Mar 30, 2017 - Sale 2441

Sale 2441 - Lot 416

Price Realized: $ 5,250
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500
(MILITARY--WORLD WAR II.) U.S. military-style scrapbook, probably sold at the base exchange, beautifully arranged by Robert Hicks Bowman, a black Air Force GI from New Orleans serving in the Pacific Theatre. Typical large scrapbook (11 inches square) 39 leaves, copiously arranged in a collage style, with approximately 100 photographs, letters, programs, official documents etc. must be seen. U.S. & Pacific, 1943

Additional Details

An exceptionally rich scrapbook kept by Private First Class Robert Hicks Bowman, a New Orleans native. The pages are filled with truly wonderful and informative snapshots as well as larger photographs. Every page is arranged in collage style and packed with all manner of memorabilia and wartime military ephemera. The compiler served in the 3341st Aviation Squadron, 966th Quartermaster Platoon, Victorville, California Army Airfield, 1943. Pfc. Hicks was careful when compiling this scrapbook. Virtually all photos are identified and in most cases, signed and or inscribed. Includes U.S.O. dance cards and photos, among the latter are numerous signed photos including Hattie McDaniel, Joe Louis along with other entertainers who came via the U. S. O. Many shots of black pilots et al. There is an extremely rare snapshot photograph of a GI holding the head of a Japanese soldier with the caption 'I found the Happy Hunting Ground.' The practice of taking 'trophies' of Japanese ears etc. was not only common practice; it was encouraged by some U.S. Commanders. Local natives too were urged to take ears etc to prove they had made 'kills.' The fact that this soldier identified virtually everyone makes this an excellent resource for anyone doing research on the African American military presence in WWII.