[McCaul, Colonel V. J].

US 'Marine Airforce Group Twelve'. Christmas Menu [with] American Red Cross Christmas Card 1945.

Peiping China: 1945. Two Christmas items printed in Peiping China, the menu with manuscript additions, from the US Marine Airforce group (MAG-12) which played a vital role in the Pacific throughout WWII, especially the Philippines, assigned there by special request of Admiral Bull Halsey.

The MAG 12, which was activated on 1 March 1942, served the entire war in the Pacific, in numerous operations in the Solomon and Philippine Islands supporting the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. At the end of the war the MAG 12 was sent to China following the defeat of the Japanese.

Colonel V. J. McCaul assumed command of MAG 12 in February of 1945. The Christmas menu, dated 25 December 1945, is printed with red title and green decorative borders, with "McCaul, Commanding" at the bottom. The menu entitled "China and Me" is printed as a spoof play in 3 acts, titled "Ripe Olives and his Girl Friend, Sweet Pickles, with "Mr. Stalk O'Celery". Names of staff printed at the bottom of the menu, along with pen annotation, "The items crossed off are the ones I didn't get. But I still had enough". Another item is marked, "very bad". 10 1/4 x 8 3/4", period folds flattened, folds to 5 1/4 x 8 3/4". Menu slightly dusty on verso.
[with] unused color illustrated (printed in Peiping), Christmas Card captioned and featuring "A R C [American Red Cross] Embassy Club" on the front. Christmas greeting printed in red, from "Peiping China". Very bright and clean. 5 1/2 x 4" Very good overall. Item #26164

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