Original U.S. WWII Attack on Pearl Harbor Admiral Furlong Uniform Grouping with Nimitz-Gifted 16th Century Japanese P37 Navy Officer Sword, USS Arizona Artifacts and Engraved Legion of Merit Medal
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Original Items. One-of-a-Kind. This is an unprecedented, once-in-a-lifetime offering: the personal grouping of Admiral William Rea Furlong, Commander of Minecraft, Battle Force at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, from February to December 1941. Furlong was present during the attack on December 7, 1941, serving aboard his flagship, the minelayer USS Oglala, when it was strafed and torpedoed, ultimately capsizing at the pier. In the chaos of the surprise assault, Furlong directed anti-aircraft fire from the deck as the ship was sinking beneath him—one of the most dramatic first-person command experiences of the event.
Included in this grouping are the epaulettes, uniform shirt, and garrison cap worn by Furlong on December 7th, a ceramic bowl and silverware recovered from the wreck of the USS Arizona, and a 16th-century Japanese Katana in WWII P37 "Kai-Gunto" Fittings personally presented to Furlong by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, accompanied by a letter signed by Nimitz confirming the gift.
Beyond the artifacts themselves, the extensive ephemera may be the greatest treasure of all, richly documenting his service and legacy. The grouping comes complete and intact from the Gettysburg Battlefield Museum, retaining its original provenance tags throughout.
From December 12, 1941 until nearly the end of the war, Furlong served as Commander of the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, tasked with the immense responsibility of salvaging and repairing the ships sunk during the Japanese attack and returning them to service for the Pacific war effort. Under his leadership, some of the most ambitious naval recoveries in history took place — most notably the righting and raising of the battleship USS Oklahoma, which had capsized after multiple torpedo strikes on December 7th.
For this critical work and his wartime contributions, Furlong received the Legion of Merit in 1944, followed by a Gold Star in lieu of a second Legion of Merit in 1945.
This outstanding grouping consists of the following artifacts:
- The Tan Shirt and Garrison Cap with museum tag stating that Furlong’s family stated that these were worn by Admiral Furlong on December 7th, 1941. The shirt has a tag for Van Heussen and has Rear Admiral insignia on the collar, and the cap has an officer’s badge and Rear Admiral insignia. Also includes a Navy officer’s visor cap band with badge, and two neckties.
- Outstanding U.S. Navy bowl 9” in diameter with three pieces of USN Silverware that were recovered from the wreckage of the USS Arizona, fantastic artifacts. Bowl is marked to Shenango China, Newcastle, Pennsylvania.
- December 7th, 1941 narrative of Admiral Furlong typed the same day of the attack. Many pages including later addendums. Unbelievable material!
- Admiral Furlong’s US Pacific Fleet Legion of Merit Certificate signed by Frank Knox, Secretary of the Navy for his first award. The citation reads: “For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Acting Commandant and later as Commandant of the Navy Yard at Pearl Harbor during the period immediately following enemy Japanese action on December 7, 1941. By his splendid initiative, sound judgment and untiring efforts in directing the difficult salvage activities, Rear Admiral Furlong was largely responsible for the successful and expeditious manner in which the vital operations were completed. Subsequently continuing his effective execution of numerous essential duties, he has further contributed materially to the prosecution of the war effort."
- Admiral Furlong’s US Pacific Fleet Legion of Merit Certificate signed by Nimitz, for his second award. The citation reads: “for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commandant of the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard, Territory of Hawaii, during and following the Japanese attack on 7 December 1941. His splendid initiative and untiring efforts were largely responsible for the successful and expeditious manner in which vital salvage was accomplished. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Rear Admiral Furlong and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.”
- Admiral Furlong’s medals including his Legion of Merit medal engraved “WM. R. FURLONG”, his US Navy WWI Victory Medal with a Silver Citation star, his WWII victory medal, his American Defense medal with “FLEET” bar, his American Campaign Medal, and his Asiatic Pacific Campaign medal. Also includes his officer’s visor cap badge.
