10 Pieces of D-Day Memorabilia That Sold for Impressive Sums
It’s a storied moment in World War II history: On June 6, 1944, allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy in an effort to liberate France and the rest of Western Europe. Known as D-Day, the pivotal event still stands as the largest seaborne invasion to date.
Seen as symbols of courage, sacrifice, and, at times, quiet despair, D-Day memorabilia has carved out a spot for itself in the vintage memorabilia market. From rarely-seen military documents and maps to a powerful speech given by Eisenhower to rally the troops, these historical relics have surged in value among collectors and history buffs. Whether driven by reverence, rarity, or the dwindling number of surviving items, here are 10 valuable items from that fateful day that sold for record-smashing prices at auction and helped turn the tide during World War II.
1. Eisenhower’s Invasion Speech Draft
Penned by General Eisenhower the night before D-Day, this “Order of the Day” letter was delivered to allied troops on June 6, 1944. In it, Eisenhower rallied thousands of soldiers about to storm the beaches of Normandy and change the course of WWII. “You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade,” Eisenhower wrote. “But your task will not be an easy one.” Seen as a crown jewel for collectors, a transcript of the letter (complete with a “small smudge”) sold for $3,000 at auction in 2024.
2. Pointe du Hoc Combat Map
Creased from a soldier’s grip and darkened with stains of wear and tear, this map guided the near-vertical assault on Pointe du Hoc, where U.S. Army Rangers scaled perilous, jagged cliffs (some were 100 feet or higher) while under German gunfire. Dubbed “cartography under fire,” one of these “very rare” maps is listed for nearly 10 grand ($9,500) on Premier Relics.
3. D-Day Flag From USS LST-493
This battle-torn American flag flew on a tank landing ship during the D-Day invasions. Featuring visible damage from German fire (you can even see bullet holes), it stands as a dramatic symbol of the day’s perils. Thanks to the flag’s ironclad provenance (along with photos that confirmed its presence during the operation), the World War II collectible sold for a staggering $386,500 at auction.
4. US Army Field Uniforms
This battle-ready ensemble, which includes an M1 helmet, M41 jacket, canteen, M4 bayonet, and full field gear, previously sold for $3,400. Worn by 3rd U.S. Army troops storming Normandy under German gunfire, the set also featured period photos showing identical kits worn by soldiers wading ashore. You can also buy a replica for under $600.
5. Juno Beach Intelligence Dossier
This leather-bound intel dossier is another coveted item from D-Day. Containing the original Bigot-stamped maps and photographs used to plan the Canadian assault on Juno Beach, the collection offers a chilling glimpse at the invasion’s razor-thin margins for error. In 2024, this set, complete with medals and a naval sword, sold for £16,640 (about $21,600) at auction.
6. U.S. Army Ranger’s Medic Helmet
This dinged up medic helmet was worn by a U.S. Army Ranger named “Arnold” during the D-Day landings and Point du Hoc attacks. In 2015, it sold at auction for $2,250. The helmet’s association with the perilous Pointe du Hoc climbs, coupled with its battlefield provenance, helped increase its value. According to the item’s description, the helmet’s bright color was used to “signal enemy troops not to shoot the unarmed medics.” Talk about a stressful day on the job.
7. Omaha Beach Flag
Preserved by Captain Ralph E. Goranson after it washed ashore, this American flag was among the few that survived the first hours at Normandy following the invasion. Blood-stained and salt-crusted, it sold for $16,875 at auction in late 2020. “The exact history of this flag will likely never be known, but it is likely that the original owner was a Ranger who intended to display it ashore,” the item’s description reads.
8. Omaha Beach Invasion Map
This “top secret” combat map detailed the exact landing zones at Vierville and Colleville-sur-Mer with precise tide/sunlight tables. The included May-June 1944 solar charts reveal how planners agonized over every minute of light during one of history’s riskiest stealth attacks. Due to Omaha’s blood-soaked legacy, one of these maps sold for a staggering $68,750 at auction.
9. Churchill’s Letter to General ‘Hap’ Arnold
In 1943, as D-Day plans were taking shape, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill wrote this letter to U.S. General Henry H. “Hap” Arnold, who was hospitalized due to a heart attack. In the short letter, Churchill expressed his regret over Arnold’s absence from the discussions and extended his wishes for a speedy recovery. The typed correspondence highlights the close collaboration between allied leaders during WWII and commanded a whopping $13,133 at auction.
10. D-Day Dispatch Radios
Used to relay messages between ships and shore, these radios are prized for their engineering and the life-saving role they played in the battlefield. While fully-restored units have been known to sell for upwards of $4,000 (like this J.C.Bunnel CW Radio Key that’s been mounted on wood), you can also buy a more affordable version for around $400.