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CONDITION: All of the items are generally fine with some showing light to mild wear and aging, and some of the cloth items showing some light staining/age related discoloration. This is an incredible opportunity to own the collection of a decorated U.S. naval admiral that played a pivotal roll in two of the most prominent battles of World War II. This collection is worthy of display in the finest U.S. military collections or prestigious museums! Provenance: The Estate of Maria Decatur Mayo Deyo Garnett, daughter of Morton L. Deyo; The Saloga Collection.
Estimate: 10,000 - 20,000
LOT 337
Massive Historic World War II U.S. 48-Star Sea Hoisting Ensign from Cruiser USS Tuscaloosa CA-37 - This is a massive and desirable World War II U.S. 48-star ensign
that was flown from the U.S.
navy cruiser, USS Tuscaloosa during its service. The Tuscaloosa, a New Orleans-class cruiser, had its
keel laid on 3 September 1931 in Camden, New Jersey and was built by New York Shipbuilding Co.
She was commissioned on 17 August 1934, with captain John N. Ferguson in command. From 1939-
1940, Tuscaloosa spent most of its time on “Neutrality Patrol” as well as shuttling President Roosevelt around the Caribbean inspecting bases acquired from the British in exchange for aged destroyers.
After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and subsequent declarations of war by Germany and Italy, Tuscaloosa was transferred to serve with the British Home Fleet, based in Scapa Flow, Scotland. From
there the ship took part in training exercises and escort missions to Northern Russia, as well as efforts
to lure out the German battleship Tirpitz from its Norwegian hideout. From November 1942, it took
part in Operation Torch, the invasion to liberate Morocco from the Vichy French, before returning
to the eastern waters of the U.S. for overhaul and replenishment in early 1943. From the summer
until the fall of 1943, Tuscaloosa returned to service with the British Home Fleet, and then returned
to New York in December 1943 to begin a major overhaul. The overhaul was complete in February
1944, with Tuscaloosa returning to station near Britain. On 3 June 1944 the ship steamed towards Normandy with Task Force 125. At around 6 a.m. on 6 June, the ship opened fire with its 8 and 5
inch guns, targeting Fort Ile de Tatihou in support of the D-Day invasion. From August to September
1944, the ship supported allied efforts in Southern France with targeted shore bombardment,
before returning to the eastern U.S. for refitting, and then heading through the Panama Canal to the Caroline Islands, joining U.S. 3rd Fleet in the fight against the Japanese. In February 1945, Tuscaloosa
was part of the bombardment group supporting the invasion of Iwo Jima and was on station for the
entire campaign, taking only six days to refit and resupply for the Okinawa campaign. The Tuscaloosa supported nearly the entire Okinawa campaign with targets fire from her main guns while also
dealing with heavy attacks by Japanese kamikaze aircraft, managing to come out unscathed. In
February of 1946, the shipped was placed out of commission and in reserve until 1959 when she was
sold for scrap. The flag itself was made by Annin High Grade and measures approximately 60 x 114
inches. It has 48 appliqué stars, stripes that are sewn on, and the header having two grommets. One
side of the hoist has the maker’s mark while the other is faintly hand marked “USNS Tuscaloosa (CA-
37)”. Includes a Flag Heritage Foundation inventory form. The USS Tuscaloosa was Admiral Morton L.
Deyo’s flagship during the D-Day invasion. See the previous lot for artifacts belonging to Deyo. CONDITION: Fine overall as used during wartime, with some mild staining and wear, some minor tearing/fraying at each corner of the fly, and a few scattered minor holes/absent pieces in the area
of the canton. This historic World War II flag from the USS Tuscaloosa would make an excellent
centerpiece for a U.S. military collection!
Provenance: The Dr. Clarence Rungee Collection; The Saloga Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500 325