- Furlong’s Legion of Merit Presentation case with the ribbon and lapel pin, and a gold star device which is not attached to the ribbon.
- Roughly 19 ¾ x 24” Sketch of the USS Olgala on December 7th, 1941, depicting Admiral Furlong directing anti-aircraft fire aboard his sinking ship. The caption reads ”December 7th, 1941: Admiral Furlong at the bridge of his sinking Flag Ship, the Oglala, directing the anti-aircraft fire of that ship. This sketch by his chief of staff Captain Hull who came running down the dock at this time 8:45, in the midst of the second attack. G.H. Hull.” A really outstanding piece that needs to be framed.
- Set of three 6 ½ x 7” photographs of wreckage at Pearl Harbor from aerial view. Each is dated December 9th, 1941 and is marked for UTILITY SQUADRON ONE AIRCRAFT BASE FORCE. NOT TO BE USED FOR PUBLICATION BY ORDER OF SEC. NAV. SECRET with line crossed through and UNCLASS[ified] written in its place. These are outstanding scarce photographs which should be in their own frame with double-sided glass.
- Admiral Furlong’s Rear Admiral Epaulettes worn on December 7th, 1941 when he swam away from his ship the USS Oglala which was sunk at Pearl Harbor. They show heavy wear and some verdigris, with the perfect amount of patina.
- Fragment of Japanese Torpedo recovered from the USS West Virginia on December 7th, 1941, presented to Admiral W.R. Furlong, on base measuring 4 ½ x 4 ⅞ x 1 ¼”.
- Original After Action Paperwork dated December 28th, 1941 which details observations of the “Air Raid of Dec. 7” from various ships.
- Letter of Commendation to Furlong for his work during World War I, for which he was awarded a silver star citation. Along with this is the accompanying letter denoting his silver star. Both are dated 1920.
- Letter from Chester Nimitz to Furlong dated December 4th, 1941 telling him that he won’t be chosen as commander of Batdiv 6. Three days before Pearl Harbor.
- Signed Letter from Charles Nimitz dated May 26th, 1944 wishing him a happy birthday and gifting him the Japanese sword “as a token of my high esteem and appreciation to you of your splendid services”.
- WWII Japanese Navy Officer P1937 Kai-Gunto Katana with 16th Century Late Muromachi Period Blade by MIHARA MASAMORI and Sharkskin Shagreen Scabbard - dated 1567. The sword definitely shows signs of having been in a war, and the blade polish is a bit degraded, with the fittings also showing use and age. It is a HIGH GRADE example, signed on the tang with 三 原 正 守 作 - MIHARA MASAMORI SAKU (Made by Mihara Masamori) on one side, indicating the maker was a member of the very old and prestigious MIHARA school of swordsmithing in Japan. The other side is signed 永 禄 八 年 十 月 吉 日 - EIROKU HACHI NEN JU GATSU KICHI JITSU - "An auspicious day the 10th month of 1567". This blade is almost certainly a family blade, indicating the owner was definitely of some importance and lineage. We unfortunately do not know the history of the sword before it was gifted, but assume it came from a high-ranking officer on a captured ship. Definitely some incredible history to this sword!
- Manila envelope with original WWI era documents and telegrams including the speech Wilson delivered to Congress on April 3rd, 1917 received by the US Naval Radio Service on the USS South Carolina at 10:10pm on that day. It is stamped “Captain’s Personal Copy”. There are two other intercepted messages received on the USS South Carolina on January 11th, 1917 denoting that enemy raiders may be met, sent in English and French. The other is from April 8th, 1917 announcing that German vessels and submarines are on their way to Mexico. Next is Furlong’s Official May 10th, 1918 dated certificate of identification for travel to Great Britain, France, and Italy during WWI. Has a great photo of him attached with Navy department embossed stamps.
- Temporary Appointment of rank of Commander dated July 1st, 1918. Signed by Secretary of Navy.
- Six curling 8 x 10 shots of burning ships at Pearl Harbor, marked for Chief of Bureau of Aeronautics.
- 8 x 10” Photograph of Furlong with Eleanor Roosevelt.
