WWII Rear Admiral George R. Henderson Flag Doolittle Raid Leyte Gulf & Iwo Jima

Description

Extremely rare named Escort Carrier Flag of WWII Rear Admiral George R. Henderson personal Flag.  Henderson was the
executive officer and
second
in command of the USS
Hornet
during the famous
Doolittle
Raid on
Tokyo
, Japan.  Henderson was also the main person responsible for getting the USS Hornet in ship shape and making it sea worthy.  Rear Admiral Henderson was in over all command of the famous
Battles of Leyte Gulf & Iwo Jima:
30" x 22" wool flag with two appliqued stars on either side, against a blue field. Two brass grommets on the hoist which is marked or stamped somewhat lightly in small letters on one side "G. R. Henderson/ R. Admiral, USN"
and, in larger letters, "George R. Henderson". It is also inscribed "R. ADM". Some scattered, small moth holes and light soiling, but very good overall.
George R. Henderson (1893-1964) had an illustrious career, starting as a naval aviator (setting ten world records for seaplanes) and serving in high command positions in World War II and Korea. He was the Executive Officer on board the
Hornet
when she participated in the Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in July 1944 and had command of the escort carrier
Saginaw Bay
when she participated in the battles of Leyte Gulf and Iwo Jima. In March 1945, his flag was removed to the escort carrier
Makin Island
for the invasion of Okinawa. This may be the only Rear Admiral's WWII-vintage flag with the admiral's name inscribed on it. Ex: Ray Bentley Military Collection.