Iconic original matte-finish 10.5 x 13.5 silver gelatin photograph of 1st Marine Division infantryman Paul Ison sprinting over open ground in Okinawa's 'Death Valley' on May 10, 1945, taken by Pvt. Bob Bailey, matted and framed to an overall size of 13.25 x 16.25. Annotated on the reverse in black felt tip by the subject: "Combat picture #120562, Paul E. Ison, First Marine Division, Death Valley, Okinawa, 10th May 1945. Note, My Picture," with his personal Fort Myers return address label affixed below. In fine condition.
Taken as Ison dodged heavy machine gun fire during the Battle of Okinawa, this became one of the enduring images of World War II, widely used to illustrate the doggedness, fortitude, and tenacity of the front-line Marine. As the subject's personal copy of the iconic photograph, this is a remarkable piece of military history.
Provenance: The World War II 70th Anniversary Sale, Bonhams, April 29, 2015.