- 8 ¾ x 10 ½” Framed portrait of Furlong with ribbon bar found in this group!
- Typed radiogram announcing death of George Dewey on January 18th, 1917. Furlong wrote on the bottom that he saw Dewey receive the “handsome sword that was presented to him by Congress”.
- Letter from Director of Naval Intelligence thanking Furlong for his valuable and interesting reports regarding his observations with the Grand Fleet and in France. Dated October 28th, 1918.
- Furlong’s WWII victory medal box with ribbon and rare rosette by BB&B.
- Two of Furlong’s ribbon bars from the Post-WWI era, one of which is visible in the included portrait of him! This bar has two ribbons, the Navy Mexican Service Medal and the WWI Victory Medal with a silver citation star. Along with this is a button from that uniform. The second bar has these two along with the American Defense Medal with a star which is for the “FLEET” bar on his medal.
- Six Navy Epaulets including 1 Rear Admiral (Lower), 1 Rear Admiral, 1 Vice Admiral, 1 Admiral, and a set of Fleet Admiral.
- Furlong’s US Navy sword belt and buckle with sword chape. Should be put on a mannequin to regain its shape.
- Ovular group of four gold blue-striped cords with gold band at top with pin and catch underneath, this was likely worn on the shoulder of the uniform, and requires more research! It was absolutely Furlong’s.
- Two 8 x 10” Photos showing the USS Olgaga before December 7th, and again on December 13th, showing it on its side, during Salvage.
- Small box with the gold tape chinstrap from his visor cap, uniform buttons, pants belt buckle, 1919-era WWI ribbon bar with Mexican border service medal and WWI victory medal.
- Furlong’s 1901-dated Naval Cadet certificate, 15 x 9 ½” and folded in the center. An outstanding document to frame with this group!
- U.S. Navy 6 x 30 Bu. Nav. Mark-III Binoculars by Bausch & Lomb in original leather case, heavily worn with leather straps broken and dry-rotted. Named Furlong on bottom.
- Small envelope with some postcards from his time in Vera Cruz and WWI.
- 17 x 21” Framed Rear Admiral Promotion Certificate with double-sided glass. Signed by FDR in bottom right corner.
- Several photos of Furlong of the period with other officers, some marked on back.
- 10 ¼ x 13” wooden wall plaque with painted Minron ARL 18 - AN 91 - AN 92 metal device. Not currently mounted but there is a hole that a screw could sit in.
- 11 x 13 ¼” wooden wall plaque with USS Waldron DD699 plaque in center. Has string on back to hang.
- 11 ½ x 14 ½” Framed colorized photo of signing of Japanese Surrender, the first publication of said full-color photo.
- 12 x 15” framed Navy certificate of commendation for service during World War I, when he was a Commander. The citation reads: “As an officer of the Bureau of Ordnance in charge of the Fire Control Section, he showed exceptional ability in collecting and utilizing information from our own and other Naval Services.” November 11th, 1920. Very rare document!
- 1940 Navy Register, Furlong is listed on first page of names.
- United States Naval Institute Proceedings Book, dated February 15th, 1943, with photo of Furlong’s flagship sinking inside.
- Copy of the Two Ocean War by Morison, heavy wear and tearing.
William Rea Furlong was born on May 26, 1881, in the town of Allenport, Pennsylvania, as a son of William Allen Furlong and Ethel Grant Furlong. Furlong attended the Normal School in California, Pennsylvania, where he earned his teaching degree. He subsequently worked as a teacher for almost two years. In 1901, he was recommended for the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland. Furlong graduated in 1905 with the rank of ensign and was assigned to the armored cruiser USS Maryland until 1909.
In 1910, Furlong was assigned to the protected cruiser USS Chicago, which was posted as the reserve of the Massachusetts Naval Militia. He briefly commanded the cruiser from August 19 to the 29th in 1910. He served on Chicago until 1912, when he attended the Columbia University, New York and graduated with the Master of Science degree in electrical and radio engineering in 1914.
