DOUGLAS MACARTHUR K.I.A. SOLDIER GROUPING

DOUGLAS MACARTHUR K.I.A. SOLDIER GROUPING

Fine grouping of material related to the death of related to the death of Private Erwin L. Ebinger, 101st Infantry Division, sent to his mother, Lucy L. Sterling shortly after his passing. Includes a T.L.S. from DOUGLAS MACARTHUR on Southwest Pacific Area letterhead, 1p. 4to., [Philippines], Feb. 16, 1945, reading in full: "In the death of your son, Private First Class Erwin L. Ebinger, you have my heartfelt sympathy. His service was characterized by his devotion to our beloved country, and in his death we have lost a gallant comrade-in-arms". WITH: six letters and other items, including a handwritten letter from Ebinger to his mother, 2pp. 8vo., Philippines, Jan. 15, 1945, written days before his death, in part: "...The people here were sure glad to see the Americans�the japs took practically every thing they had�Mom, I don't want you to go a worrying about me, because I'll be okay..."; a pink "To My Dear Mother" handkerchief, likely sent by Ebinger, frayed at edges; the telegram initially notifying the mother that "Private First Class Erwin L. Ebinger was killed in action on Nineteen January on Luzon", confirmed by Major General J.A. Ulio, with transmittal envelope; a typed letter from Ulio to Sterling, 1p. 4to, [n.p.], Feb. 14, 1945, confirming Ebinger's death and expressing sympathy, with transmittal envelope; a typed letter to Sterling from Gen. William E. Shedd of the War Department, 1p. 4to., Fort Douglas, UT, Feb. 22, 1945, providing different avenues of grief counseling and assistance which the Army could provide, concluding "His name will be an honored one among all who were privileged to know him"; and a certificate "in recognition of devoted and selfless consecration to the service of our country", bearing the facsimile signature of Lyndon B. Johnson at the conclusion. Overall very good.