A tribute album that was presented to an American staff sergeant during the second world war will be offered by Doyle New York on November 24.
 Kelly was one of the first to enter Paris, but was shot immediately by a French sniper |
The album contains photographs, original artworks and signatures from Staff Sergeant Lawrence R Kelly's men and friends, after he was wounded during the liberation of Paris. Along with the Purple Heart medal that Kelly was awarded, it is expected to sell for $12,000-18,000.
Kelly (1902-1946) fought in the first world war, aged just 15, before re-enlisting for the second world war aged 40 in 1943. Parachuted into France on D-Day with the 82nd Airbourne, he was mistakenly shot six times by a nervous French sniper, and fell from his jeep just before entry to the French capital.
He was rescured by a young pharmacy worker named Marcelle Thomas, who became good friends with Kelly after admiring his bravery - he reportedly offered his packet of cigarettes to his men, despite his injuries.
After Kelly returned home to Altoona, Pennsylvania, the pair exchanged more than 20 letters until his eventual death. The album was due to be presented to Kelly the day following the heart attack that killed him, two years after the shooting.
The album contains 710 leaves of original artwork, along with vintage photographs, prints, letters and 8000 signatures and various ephemera in tribute to Kelly. Most of the texts are in French, though English translations have been provided.
"They came so simply/proud to give their lives/or suffering stoically/to bring us our liberty/in the name of Frenchmen, thank you, KELLY/that shall not be forgotten," reads a poem in the first pages.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has some superb items of militaria for sale.
