Admiral Richard Byrd Jr Archive Letters Flags

Large archive of Admiral Richard Byrd Jr. Lot include 1) Modern Photo Portrait and signed letter dated 1933. 2) OPERATION HIGHJUMP commemorative brochure Bergy Bits printed onboard flagship USS Mount Olympus in April 1947 upon return from High Jump signed. The signatures of Admiral Byrd, Officer-in-Charge of the expedition, and of Admiral Richard H. Cruzen in command of the Navy Task Force are next to the USA flag photo in the back cover-see pictures--.Byrd hand wrote "Long way she Wave' next to his signature. The brochure shows use and wear, some sheets are coming loose. 3.) Lot of two flags from the possessions of Admiral Richard E. Byrd: (1) Silk blue and white checkered fraternity flag. 13 1/2" x 19 1/2" with silk ribbon ties. Rusted staples hold a "Pi Gamma Mu" letterhead dated "August 18, 1928-with a typed message: "This certifies that I, Commander Richard Evelyn Byrd, Carried this Pi Gamm Mu Flag on my expedition to the Antarctic in 1928". Unfortunately, the date and signature were not posted. Letterhead shows age and flag is soiled. (2) Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet Flag. Adopted in 1901 it became a symbol of national identity and pride. Good field use condition. 4) Lot of Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd related items: (1) Silk American 48-star flag. Aged and soiled. 14 1/2" x 24". With a period attached 1" x 4 1/2" white silk ribbon with an inked dedication "Presented to Commander Richard E. Byrd by the Crosscup-Pishon Post." (American Legion post in Boston). Possibly carmed by Byrd on one of his polar expeditions. (2) Color print of "Pansy Walker - Pride of three D's Stock Farm 1930", 8 1/4" x 10 3/4", Mat with an ink dedication "To Admiral Byrd-from his friend M.S...." and "Jeby H. & L 1931", (3) Congressional Record (February 23, 1953) with headline "National Meeting for Moral Re-Armament". Good field use condition, 5) Lot of 6 first day covers related to Admiral Richard E. Byrd's Antarctic Expeditions li excellent condition 6 envelopes printed 1947 onboard USS Mount Olympus at the time to commemorate the operation and Little America. Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. (October 25, 1888 – March 11, 1957) was an American naval officer, and pioneering aviator, polar explorer, and organizer of polar logistics. Aircraft flights in which he served as a navigator and expedition leader crossed the Atlantic Ocean, a segment of the Arctic Ocean, and a segment of the Antarctic Plateau. He is also known for discovering Mount Sidley, the largest dormant volcano in Antarctica. He was a recipient of the Medal of Honor, the United States Armed Forces' highest military decoration, and the Navy Cross, the second highest honor for valor given by the U.S. Navy. Education and early naval career: Byrd attended the Virginia Military Institute for two years and transferred to the University of Virginia, before financial circumstances inspired his starting over and taking an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, where he was appointed as a midshipman on May 28, 1908. On June 8, 1912, Byrd graduated from the Naval Academy and was commissioned an ensign in the United States Navy. On July 14, 1912, he was assigned to the battleship USS Wyoming. During service in the Caribbean Sea, Byrd received his first letter of commendation, and later a Silver Lifesaving Medal, for twice plunging fully clothed to the rescue of a sailor who had fallen overboard. In April 1914, he transferred to the armored cruiser USS Washington and served in Mexican waters in June following the American intervention in April. His next assignment was to the gunboat USS Dolphin, which also served as the yacht of the Secretary of the Navy. This assignment brought Byrd into contact with high-ranking officials and dignitaries, including then Assistant Secretary of the Navy Franklin Roosevelt. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant (junior grade) on June 8, 1915. During Byrd's assignment to Dolphin, he was commanded by future Fleet Admiral William D. Leahy, who served as chief of staff to President Franklin D. Roosevelt during World War II. Byrd's last assignment before forced retirement was to the presidential yacht USS Mayflower. On March 15, 1916, Byrd, much to his frustration, was medically retired on three-quarters pay for an ankle injury he suffered on board Mayflower. Shortly thereafter, on December 14, 1916, he was assigned as the inspector and instructor for the Rhode Island Naval Militia in Providence, Rhode Island. While serving in this position, he was commended by Brigadier General Charles W. Abbot, the adjutant general of Rhode Island, for making great strides in improving the efficiency of the militia.First World War:Shortly after the entry of the United States into the First World War in April 1917, Byrd oversaw the mobilization of the Rhode Island Naval Militia. He was then recalled to active duty and was assigned to the Office of Naval Operations and served in a desk job as secretary and organizer of the Navy Departme