US WWII 17th Abn, Operation Varsity Veterans Grouping
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $1795.00

Sgt. Harry B. Wheeler 464th Parachute Field Artillery BN Operation Varsity, March 24, 1945.Offered is this original grouping to the above named soldier, who served with the 464th Parachute Field Artillery BN during WWII. Sgt Wheeler was an active participant during the last major Airborne Operation of WWII, the Rhine Jump,Operation Varsity, on March 24, 1945.During his combat jump, Sgt Wheeler's main chute collapsed due to a nearby burst of German Flak, it was only by his quick thinking and the deployment of his reserve parachute, was he spared from certain death.A very complete and detailed archive of a WWII combat Paratrooper.The lot includes:The canopy of his reserve chute which saved his life on 24 March 1945A camouflage scarf presented by the commander of the 17th ABN division to each member of the division who participated in the assault across the Rhine. Made from salvaged chutes during the Varsity operation.A letter home to his wife detailing the presentation of the camouflage scarf, and an inquiry from him as to her progress in having a bracelet made bearing his jump wings with combat star.Assorted cloth & metal insignia belonging to Sgt Wheeler during WWII to include a set of sterling ABN jump wings with combat star, and the silver bracelet bearing an additional set of wings (likely his original pair) also decorated with a combat star. In addition a pair of scarce 464th Para FA Bn Di's. Extra 464th Para FA BN hat insignia, another 464th oval, rank insignia and assorted shoulder sleeve insignia.A large file of paper ephemera concerning Sgt. Wheeler's service during WWII, newspaper clippings, telegrams, official documents, qualification certificates, war souvenir certificates, photos, soldiers pay record, postcards and more.We have included a photo of the parachute canopy, as it shows up as a large white blob of material. However an additional photo of the makers stamp dated 1943 is also shown.