Original U.S. WWII 382nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion Captured & Signed Japanese Flag - 15 Signatures - 29 x 43”

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a tremendous captured Japanese flag signed by fifteen men of the 6th Section, Battery A, 382nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Automatic Weapons Battalion, 103rd Infantry Division during World War II. The unit served in New Guinea in 1944, and the Philippines and Japan in 1945.

The flag is in great overall condition, measuring roughly 29 x 43”, and is likely made from rayon. The body of the flag is white, with a red "sun round" dyed into the middle. Both leather corner reinforcements are still present, with their tie-strings still attached. This is the typical type and size of flag that would be used as a "Good Luck Flag", but was probably captured before it could be properly decorated, which is why it is in such good condition.

The soldiers wrote in their names as well as their hometowns. The men include Aldo Ridolphi from Iron River, Michigan, Adolf Roloff from New London, Wisconsin, Howard Wienandt from New London, Wisconsin, Dick Zakos from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Joe Mullins from Beefhide, Kentucky, James Cousineau from St. Ignace, Michigan, John Bennette from San Diego, California, Carl Gagnow from New London, Wisconsin, Robert E. McAdam from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Robert Visauer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lloyd Osterhout from Curtis, Michigan, Art Rosin from Rochester, New York, Evans Lucas from Glidden, Wisconsin, Bill Davis from Farmerville, Louisiana, and H.E. Heideman from Waupun, Wisconsin.

There is a bit of age toning and light staining in areas, but the writing is clear. Ready to research and display!