Lot 804

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Description:

Excellent grouping of uniform equipment from Vietnam veteran Specialist, Fourth Class Donald C. Mehrer, includes: his personalized 'boonie' hat, with a nylon webbing hat band with foliage loops, as well as four riveted vents in the crown and olive-drab cotton lining. Uniquely, Mehrer has added the name 'Lain' in ink on top of the cap, his Vietnamese wife whom he first met during his service. The front of the crown has been embroidered 'Long Island', signifying his hometown. Surrounding the hatband, he has added his P-38 can opener, twelve metal stars to signify his twelve months overseas, an old Chinese coin he 'got at River of Danang' from a peddler, and a Vietnamese coin. Mehrer has also glued a paper label to the top of the interior, indicating that 'this hat was worn...Sept. 68 to Oct 69 by SP/4 Donald C. Mehrer...' Lightly stained consistent with heavy use, else fine. WITH: his tropical combat coat, bearing his embroidered name tape 'MEHRER' on the right breast. His right sleeve bears an embroidered Vietnam Class A patch, the red colors of which have lightly stained the garment after being washed. The left shoulder bears a subdued 20th Engineer Brigade insignia patch. Stamped numerous times on the interior lining and the collar. Dangling from the top button hole is a wristwatch used by Mehrer while overseas, functionality untested. One tear to the collar, else very good. Sold with a matching pair of tropical combat trousers. Also included is Mehrer's equipment, which includes his Army-issue canvas backpack, with all buckles and straps present and functional, and the paper label on the exterior of the flap bearing his name. The original tarp is still secured at top; his utility belt, bearing three affixed pouches, one compressed muslin bandage, and an original canteen; his canvas bag, 37.5 in. x 18 in. dia., labeled in ink on one side '68 Lincoln St. Babylon N.Y. SP/4 D. MEHRERE US52763243'; his dirt-stained T-Shirt; his still-muddied size 9R jungle boots, with his dog tag wrapped around one lace; and his green socks. The group also comes with a letter written from Mehrer, describing his items in further detail and adding he saved these items '...to give everything to my Children someday but was exposed to Agent Orange a lot & told chance of children being deformed great...got Agent Orange bad from the Tower Guard...' Finally, the lot includes a map of the Bien Hoa region of Vietnam, marked with an 'X' where Mehrer served as a tower guard, and some printed portraits of Mehrer in Vietnam. One of the most complete Vietnam War soldier's groupings we have ever offered.

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May 22, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000