Green beret signed by Lieutenant General William P. Yarborough (1912-2005), nicknamed

[Penn]

If anyone can confirm the signature, will gift to the SF Museum.

https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/blackwell-auctions/army-gen-yarborough-special-forces-beret-2543013

Lot Description
Green beret signed by Lieutenant General William P. Yarborough (1912-2005), nicknamed "Father of the Modern Green Beret." Inscribed illegibly (first word is possibly "Capt'). Signature unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic. Beret has patch affixed with three-star pin. It is unknown whether or not this was Gen. Yarborough's personal beret or one presented to him by the recipient of the signature.


Under examination the illegibly is a WP. Need a confirmation.

Another interesting piece in the auction with SF lineage; again validating signatures would be wonderful.

https://www.bidsquare.com/online-auctions/blackwell-auctions/vietnam-flag-signed-westmoreland-roger-donlon-2543279

[cbtengr]

Is there an SF museum currently in operation on Ft. Bragg at this time?

[SF_BHT]

https://www.509thgeronimo.org/soldieryarboroughwp/soldieryarboroughwp.html

I can only find a few examples of his signature. None of the examples are WP Yarborough. But the Yarborough looks sorta the same.

Not an expert but if real the Museum should get it.

[Requiem]

Several more samples of signature:


Signature (https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/120360-book-about-paratroopers-signed-by-william-yarborough/)

Another (https://www.biblio.com/book/bail-out-over-north-africa-americas/d/1393854222)

Here. (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/61098203_american-paratroopers-william-p-yarborough)

Here. (https://www.biblio.com/book/double-signed-ltd-ed-paratrooper-gerard/d/1318559826#gallery-2)

[JJ_BPK]

Here is my 1969 issue, It shows the DSA date code 69

Tried to capture the offering but the date code is fuzzy..

Best guess is 66

:munchin

[Penn]

imo, the up stroke on the beginning of the Y is consistent and indicative of this signature. No sure if year issue of Beret is important, as he could have replaced or had several over the years.

At any rate we are the bid lead.


ETA: contacted Forensic Document Examination
http://www.osbornandson.com for confirmation.

[JJ_BPK]

imo, the up stroke on the beginning of the Y is consistent and indicative of this signature. No sure if year issue of Beret is important, as he could have replaced or had several over the years.

At any rate we are the bid lead.


ETA: contacted Forensic Document Examination
http://www.osbornandson.com for confirmation.

More of a reference,, Most people do not know the DSA number has the contract date code.

More data:
I can not find a "complete" history of promotion for LtG Yarborough. This list is a composite of multiple sources. YMMV


LtG Yarborough ran SF from 1961-65
Brigadier General. on 12 Jul 1961, as CG US Army Special Warfare Center/School for Special Warfare at Fort Bragg, NC
Major General on 02 May 1966, as Senior Member, UN Command Military Armistice Commission, Panmunjom, Korea
Lieutenant General on 08 June 1968, as CG I Corps Korea
on 08 June 1968, Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander in Chief, US Army Pacific
He retired in 1971


If the bio info is correct the beret originated after 1968

[SF_BHT]

I have seen photos of him wearing a GB with flash and rank when CG I Corps….

[Penn]

We did not win either auction. I completely forgot to log in for the auction.
The Beret went for $390+, and the Flag $900+. My apologies.