Remarkable archive from the estate of General George S. Patton's aide-de-camp, Alexander Stiller, comprising:
An original dog tag for Gen. Patton's beloved white bull terrier Willie Patton, reading: "Willie Patton, H.Q. 3rd. Army, A.P.O. 403." The tag is suspended from a traditional chain necklace. Willie had one dog chain which he wore (and is now in a museum), and another which Patton or Stiller kept with them. The included letter of provenance from Stiller's granddaughter reads, in part: "The 'dog tag' was made for Willie Patton and was in the possession of either Gen. Patton or Lt. Stiller whenever the dog was present." A modern reprint photo of Willie Patton is also included. The dog was made especially famous by the 1970 film Patton, and is the subject of the book General Patton's Best Friend by Richard Joseph Stillman.
A superb matte-finish 4.5 x 6.5 head-and-shoulders photo of Gen. Patton in uniform, beautifully signed in the lower border in fountain pen, "G. S. Patton, Jr."
Alexander C. Stiller's ribbon rack and associated medals: the ribbon rack represents a Purple Heart, Silver Star (with oak leaf cluster), and Distinguished Service Cross. All three associated medals are included, as is an original true copy of the Third Army's General Orders No. 288, October 10, 1945, awarding Maj. Stiller's Distinguished Service Cross for his extraordinary heroism under enemy sniper fire near Hammelburg, Germany. The citation is signed in fountain pen by Captain G. F. Labots-Misbeek. Also included is an original true copy of the 4th Armored Division's General Orders No. 63, April 15, 1945, awarding a bronze oak leaf cluster to Maj. Stiller's Silver Star Medal.
Other ephemera includes: three original WWII-era embroidered patches, representing the US Army II Corps, Third Army, and 7th Army Division; a vintage glossy 7 x 5 photo of Gen. Patton leading a tank from the front; a carbon copy typescript of a letter of recommendation for Stiller by General Patton, dated February 21, 1942; four pages of orders concerning movements and personnel transfers; and a newspaper clipping about Maj. Stiller. Additional insignia in the archive: two golden oak leaves (major); two single silver stars (brigadier general); and two silver three-star pins (general). In overall fine condition. An exemplary, unique archive from the family of Patton's closest aide.
