Medal of Honor Recipient José M. López Autograph – Battle of the Bulge

Description

Medal of Honor Recipient José M. López Autograph –
Battle of the Bulge
Offered for your consideration is a photocopy of an official photograph of a soldier receiving the Medal of Honor in a wooded setting, signed and dated by the recipient in blue ink. The soldier, José M. López, is shaking hands with an officer, while holding the box containing his medal in the other hand. At his side, another officer looks on. The caption below reads “
Sergeant Lopez receives his Medal of Honor from Maj. Gen. James A. Van Fleet, then commander of the U. S. Third Corps.
”. Below this is the very shaky signature of “
Jose M Lopez
” (he would have been 85 years old at the time), while at the end is the date of “
4 May 95
”. The back of the paper is blank. This item is offered with an additional page with a picture of López in later life, as well as information regarding his award winning action. Though not well known, the actions of this Mexican-born American soldier during the Battle of the Bulge, exemplify the highest tradition of the United States Army. A great addition to any Medal of Honor autograph collection.
José Mendoza López
was born in Santiago Ihuitlan Plumas, Oaxaca, Mexico on July 10, 1910. He moved with his mother to the city of Orizaba while a young boy, and relocated to Brownsville, Texas after the death of his mother when he was eight years old. While still a young man, López was noticed by a boxing promoter. He toured the country for the next seven years, participated in 55 lightweight division fights, and bore the nickname of
Kid Mendoza
. In 1934, while fighting in Australia, López met a group of Merchant Marines and signed on with them. He was accepted into their union in 1936, and spent the next five years traveling the world. While traveling from Hawaii to California he learned of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Upon arrival in Los Angeles he was believed to be Japanese, though he was subsequently able to prove he was not to everyone’s satisfaction. Returning to Brownsville, López received his draft card in 1942, though he relocated to San Antonio and enlisted in the Army. He received his training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and later at Camp Roberts, California. He attained the rank of master sergeant and served with the 3
rd
Battalion, 23
rd
Infantry Regiment, 2
nd
Infantry Division. During World War II, he served during the battles of Normandy and the Bulge, receiving the Medal of Honor for the latter action. Upon his return to the United States, López received an enthusiastic reception in New York City and was greeted by Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, and later, on a visit to Mexico City, he was greeted by their president and presented with their highest military commendation,
la
Condecoracion del Merito Militar
. He moved to San Antonio with his family and became a contact representative with the Veterans Administration. When the Korean War erupted, López was accidentally ordered to serve and was prepared to do so, though President Truman intervened and had him remain in the United States. José M. López died on May 16, 2005 in San Antonio, Texas and was buried in that city’s Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Medal of Honor Citation:
On his own initiative, he carried his heavy machine gun from Company K’s right flank to its left, in order to protect that flank, which was in danger of being overrun by advancing enemy infantry supported by tanks. Occupying a shallow hole offering no protection above his waist, he cut down a group of 10 Germans. Ignoring enemy fire from an advancing tank, he held his position and cut down 25 more enemy infantry attempting to turn his flank. Glancing to his right, he saw a large number of infantry swarming in from the front. Although dazed and shaken from enemy artillery fire which had crashed into the ground only a few yards away, he realized that his position soon would be outflanked. Again, alone, he carried his machine gun to a position to the right rear of the sector; enemy tanks and infantry were forcing a withdrawal. Blown over backward by the concussion of enemy fire, he immediately reset his gun and continued his fire. Single-handed he held off the German horde until he was satisfied his company had effected its retirement. Again he loaded his gun on his back and in a hail of small arms fire he ran to a point where a few of his comrades were attempting to set up another defense against the onrushing enemy. He fired from this position until his ammunition was exhausted. Still carrying his gun, he fell back with his small group to Krinkelt. Sgt. López’s gallantry and intrepidity, on seemingly suicidal missions in which he killed at least 100 of the enemy, were almost solely responsible for allowing Company K to avoid being enveloped, to withdraw successfully and to give other forces coming up in support time to build a line which repelled the enemy drive.
The currently offered item exhibits signs of minor age, though it remains in very good condition. The page appears to be lightly toned, though it is difficult to determine the original color of the paper. The photocopy is somewhat lacking in clarity, though this is probably a result of the original image (this appears to be a copy of a copy of a copy). The signature, however, is sharp and bold. It is quite evident by the handwriting that Sergeant Lopez was of an advanced age, given the shaky and erratic nature of the signature. It appears that he also added the date, as there is a similarity in the formation of some of the letters. There is a small fold in the upper left corner, as well as some minor bends in the paper, none of which detracts from the signature. One or two small spots are noted for accuracy. Measuring approximately 8½ x 11 inches, this would make an ideal piece to frame or a great addition to any Medal of Honor autograph collection.
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Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA