Original Items: One-of-a-kind grouping. This is among the very best and most unique groupings we have ever encountered!
Harvey Fred Williams serial number 813711 enlisted in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 20th, 1943 at the age of 19. He was a sergeant in the 4th Marine Division and served in the Pacific theater from October 16th, 1943 to November 6th, 1945 as an official Marine corps photographer.
Sergeant Williams was wounded in action on July 2nd, 1944 and received a purple heart. He saw action (documented) as follows:
Participated in action against the enemy at Eniwetok Atoll, Marshall Islands (February 18th - 24th, 1944); at Saipan, Marianas Islands (July 15th - 2nd of July, 1944); at Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands (February 19th - 16th March, 1945).
He received multiple citations during the war including the following:
7 August 1944
I wish to commend Harvey F. Williams for meritorious and efficient performance of duty as a Marine Corps Combat Photographer attached temporarily to the Public Relations Section, Fourth Marine Division, during operations against the Japanese on Saipan Island. Sergeant Williams demonstrated exceptional ability and devotion to duty under sever enemy fire during the campaign, contributing materially to the successful photographic cover of this engagement, and on several occasions functioning as a line Marine against the enemy, suffering machine gun wounds in the leg on front line. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.
D.L. DICKSON
Lt. COL, USMC
Also included is the original COMMENDATION signed by General Cates that reads:
For excellent service as a combat radio technician attached to a Marine Division during the operations against the enemy on IWO JIMA, VOLCANO ISLANDS, from 19 January to 16 MARCH, 1945. Responsible as technician for the continued operation of a recording apparatus not designed for frontline ground use, Sergeant WILLIAMS nevertheless kept that apparatus in operation throughout operations. With complete disregard for his own safety he repeatedly operated his equipment under heavy fire enabling the combat radio correspondent with him to make outstanding records of the operations. By his courage and determination he succeeded in accomplishing his mission in a manner greatly surpassing the which could be expected normally with the equipment he was furnished. his courage and conduct throughout were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
C.B CATES
Major General, United States Marine Corps
Commanding Fourth Marine Division
Included in this exceptional grouping are the following:
Service "A" Uniform Tunic, aka the "pickle suit with sergeant chevrons, 4th Marine Division shoulder patch, his ink stamped name inside the right armpit, along with he following awards: Purple Heart, Nay Presidential Unit Citation, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with three battle stars, World War II Victory Medal.
Service A peaked visor cap with bronze EGA to front, size 7.
HBT Herringbone Twill P44 Utility Combat Jacket.
Khaki shirt with with sergeant chevrons and 4th Marine Division shoulder patch.
Khaki neck tie with gold USMC EGA tie clip.
McCord M1 Fixed Bale Front Seam Helmet with Seaman Paper Co. Liner (complete)
WWII U.S. 337-6 Q Fighting Knife (Combat knife Model 337Q) Private Purchase
Private purchase large bowie style knife.
M1936 Web Pistol Belt with first aid pouch and complete unopened first aid kit.
1911 web double magazine pouch dated 1918.
1943 dated U.S. M1942 Canteen with carrier.
M1916 .45 Graton & Knight Co 1943 Dated Leather Holster
Complete sewing kit in case.
Complete shaving kit by Auto Stop Razor (with tiny instruction booklet) in case.
Steel shaving mirror in case.
Theatre made wide aluminum bracelet with EGA.
Horn handle private purchase pen knife.
Heating fuel ration, unused.
Kirks original COCO Hardwater Castile (soap) in original paper packaging (made by Procter & Gamble).
The Service Song Book
Multiple books, pamphlets and training manuals.
HUNDREDS of original photographs from the Pacific theater including Iwo Jima!
HUNDREDS of original negatives from the Pacific theater including Iwo Jima!
Original and copies of official service records and correspondence.
Maps, charts and more.
Japanese prayer flag.
Japanese small meatball flag.
Japanese wood hand fan.
Japanese type 99 bayonet with late war wood scabbard.
The most interesting aspects of this grouping are the photographs and negatives. Sergeant Williams was an official photographer of the 4th Marine Division and spent time with General Cates, General Hart, General Vandegrift. The original photos and negatives reveal that Harvey F. Williams was the person that took the well known Fourth Division Post Office on Iwo Jima photo for which we have the original negative! Also included are original photos and negatives of the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender aboard the USS Missouri. Among the negatives and photos are beach assault scenes, battle scenes, R & R scenes, portraits of officers and so much more. The breadth of coverage is simply stunning.
This set is not only amazing but it is historically significant as this Marine was not only at some of the major battles of WWII but his photographic documentation was used around the world. This is a once in a life time grouping for the ultimate IWO JIMA collector.
