United States Marine (1925–1979) who was immortalized in Joe Rosenthal's famous World War II photograph as one of the six flag-raisers atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. War-dated ALS signed “Rene,” two pages both sides, 7 x 10.25, United States Marines letterhead, June 27, 1943. Letter to his future wife, Pauline Harnois, written from the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, South Carolina, in part: “Right now I am sitting in my bunk, and writing to you as a matter of fact, we spend almost all day Sunday in our bunks we're either sleeping or sitting down and cleaning our rifles…Tonight we might go to the movies—but I doubt it. Boy you'll never know how much I miss you, I wish that I could take you along with me when I am shipped to my new post, but I guess that is impossible so, I'll just have to dream of how nice it would be to have you along…While on furlough I've got to go to Boston 1 day on business for the Marine Corp. I will go up on the 3 or 4 oclock bus in the afternoon so if you can come up with me we can go dancing after I’ve reported at the Recruiting Station. We can bring Helen [her sister] along too that is if she wants to go. If you don’t come up with me I’ll have to go anyways and that would mean that we’ve spoiled a whole evening, while we’ve got the chance to be together we might as well take it. Gee whiz I can hardly believe it in a little more than two weeks we’ll be skating together. Its almost unbelievable to think that I havent seen you in over a month, before I used to think it was bad when I didn’t get to kiss you a[t] least once during an evening…P.S. The ones who make the most score when we shoot for record will get a P.V.C. stripe—So please say a little prayer for me will you.” Areas of toning to the top and edges, otherwise fine condition. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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