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Original WWII-era military family archive centering on Nephew Roy's return home from the European Theater of Operations in September 1945. This cohesive grouping features an evocative handwritten letter written on a photo back while stationed at Le Havre, France during post-war troop repatriation, alongside studio portraits representing multiple service branches and an authentic embroidered US Navy rating patch.
Lot Contents: 4 original black-and-white photographs (studio portraits and outdoor snapshots) with 1 full handwritten letter on back, plus 1 original embroidered felt military rating patch.
Date / Era: World War II era, circa 1943–1945 (postcard explicitly dated September 19, 1945).
Primary Locations: Le Havre, France (European Theater of Operations staging port) and domestic USA.
Military Branches Represented: US Army Air Forces (AAF), US Marine Corps (USMC), and US Navy (USN).
Uniforms & Insignia Displayed: AAF flight wings and propeller collar pins; USMC side cap with Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (EGA) emblem; Ike jacket displaying 4 Overseas Service Bars (representing 24+ months of overseas combat zone service); USN Petty Officer 1st Class Aviation rating patch embroidered on dark wool felt.
Identified Individuals: Nephew Roy, Brother Tony, Aunt Bert, Uncle Frank.
Medium: Original silver gelatin photographic prints and period textile patch.
Condition: Good vintage condition with light handling wear, corner softening, age-appropriate emulsion toning, and stitch/mounting remnants on the reverse of the patch.
Letter Transcription
Taken at Le Havre, France
Sept. 19, 1945
Dear aunt Bert & all,
Just a few lines to let you know I'm okay & am now at Le Havre, sweating out a boat to take me home. We were told today that we'd be on the boat Sept. 20. It will take about 7 days to reach the States.
I'll sure be glad to get back as it's been an awful long time. I've been away 2 years & 4 months.
I'll say so long now.
Your nephew,
Roy.