Furlong was then assigned as fleet radio officer and aide on the staff of the commander-in-chief, United States Atlantic Fleet. In April 1914, he participated in the Veracruz Expedition in Mexico. In July he was assigned as the Fleet Radio Officer on board the battleship USS New York.
After his graduation, Furlong was appointed a fleet radio officer and aide on the staff of the commander-in-chief, United States Atlantic Fleet under the command of Admiral Frank Friday Fletcher. From 1916 to 1917, Furlong served as a gunnery officer on board battleships USS South Carolina and USS Nevada. Furlong then served as gunnery observer on the battleship USS New York, operating in European waters and as gunnery observer in the war zone with the British Grand Fleet. In March 1918, he was assigned to the Bureau of Ordnance.
Following the war, Furlong served from 1919 to 1920 as Chief of Fire Control Section, Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, Washington, D.C., where he introduced synchronous fire control system and remote control of guns by electrical power. From 1921 to 1923, he served as an aide on the staff and fleet gunnery officer to the commander-in-chief, United States Pacific Fleet. This was followed by an assignment from 1923 to 1926 where he served in office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Navy Department, Washington, D.C.
From 1926 to 1928, Furlong served as executive officer of the battleship USS West Virginia, and then served as commander of the oiler USS Neches. He also served as commander of the six destroyers in Division 36 of the Destroyer Squadrons, Battle Fleet in the Pacific. He was promoted to captain on September 11, 1927. From 1928 to 1931, he served as Chief of Policy and Liaison Section, Office of Island Government, Navy Department, Washington, D.C. From 1931 to 1933, he commanded the light cruiser USS Marblehead. From 1933 to 1934, he attended the Naval War College. He then served as inspector of ordnance in charge at the Naval Proving Ground in Dahlgren, Virginia, from 1934 to 1936.
On August 27, 1937, Furlong received a temporary promotion to rear admiral and succeeded Harold R. Stark as Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance for the Navy Department in Washington, D.C. On June 23, 1938, his promotion to rear admiral was made permanent. On February 19, 1941, he was succeeded as Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance by William H. P. Blandy.
From February to December 1941, he served as commander of Minecraft, Battle Force at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He was present at the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when he was on board his flagship, the minelayer USS Oglala, when it capsized after being strafed and torpedoed by the Japanese.
From December 12, 1941, to nearly the end of the war, he was commander of the Pearl Harbor Navy Yard and was charged with salvaging and repairing ships sunk during Japanese attack and returning them for use in the Pacific war. Most notably, he oversaw the righting of the battleship USS Oklahoma which capsized after being torpedoed during the attack.
In 1944, he was awarded the Legion of Merit. In 1945, he was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of the second Legion of Merit.
On June 1, 1945, Admiral Furlong was placed on the retired list, having reached the mandatory retirement age of sixty-four. Because of the war, he continued to serve on active duty. He retired from the United States Navy on July 18, 1945, after 44 years of service.
In retirement Furlong lived in Washington, D.C., and had a summer home in Roscoe, Pennsylvania. He was later decorated with the Order of the Cross of Liberty, 1st Class by the Government of Finland as a token of good will. In 1949, Admiral Furlong was elected commander-in-chief of the Military Order of the World Wars. He was also a member of the Naval Order of the United States (companion number 2459). In 1949, he joined the District of Columbia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and was assigned national membership number 71,282 and society number 2662. In 1950, he was presented with the Freedoms Foundation award.
It has been posited by Slate writer Alec Nevala-Lee that Furlong is the most convincing candidate for the creator of the 50-star flag of the United States. Furlong was the first official known to have discussed the design for a 50-star flag with then president Dwight Eisenhower in two letters from 1953. Furlong described ways that 49th and 50th-stars could be added to the flag, gave examples of how previous stars were added to the flag, and enclosed now-lost drawings of flag designs in these letters.
Admiral Furlong died on June 2, 1976, in Bethesda, Maryland. He was interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
This is an unparalleled grouping — truly one of the most historically significant World War II assemblages we have ever had the privilege to offer. It comes ready to serve as the undeniable centerpiece of any advanced collection.
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