Original U.S. Post-WWII Occupation 88th Infantry Division General Bernice McFadyen “TRUST” Grouping with Command Flag on Pole with Cover, Combination Trench Art Ashtray & Lighter, Italian-Made SSI
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Original Items. One-of-a-Kind Group. After World War II, the 88th Infantry Division absorbed some personnel and units from the 34th Infantry Division and served on occupation duty in Italy guarding the Morgan Line from positions in Italy and Trieste until 15 September 1947 when the Italian peace treaty came into force. The 351st Infantry was relieved from assignment to the division on 1 May 1947 and served as temporary military Government of the Free Territory of Trieste, securing the new independent State between Italy and Yugoslavia on behalf of the United Nations Security Council. Designated TRUST (Trieste United States Troops), the command served as the front line in the Cold War from 1947 to 1954, including confrontations with Yugoslavian forces. TRUST units, which included a number of 88th divisional support units, all bore a unit patch which was the coat of arms of the Free Territory of Trieste superimposed over the divisional quatrefoil, over which was a blue scroll containing the designation "TRUST" in white.
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This is a tremendous grouping including an original 88th ID “TRUST” Command flag on its original pole, a Major General’s Flag for General Bernice McFadyen, a Trieste-made combination ashtray and bullet lighter, and a great Italian-made SSI for the 88th ID’s TRUST.
The group includes:
- Original 88th Infantry Division “TRUST” Command flag on original wooden pole. Pole is roughly 96” long and the flag measures roughly 35 x 45” although it has heavy wear and holes across its length. It could be set up for display but there are multiple areas of very heavy material loss as shown. This flag was certainly flown for a long time! It is single sided but it is embroidered on both sides. Thankfully, the flag comes wrapped in its original cover which partially protects it from further damage.
- Roughly 33 ½ x 56” silk Major General’s flag with amazing bullion fringe along its edges. The construction is truly beautiful. This flag deserves to be framed.
- Great 1949-dated “SOUVENIR OF TRIESTE” trench art ashtray made from aluminum with two cigar holders. The bullet to the front has a lovely enamel badge for the 88th ID “TRUST”. The bullet actually is removable as it is a lighter! Certainly does not work anymore but could likely be made to work with some work! Measures roughly 5” in diameter and 7” tall with the bullet inserted.
- “The Blue Devils in Italy” unit history, heavy damage but a great reference.
- 2 x 2 ¼” Italian-made SSI for the 88th Infantry Division “TRUST”.
This is an outstanding grouping that recently came out of the Gettysburg Battlefield Museum, and there is a small bit of provenance included to back this up. A tremendous 88th ID Occupation group, ready for display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
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