatures and more than two dozen Kawato signatures appearing on items such as photographs, checks, and personal notes. Additional autographs of American, German, and Japanese flyers also included with Binder 1 as well as six signatures from German heavyweight boxing champion and Luftwaffe paratrooper Max SCHMELING (1905-2005).

A second binder houses material related to German pilot Wilhelm-Ferdinand "Wutz" GALLAND (1914-1943) including three autograph letters signed (in German) and one photograph. Additional signatures from American fighter pilots include Walter "Bud" MAHURIN of the 56th Fighter Group who is believed to have shot Galland down. Testimonials collected from members of the B-17 "L'il Abner" of the 306th Bomb Group describing WWII experiences are also included in this grouping.

A third binder contains autographs and research materials associated with members of the Luftwaffe.