12/7/18 - This is a near-mint US Property Colt M1903 that was issued to the legendary Brigadier General, Joseph "Cider Joe" Stilwell Jr. Made in 1942, this pistol retains 98-99% original parkerized finish. It comes with Colt factory letter stating it was issued to Stilwell and shipped in 1944, and a Springfield Research Service letter shows issue to Stilwell in 1961. It has minor high edge wear and some handling wear, but is otherwise beautiful. Brigadier General Stilwell is best known for his service with the US Special Forces as a Green Beret, often sitting as door gunner or pilot of their helicopters. Medal of Honor winner, Major General Patrick Brady, talks about Stilwell in his book. "This guy was a genuine character. He was not an aviator, but he flew...The man was combat hungry and tough as hell. I was told he once survived a jump after his parachute malfunctioned. The last I heard about him was that his plane ditched at sea, and he was never found. Some folks waited a long time for him to walk up off the ocean floor." Stilwell's decorations and commendations are listed in full in the accompanying description (pictured). Photos of Stilwell and a facsimile of his service and decoration medal ribbon bars are included.
