Flag Flown At D-Day Sells For Over Half A Million Dollars

BlutarskyTFM9 years ago

D-Day, the invasion of Nazi-occupied Normandy, is one of the more badass moments in American history. The 72nd anniversary of the historic event was just last week and people all around the world were reminded of the incredible bravery of the men — both American and from our allied nations — who risked their lives on that day in 1944. Today, a piece of history from that day was sold at auction for an impressive sum.

The U.S. flag that was flown from the vessel that brought the first American soldiers to Utah Beach during the invasion was sold at an auction in Dallas, Texas. The flag, not impressive in size, is tattered and worn. Its edges are frayed. It has one bullet hole in it from a German machine gun. It bears 48 stars, as Hawaii and Alaska had yet to be admitted to the Union. After two weeks of online bidding followed by a live auction, the flag sold for $514,000. It was not expected to go for that much, but it’s a real piece of American history, and if you ask me, it’s priceless.

Prior to being auctioned, the flag belonged to Lieutenant Howard Vander Beek, the commander of the boat from which the flag was flown. He kept the flag until his death in 2014, after which his family gained possession of it. They decided to sell it at an estate auction for an undisclosed amount. Personally, as a military history buff, I don’t know if I could part ways with such an impressive and iconic piece of history like that, but hopefully it’s still in good hands. I like to think that someone who’s willing to drop over half a million dollars on something will take good care of it..

[via Army Times]

Image via Youtube