WWII original letter grouping is from pilot; Lt. Joseph F. Pratt who was one of the youngest bomber pilot in the Mediterranean and the ETO. He flew with the 320th Bomb Group, and completed over 60 combat missions.  


The letter grouping is made up of one original letter written to his "Folks", Feb. 2, 1943. The letters come with four photos (these are recent prints and not original photos) The grouping comes with a lot of supporting documentation, see photos. 


Also there is a large 8 1/2 x 11" B-26 unpublished Bomber photo over ETO (this is a direct print off the original and is a new print). 


In this letter there is a great content about Basic Training before he would become a Cadet. He writes that Army Officers did not normally take Basic Training and the Army wants his unit to be better officers by taking Basic. Also he writes about how well he is being treated by officers around him. The letter is written while Prt. Pratt was in Basic Training in Miami. 


See photos for content - 



About Joseph F. Pratt:

Lt. Joseph F. Pratt served in the E.T.O. with the 441st Bomb Squadron, 42nd bomb Wing and the 320th Bomb Group. It is hard to believe Lt Pratt lived through 63 bombing missions and at age 21-22, it is true. Add to that he was a flight instructor. He flew B-26s and the name of his ship was "Merry Mary Sue". 

 

If you  search the internet:  “ Mark Styling, 441st BS, Merry Mary Sue ” you will find a large illustration of his B-26 by Mark Styling. Mark Styling is one of the top aviation illustrators in the world. 

  


Also included with the letter and photos are 20+ facsimile Documents relating to Lt. Joseph F. Pratt awards and military certificates. 

 

Some of the facsimiles, printed sheets include: 

 

 

Individual Flight Record Sheet

 

Honorable Discharge

 

Certificate Of Service (listing missions, Awards, Air Metal, eight Oak Leaf Clusters and Croix de Guerre avec Palme)

 

Twelfth Air Force, Presidential Citation Air Medal Document 

 

Croix De Guere Avec Palme" Document 

 

441st Bombardment Squadron Document 

 

Restricted Military Awards Document 

 

Training document 

 

Separation Qualification Record 

 

Newspaper Clippings and High School newspaper


( All the Facsimiles will be black and white copies. )

 

If you search the Internet for (“ The 320th Bomb Group ”) you will find one of the most comprehensive WW2 website on the internet. The website has over 5000 pages of content with photos, film clips and stories about this amazing WW2 Bomb Group. 


Here is the link - https://320thbg.org/index.html


I found this on a Air Force website about the 320th Bombardment Group: Constituted as 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942 and activated on 23 Jun. Trained with B-26 aircraft. Most of the group moved to North Africa via England, Aug-Dec 1942; crews flew their planes over the South Atlantic route and arrived in North Africa, Dec 1942-Jan 1943. Began combat with Twelfth AF in Apr 1943 and operated from bases in Algeria, Tunisia, Sardinia, and Corsica until Nov 1944. During the period Apr-Jul 1943, flew missions against enemy shipping in the approaches to Tunisia, attacked installations in Sardinia, participated in the reduction of Pantelleria, and supported the invasion of Sicily. Then bombed marshalling yards, bridges, airdromes, road junctions, viaducts, harbors, fuel dumps, defense positions, and other targets in Italy. Supported forces at Salerno and knocked out targets to aid the seizure of Naples and the crossing of the Volturno River. Flew missions to Anzio and Cassino and engaged in interdictory operations in central Italy in preparation for the advance toward Rome. Received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for action in preparation for and in support of Allied offensive operations in central Italy, Apr-Jun 1944. Received a DUC for a mission on 12 May 1944 when, in the face of an intense antiaircraft barrage, the group bombed enemy troop concentrations near Fondi in support of Fifth Army's advance toward Rome. From Jun to Nov 1944 operations included interdictory missions in the Po Valley, support for the invasion of Southern France, and attacks on enemy communications in northern Italy. Moved to France in Nov 1944 and bombed bridges, rail lines, gun positions, barracks, supply points, ammunition dumps, and other targets in France and Germany until V-E Day. Received a DUC for operations on 15 Mar 1945 when the group bombed pillboxes, trenches, weapon pits, and roads within the Siegfried Line to enable a breakthrough by Seventh Army. Moved to Germany in Jun 1945 and participated in the disarmament program. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec. Inactivated on 4 Dec 1945. 



In this grouping I provide a number of facsimiles that give evidence to the importance of Lt Pratt pilot and the significance of this pilot's contribution in defeating the Third Reich during WWII. 

 

The facsimiles also add value, they may very well be more significant than the letter itself because what the facsimiles do, is tell a deeper contextual story about Capt. Joseph F. Pratt. I believe it is the story or narrative that is the most significant aspect of this letter artifact that you are purchasing.

 

What you will get: 

 

You will receive everything pictured this the listing. One original WWII letter and envelope, four photos (recent prints) plus 20+ facsimile Documents relating to WW2, Lt. Joseph F. Pratt and his awards and military certificates. (The facsimiles are black and white copies) one of the facsimiles is a report of one of the bombing mission he made and was awarder the Air Metal, July 14, 1944. The copies will be black and white copies. 

About the seller: 

 

I have been buying and selling Americana, rare books & documents, since the early 1970’s. 

 

I have sold large collections and important individual items to some of the largest libraries, Auction Houses, Rare book rooms, Universities and Museum in the US. 

 

I have published unique Americana works which are in University and private libraries throughout the world.  

 

Some of the proceeds from my sales go to support WW2 Primary Source Material for class rooms at High Schools in my area. (If you are a teacher and are interested in WW2 Primary Source Material for your class room please email me.)

 

My main goal is by selling WW2 and other historical Primary Source material; to distribute letters, documents and items around the world that tell the true story of the courage, bravery and sacrifice, made by millions of Americans and the Allied Forces during the war. 


When you buy from me you have my guarantee that what you are buying is authentic. 

 

Email me if you have questions. 

 

See photos for condition and letter content. 

 

Bidding conditions and mailing below:

 

I will ship this letter group USPS Priority Mail. 

US buyers only however if you are overseas and want to bid contact me because I do sometimes make some exceptions. 

  

You must have bought over 25 items on eBay, Paypal preferred and you must have a good rating in order to bid on this item/items.


I have a 100% rating on eBay and have sold many rare and important documents, collections, letters and items to major libraries, so you know you will receive this original item.


See photos for condition. 


Email me if you have any questions.