1608

Part of a Distinguished Navy Destroyer.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:137.00 USD Estimated At:275.00 - 350.00 USD
Part of a Distinguished Navy Destroyer.
A fascinating relic: heavy solid bronze plaque bolted to bridge of the storied World War II destroyer U.S.S. Cony, recipient of 11 World War II and 2 Korean War battle stars. Tapered and beveled shield, 5 3/4 x 7. Weight 7 lbs. In ultra high bas relief, "USS Cony / DD 508," depicting three battle stars floating over sea, Centurion's helmet, pitchfork bisecting. Said to have been forged and affixed at Mare Island at time of the Cony's combat repairs in 1943. Commencing her service in patrol and escort in the South Pacific, and bombardment of New Guinea, the Cony returned to San Francisco for overhaul that April. Returning to Guadalcanal, the destroyer brought fire support and was flagship for landings on Vella Lavella in the Solomon Islands. Covering the landing on the Treasury Islands, "complete surprise was achieved, but Japanese reaction came quickly, and later that day about 25 enemy bombers attacked Cony and another destroyer. Aided by American fighter planes, Cony and her sister splashed 12 of the enemy planes, but Cony received two bomb hits on her main deck...(and) killed 8 of her men, wounded 10, and caused considerable damage" (modern history accompanies). Once again overhauled at Mare Island, she returned to the red-hot Pacific in early 1944, hunting Japanese barges and subs, was present at the assault on the Palau Islands, and provided fire support for underwater demolition teams (forerunner of the SEALs) at the epic Battle for Leyte Gulf. "Joining in the furious firing of night action, and pursuing and constantly dueling with Japanese...," she participated in the Mar. 1945 landings in Manila Bay. After the war, the Cony sailed round the world, operating in the Korean war zone in 1951, continuing in service til 1960. Whitish oxidation at portions of three sides, patinated from her trials by fire, from burnt umber to mahogany, and very good. With three (of three) original mounting machine bolts. Seldom seen class of naval artifact, and superb for display. * War-date booklet, "Restricted - Fighting on Guadalcanal," G.P.O.: 1943, 4 1/2 x 6 3/4, 69 pp. Foreword by Gen. George C. Marshall: "to secure the view of the fighting men in the Solomon Islands...We must cash in on the experience which these and other brave men have paid for in blood." Filled with dramatic advice from named soldiers and officers in the Solomons, describing Japanese ruses and deadly tactics, including trap doors in trees, suicidal approaches with white flags - hiding hand grenades in their other hand, and many others. "...Weak individuals who cannot be trusted to act correctly without supervision must be weeded out...The prowess of the enemy must not be overemphasized. American soldiers and marines can whip the Jap and they are doing so every day...." Title page creased and torn but intact, wear, waterstain pp. 27-44, else good. * "Picture Version" of Guadalcanal Diary by Richard Tregaskis, issued to complement Twentieth Century Fox's eponymous motion picture. Published by David McKay Co., Philadelphia, c. 1943, 7 1/2 x 10 1/4, 56 pp., on comic book-style pulp, profusely illustrated with drawings, coated cover. Pull at staple, some handling, else good plus. Rare thus. (3 pcs.)