This USMC four-star general flag measures roughly 29 x 18 inches is the personal flag of World War II Medal of Honor recipient Alexander Archer Vandegrift (1903-1978). He was Commanding General of the First Marine Division, Reinforced, during assaults on Guadalcanal, Tulagi, and Gavutu in the Solomon Islands on August 7, 1942, which was the first large scale offensive undertaken by the U.S. against the Japanese and, for services taken during the subsequent occupation and defense from August 7 to December 9, 1942, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Part of his citation read, “With the adverse factors of weather, terrain and disease making his task a difficult and hazardous undertaking, and with his command eventually including sea, land, and air forces of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, Major General Vandegrift achieved marked success in commanding the initial landings of the Unites States Forces in the Solomon Islands and in their subsequent occupation…This dangerous but vital mission, accomplished at the constant risk of his life, resulted in securing a valuable base for further operations of our forces against the enemy.” From January 1, 1944 to June 30, 1946, General Vandegrift served as the Commandant of the Marine Corps and for his outstanding service was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. In April 1945 he became the first Marine officer on active duty to be appointed the rank of four-star general. Before leaving active service General Vandegrift addressed Congress with a stern warning against the Army’s post-war efforts to diminish the role of the Marines in his famous “Bended Knee Speech” delivered on May 6, 1946. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Very good with some scattered insect type damage and slight speckling of white paint, otherwise tight stitching overall.