WWII 10th Mountain Division ID'd Archive Signed 1948 Remount Blue Book Martin For Sale

TITLE:

WWII 10th Mountain Division ID’d Archive S/Sgt James G Martin 86th Inf Signed 1948 Remount Blue Book NJ Family Dynasty Photos Soviet POW GULAG Manuscript

DESCRIPTION:

Up for sale is a completely coherent, museum-grade personal and family archive of Staff Sergeant James G. Martin (1924–2014), who served in the elite 10th Mountain Division, 86th Mountain Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Heavy Weapons Company M during the brutal North Apennines and Po Valley campaigns in Italy.

This archive represents a flawless chronological journey through a legendary ski trooper's life, his family’s deep roots and public service in Matawan, New Jersey, and his lifelong connection to his wartime brotherhood. Personally rescued from being permanently lost to history, this unbroken lot is an incredible find for serious WWII, 10th Mountain Division, or New Jersey local history collectors.

DETAILED LOT CONTENT:

1. The Core Masterpiece (Rare Signed Unit History)

* "Remount Blue: The Combat History of the 3d Battalion, 86th Mountain Infantry" (First Edition, Berkeley, 1948): Compiled and edited by the famous environmentalist Lt. David R. Brower. This is an extremely rare unit history published in very limited numbers solely for veterans of the battalion and their families. Personally signed on the flyleaf by the veteran: "Jim Martin". S/Sgt Martin's actions are officially documented on page 90 of this book.

2. Original Post-War Veteran & General Officer Photo Archive (2010)

* Original 2010 Fort Drum Banquet Photo Group: A set of original color photographs from the National Association of the 10th Mountain Division Reunion (July 3, 2010), celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the division's reactivation.

* The General Officer Connection: The photos depict S/Sgt Jim Martin seated at the banquet table and personally interacting with Major General James Terry, the Commanding General of the 10th Mountain Division & Fort Drum at the time. Comes with original handwritten identification sheets naming the family members (James H. Martin II, Mickey Martin) and Bruce Campbell.

3. Original New Jersey State Honors & Municipal Folders

* Original New Jersey General Assembly Citation (May 2, 2000): An official congratulatory letter on historical letterhead, personally signed by Assemblyman Samuel D. Thompson, Ph.D., honoring S/Sgt Martin for receiving New Jersey's highest military award—the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for his heroic combat actions in Italy.

* Original Mayor's Proclamation Folder (January 2006): A luxury maroon presentation folder with an embossed gold seal from the Office of the Mayor of the Borough of Matawan, officially naming Matilda "Tillie" Martin as "Citizen of the Year" (Posthumously) for her lifetime of volunteering.

* Original Matawan First Aid & Rescue Squad Vintage Photographs: A beautiful set of vintage, large-format black-and-white photographs showing the local rescue squad and family members in uniform holding awards. Includes a vintage studio portrait of James's father, Magistrate James H. Martin, posing in his judicial robes next to the US flag.

4. The Neighbor’s Soviet Prison Camp Manuscript (Unique Addition)

* Original 2002 Self-Published Manuscript & NKVD/MVD Release Document: A rare, third-edition copy of the manuscript "Don't You Know Me? A Soviet Prison Camp Survivor's Account" by S/Sgt Martin’s close neighbor in Matawan, Rudolf M. Altinger. The cover features an incredible facsimile of Altinger's original 1948 Soviet NKVD/MVD release certificate (Справка) from Prisoner of War Camp No. 131 (Field Post 81948), authorizing his release back to Munich. This adds an extraordinary layer of international post-war history and neighborhood connection to the archive.

5. Veteran Artifacts & Insignia Collection

* Vintage 10th Mountain Division "Climb to Glory" Distinctive Unit Insignia (DUI) pins (New in original vintage Ira Green Inc. packaging).

* Enamel 10th Mountain Division lapel pins, crossed-skis tie bars, and commemorative cuff links.

* Camp Hale / Vail commemorative pins (1942–1993), an American Legion Vice-Commander ribbon badge, and a vintage American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) bronze medallion.

* Operation Iraqi Freedom and Camp Hale challenge coins in protective capsules.

6. Comprehensive Wartime Reference & Provenance Files

* Please note: To ensure the preservation of his story, the veteran and his family compiled high-quality reference photocopies of his core wartime records, which are included as a complete research file:

* Copies of his Honorable Discharge & Enlisted Record (Separation Papers) confirming his service in the 86th Mountain Infantry, Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), and European Theater campaigns.

* Copies of his Separation Qualification Record detailing his combat role as a Heavy Mortar Squad Leader (81mm mortars).

* Copies of the official Headquarters 10th Mountain Division Citation (July 12, 1945) awarding him the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement under fire in Italy.

* Original copy of the Asbury Park Sunday Press (June 17, 1945) featuring his front-page interview ("Hair-Breadth Escapes Told By Matawan Ski Trooper") detailing his helmet being pierced by shrapnel.

* Personal "Proof Folder" with handwritten notes by Martin explaining WWII ski troops to a local school teacher, and correspondence regarding wartime comrades.

CONDITION:

The items in this archive range from vintage used to new-in-package. The book "Remount Blue" is in very good vintage condition with tight binding and clean pages; the veteran's signature is crisp. Original photographs, state letters, and municipal folders are well-preserved. Please review the high-resolution photos carefully to assess the physical condition of all items.

SHIPPING & HANDLING:

Will be packed with extreme care using archival-safe materials and shipped with full insurance and tracking to ensure this historic archive arrives safely to its next custodian.