Kennedy PT-109: Katsumori Yamashiro (3) Signed Items

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RR Auction: Military and the Cold War

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May 18, 2023

Set Reminder 2023-05-18 18:00:00 2023-05-18 18:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : RR Auction: Military and the Cold War https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/rr-auction/rr-auction-military-and-the-cold-war-12664
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• Lot Description
  Japanese naval officer who commanded the 11th Flotilla (1900-1986) and who was Senior Officer on board the destroyer Amagiri on the night of the collision with John F. Kennedy's PT-109. Three items signed by Katsumori Yamashiro, including a detailed handwritten manuscript and two commemorative covers. The manuscript, signed "Capt. Katsumori Yamashiro, Cmdr.," is one page, 8.5 x 11, and headed: "The True Story of Pres. John F. Kennedy's PT 109 Collision." In part: "The true story of PT 109 must be told so that everyone will know what actually happened that day. The day was Aug. 2, 1943 and the 11th Destroyer Flotilla of the Imperial Japanese Navy was on patrol in the Vella Gulf. The flagship 'Amagiri' was part of the 11th Destroyer Flotilla‰Û_I, Katsumori Yamashiro was captain and in full command of the flagship Amagiri, which was to accidentally ram the PT 109. Upon sighting the PT 109, my concern was the distance was closing, and if the Amagiri would collide with the PT 109 the bow of the Amagiri might burn by the explosion of the torpedo on board the PT 109. I, Captain Yamashiro ordered 'Hard-A-Port' which was to avoid collision. Afterward Skipper Lt. Cmdr. Hanami told a deliberate lie when he ordered 'Hard-A-Starboard.' The fact the Amagiri hit PT 109 with her starboard propellor blade proves the starboard statement a lie. When turning starboard it is impossible she could hit anything with her starboard propellor. If there would still be an Imperial Japanese Navy, Skipper would be reprimanded and disgraced for this outrageous lie, completely ignoring my presence on board. Unfortunately, his lie was picked up by Mr. Donnovan in his version of PT 109. Of course, Mr. Donovan's version reached more people but it is not the truth. My story is the truth, I was there, I was in command and my order was to avoid collision. I am writing this to provide History with the Truth. I as commander of the Amagiri tried to avoid collision with PT 109. It was sunk by accident and not intentionally." He additionally sketches a detailed map, charting the incident within the waterways of the Solomon Islands. The included FDCs are a postcard memorializing the late President John F. Kennedy, signed in ink, "Capt. Katsumori Yamashiro, Cmdr.," and a cover with a cachet honoring America's veterans, signed in ink, "Capt. Katsumori Yamashiro," with a similar map sketch of the PT-109 accident. In overall fine condition.
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