WWII D-DAY FLOWN FLAG LCI (L) 421 - GOLD BEACH
Historically important WWII D-Day Flown Flag of LCI (L) 421 - Gold Beach (King Red) Invasion of Normandy and archive grouping of Steve Andy Hudac, who served as Coxswain of LCI (L) 421 during D-Day operations and landings. Both the D-Day Flown Flag and archive are consigned by the family of Hudac. A very significant WWII Normandy D-Day Invasion Flown Flag of LCI (L) 421 and associated veteran grouping, consigned by the family of United States Navy Reserves SC2/c Steve A. Hudac (September 15, 1907 - February 7, 1996). Hudac, age 37 at the time of the invasion, was well above the average age of 26 for an American Serviceman during WWII. During his service, Hudac was awarded the American Theater medal and European Theater medal with one star. All items within this lot were brought back from WWII by Hudac. Since that time, all items have been in the possession of Hudac's family. The lot includes the following ~ WWII D-Day Flown Flag of LCI (L) 421 (Landing Ship Infantry, Large) - Gold Beach (King Red), Invasion of Normandy: This 48 Star Ensign flag was flown aboard LCI (L) 421 on June 6th, 1944 during the invasion. Assigned to the 264th Royal Canadian Flotilla, LCI (L) 421 landed British troops of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, 56th (Independent) Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion, South Wales Borderers (2nd SWB) on Gold Beach (King Red). The flag is of multi-piece cotton/canvas construction with machine embroidered stars and a reinforced header. The ends of the flag are frayed as it was battered and stained during D-Day operations. Hudac stated to his family that while he was the ship's cook, he was tasked as Coxswain of LCI (L) 421 on the day of the D-Day Gold Beach (King Red) landings, watching soldiers being killed and wondering when it would be his turn. Following D-Day his commanding officer of LCI (L) 421, Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Robert M. Paul USNR with whom Hudac was very close, gifted this D-Day invasion, mast flown, 48 star flag to Hudac. Approximate size: 45? x 49?. LCI (L) 421 survived the war, and eventually returned to the US where it was decommissioned and transferred to the State Department for disposal on January 7, 1947. The final disposition date is unknown. Personal Effects of Hudac: Items owned by Hudac with many being used / worn by him personally during his service aboard LCI (L) 421. - Enlisted white ?Dixie Cup? Cap. Stamped ?S.A. Hudac? on the inside brim. - USN Dog Tags named to Hudac - SC2/c (Petty Officer 2nd Class) white and blue rate patch. Dated 1942 on the reverse - OD Green plastic whistle marked ?USN? - Saint Christopher, the Patron Saint of Travelers, USN Medallion necklace - US Navy Amphibious Landing Forces patch with sweetheart charms - ?Ruptured Duck? discharge patches Other included Provenance / Material: - Typed letter from Hudac?s CO, Lieutenant Robert M. Paul USNR certifying his participation in the Invasion of France on D-Day, June 6th, 1944. Hand signed by Lt. Robert M. Paul. Dated June 8, 1944 - Typed letter from then Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal, expressing the Navy?s gratitude for his service. Dated November 14, 1945 - Recommendation letter from Hudac?s CO, Lieutenant Robert M. Paul USNR that exemplifies his work ethic and character. Dated August 2, 1945 - War Ration Books named to Hudac - Hudac?s Naval Discharge Document and Certificate - Assorted Original photographs of Hudac?s crew, family, friends and shore leave in Panama and Tijuana. LCI (L) 421 is shown in several photos. - Framed studio portrait photo of Hudac in his ?Crackerjack? uniform - Framed Basic Training graduation photo from NTS Great Lakes - Framed Sketch Print of LCI (421) unloading troops on a beach - Notarized statement from the family The Allied Invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 (D-Day), involved nearly 160,000 Allied Troops (half of whom were American). The D-Day Invasion, and the sacrifice of those involved, signaled a turning point in the WWII European theater, and contributed largely to the defeat of Germany. Only a handful of legitimate D-Day flown flags are known to exist in the market. As such, this grouping, to have the D-Day Flown Flag and the Archive / Personal Items of Hudac, makes for an exceptional opportunity to own an incredible piece of history. The depth and comprehensive nature of this grouping is remarkable. All items in this lot are consigned by the family of SC2/c Steve A. Hudac. All items included in this lot have been in direct possession of the family since being brought back by Hudac. Also included, from the Consignor, is a signed & Notarized Statement of Authenticity which goes on to also include additional background information about Hudac.

Flag is battle worn. All else is very good.