KVSkelton Posted May 11, 2016 Share #1 Posted May 11, 2016 I had wanted to add a capture flag to my collection for many years and late last year I was able to do so. This Kriegsflag was brought home by the soldier from Los Angeles. With help from Golden Arrow Research (thanks Geoff!), I was able to track down his unit, which was the 312th Field Artillery Battalion of the 79th ID. I haven't been able to find much on the other signers, unfortunately. If anyone has any leads on the other soldiers, I'd love to hear them. Just thought I'd share. Thanks for looking! Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVSkelton Posted May 11, 2016 Author Share #2 Posted May 11, 2016 Close up of the manufacturing stamp: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dhcoleterracina Posted May 11, 2016 Share #3 Posted May 11, 2016 Cool flag, soldier marked examples used to hurt values but now they are considered more valuable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james127 Posted May 11, 2016 Share #4 Posted May 11, 2016 Cool flag, soldier marked examples used to hurt values but now they are considered more valuable. That's interesting because to me, a signed flag makes it more attractive. The only fear that I would have is some dude picking a flag up at an auction and then going after it with a sharpie. Maybe that's why signatures devalued them in the past. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted May 11, 2016 Share #5 Posted May 11, 2016 Rhodes, Gilbert W. enlisted 13APR44 http://www.ancientfaces.com/person/gilbert-w-rhodes/158769490 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katieony Posted May 12, 2016 Share #6 Posted May 12, 2016 These vet signed capture flags are always so interesting. Best of luck with your research! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVSkelton Posted May 12, 2016 Author Share #7 Posted May 12, 2016 Thanks for the replies guys! I agree that the men behind the signatures make a capture flag. Thanks firefighter! I have Rhodes' personnel file from St. Louis. He was in the 312th FA Battalion (79th ID) and arrived in Europe in early January of 1945. I have been unable to find anything about the other soldiers, unfortunately. Thanks for the well wishes Mike! I tend to go overboard on research on items if given the chance. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted May 12, 2016 Share #8 Posted May 12, 2016 Sears, Joseph - 31309143 SEARS JOSEPH BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS 7 4 43 Private No branch assignment MASSACHUSETTS 24 Selectees (Enlisted Men) https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=11&tf=F&q=Sears&bc=&sort=24998%20asc&rpp=10&pg=46&rid=2489793&rlst=2489793,2394735,6148,2425664,2280419,2606845,2413219,2589863,2421452,2672324 Found this guy's. http://wwii-army.mooseroots.com/l/1411811/Kenneth-L-Gustafson http://wwii-army.mooseroots.com/l/6741704/George-K-Gustafson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVSkelton Posted May 12, 2016 Author Share #9 Posted May 12, 2016 Sears, Joseph - 31309143 SEARS JOSEPH BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS 7 4 43 Private No branch assignment MASSACHUSETTS 24 Selectees (Enlisted Men) https://aad.archives.gov/aad/record-detail.jsp?dt=893&mtch=11&tf=F&q=Sears&bc=&sort=24998%20asc&rpp=10&pg=46&rid=2489793&rlst=2489793,2394735,6148,2425664,2280419,2606845,2413219,2589863,2421452,2672324 Found this guy's. http://wwii-army.mooseroots.com/l/1411811/Kenneth-L-Gustafson http://wwii-army.mooseroots.com/l/6741704/George-K-Gustafson Outstanding! Thank you very much, firefighter! Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted May 13, 2016 Share #10 Posted May 13, 2016 Kevin, You're welcome. Good luck with your search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sundance Posted May 13, 2016 Share #11 Posted May 13, 2016 Beautiful flag and some great history. The signatures really make it special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R Michael Posted May 14, 2016 Share #12 Posted May 14, 2016 Nice one Kev!! I love it. Good luck with the research my friend! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVSkelton Posted May 16, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted May 16, 2016 Thanks sundance! I agree about the signatures... Thanks Mike! I was very happy to find out the unit of the soldier who brought the flag home and now firefighter has given me information on another to start digging on. You know that'll keep me busy for a day or three. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RyanWWII Posted May 17, 2016 Share #14 Posted May 17, 2016 Great flag. Better to have history of who captured it than who had pride in displaying it before capture. My opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVSkelton Posted May 19, 2016 Author Share #15 Posted May 19, 2016 Great flag. Better to have history of who captured it than who had pride in displaying it before capture. My opinion. Couldn't have said it any better myself, RyanWWII! Thanks for the kind words. Kevin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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