1944 WWII GUADALCANAL MEMORIAL PRESENTATION BOOK WITH ORIGINAL MARINE CORPS LETTER
Offered as one historical lot: an original 1944 hardcover edition of The Island: A History of the First Marine Division on Guadalcanal, August 7–December 9, 1942, by Captain Herbert L. Merillat, accompanied by a November 20, 1944, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps memorial letter.
The letter was found folded inside the book. Both pieces are being sold together.
THE LETTER AND ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Dated November 20, 1944, the letter is printed on Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps stationery bearing the Marine Corps emblem and Washington, D.C., headquarters address.
Addressed “Dear Friend,” the letter explains that the recipient's son gave his life in the service of his country and contributed to the American victory at Guadalcanal.
It states that a copy of The Island was being presented with the compliments of Houghton Mifflin Company and the United States Marine Corps to help the recipient better understand the conditions under which their son made his sacrifice.
The letter expresses the hope that the book would serve as a small memorial to the Marine's contribution during the battle of Guadalcanal.
It bears the name and signature of A. A. Vandegrift, identified as Lieutenant General, U.S.M.C., Commandant of the Marine Corps.
The signature appears to be mechanically reproduced or a facsimile rather than personally handwritten. This letter is not being represented as an authenticated hand-signed autograph.
The letter has two horizontal fold lines and was discovered folded inside the accompanying book.
Its wording establishes that it was intended for the family of a Marine who died in service. However, the recipient is not named on the visible letter, and the identity of the fallen Marine has not been established.
THE BOOK
The Island: A History of the First Marine Division on Guadalcanal, August 7–December 9, 1942.
Author: Captain Herbert L. Merillat, U.S.M.C.R.
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston.
Publication date: 1944.
Binding: Original red cloth hardcover with gilt lettering.
Illustrated with wartime photographs and maps.
The book presents a contemporary history of the First Marine Division's Guadalcanal campaign. Captain Merillat served as a Marine Corps press officer during the fighting and gathered information for the book while serving with the division.
Its contents document the August 1942 landings, subsequent operations, and the experiences of Marines fighting in the Solomon Islands.
The book includes original Marine Corps photographs and a map of Guadalcanal showing the terrain over which the Marines fought between August 7 and December 9, 1942.
The title page identifies the author as Captain Herbert L. Merillat, U.S.M.C.R., and confirms the 1944 Houghton Mifflin publication.
THE BOOK AND LETTER AS A SINGLE LOT
The historical importance of this offering lies in the association between the book and the accompanying memorial letter.
The letter was issued as part of a wartime presentation to the family of a fallen Marine. The book was intended to help that family understand the conditions of the Guadalcanal campaign and preserve the memory of their son's service.
The letter was found folded inside this copy of the book. They have been retained together and are offered together.
The original recipient and the individual Marine have not been identified. No claim is made that the letter was personally signed by General Vandegrift.
CONDITION
The book retains its original red cloth binding and gilt lettering. The covers show light surface wear, scattered small marks, and general age-related handling wear. The gilt spine lettering is faded.
The interior shows age toning and occasional minor marks. The photographed map endpapers, title page, copyright page, and interior illustrations are present.
No dust jacket is included.
The memorial letter shows two horizontal fold lines, age-related discoloration, and minor handling and edge wear. The text remains legible.
Please review all photographs carefully for the condition of both pieces.
INCLUDED
One original 1944 hardcover copy of The Island by Captain Herbert L. Merillat.
One original November 20, 1944, Headquarters U.S. Marine Corps memorial presentation letter bearing the reproduced signature of A. A. Vandegrift.
Sold as one lot. The display stand is not included.
Carefully packed for shipment. Price includes shipping within the United States.