Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. WWII 82nd Airborne Glider material are some of the hardest most collectible items on the market, due to the small number of Gilder troops that landed in combat in comparison to infantry soldiers. This rarity is even more concentrated when you consider the it is named to a soldier that saw action in Operation Market Garden.
We have not extensively research John Gurnee, but found that he was born in 1923 and enlisted the army in New London, Connecticut on the 15th of September 1942.
This excellent condition WW2 Class A Uniform jacket worn by John Gurnee a member of the 82nd Airborne who landed in a Glider in occupied France on D-Day and fought in the legendary Operation Market Garden. This soldier T/SGT JOHN GURNEE served in the 82nd Airborne All American Division and saw over 30 months of combat in the European theater!
Offered in excellent condition in size 39L, wonderful condition on all patches, ribbons and material, has a sterling silver GLIDER ASSAULT BADGE backed in blue felt with a white surround.
82nd Airborne patch on right shoulder and Technical Sergeant Chevrons on both arms. The Patches, ribbons, awards are as follows:
Five overseas combat service bars (on right sleeve cuff) meaning 30+ months of combat service
European, African, Middle East Campaign Ribbon (1 Arrow Head, 2 Battle Stars)
Army Good Conduct Medal
WWII Victory Medal
Ruptured Duck (Honorable Service/Discharge)
Presidential Unit Citation
technical Sergeant Chevrons
"Order of the Orange" shoulder cord awarded by the Dutch government for surviving Operation Market Garden (worn on right shoulder).
Also included is a service shirt with laundry number 7976.
82nd Airborne Divison in Operation Market Garden:
On 2 August 1944 the division became part of the First Allied Airborne Army. In September, the 82nd began planning for Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. The operation called for three-plus airborne divisions to seize and hold key bridges and roads deep behind German lines. The 504th, now back at full strength, was reassigned to the 82nd, while the 507th was assigned to the 17th Airborne. On 17 September, the 82nd conducted its fourth World War II combat assault. Fighting off German counterattacks, the 82nd captured its objectives between Grave, and Nijmegen. In the afternoon of Wednesday 20 September 1944 the 82nd Airborne conducted a successful assault on the river crossing of the Waal river, capturing the north end of the Nijmegen road bridge. War correspondent Bill Downs, who witnessed the assault, described it as "a single, isolated battle that ranks in magnificence and courage with Guam, Tarawa, Omaha Beach. A story that should be told to the blowing of bugles and the beating of drums for the men whose bravery made the capture of this crossing over the Waal possible."[14]
British XXX corps land forces failed to follow up the 82nd's success by advancing across the bridge toward Arnhem, leading to some friction between 82nd's Captain Burriss, Major Cook, Colonel Tucker and General Gavin and the British Grenadier Guards in their Sherman tanks. So the success of 82nd's Nijmegen drop was short-lived, because of other Allied units at the Battle of Arnhem. After a period of duty on the Arnhem front, the 82nd was relieved by Canadian troops, and sent to France.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
