Marine during WWII (1919–1945) famously photographed as one of the six men raising the US flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima; he was killed in action later that week. Return address panel clipped from an airmail envelope circa 1944–1945, 3.25 x 1, filled out in fountain pen by Strank, “Sgt. M. Strank U. S. M. C., Co. E 28th Marines, Fifth Marine Div. 7. M. 7., c/o F. P. O. San Francisco, Calif.” Affixed to a commemorative cover with a cachet featuring a political cartoon. In fine condition, with a mild band of toning to the envelope (not affecting the clipped slip or signature). Strank was assigned to the Company E of the 28th Marines in February 1944 and the famous photograph was taken on February 23, 1945, dating this signature to within a year of the iconic event; he remained in this same company at the time of the flag raising, making this an immensely desirable example of his already rare signature. RR Auction COA.
