This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2024
As one of the most beautiful women in the world, Marilyn Monroe was always a morale booster for U.S. Army troops during the Korean War. In 1954, during one such occasion, Marilyn Monroe found herself unprepared for the ever-changing climate of Korea. Realizing she wasn’t properly dressed for the cold weather, she asked her military escort, Ollie Palmer, if he could help her get some warmer clothes. Palmer arranged for her to borrow a flight jacket, which had to be returned as jackets were issued individually and had to be returned to the airbase following a soldier’s tour of duty.
Palmer’s roommate, Hilda Benning, affectionately called “Bugs,” agreed to let Marilyn borrow her jacket but was insistent on having it returned. Marilyn’s stay in Korea lasted only four days, as it was part of her honeymoon with baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. This letter is significant as it is the only known letter related to her honeymoon with DiMaggio or the trip in general. Monroe and DiMaggio were married for only a short time, and this letter is a crucial piece of their brief union in February 1954. True to her word, Marilyn returned the jacket and wrote this heartfelt handwritten note of appreciation. The letter is particularly notable because no other inscribed letter written in Marilyn’s hand, mentioning her wearing the famous bomber jacket, is known to exist.
The 3.5" x 5" handwritten note reads: “Dear Bugs, Thanks for the loan of your jacket – I didn’t let it out of my sight the whole time – I couldn’t, (Ollie kept reminding me). It kept me soooo warm. Thanks,” signed Marilyn Monroe. This note was written on a memo pad from the Hotel New Osaka and dated “Feb. 54” (also in Monroe’s hand). Included with this handwritten letter is a newspaper clipping showing Marilyn wearing the jacket referred to in the letter.
Authentication:This letter comes with a letter of provenance from Debbie Johnson, the niece of Hilda Benning “Bugs,” a Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) Letter of Authenticity for the autograph, and a Real Game Used (RGU) letter of authenticity for the document's authenticity.
This rare and valuable handwritten note is an exceptional piece of memorabilia, directly connected to Marilyn Monroe's famous Korea trip and her brief marriage to Joe DiMaggio. It is a unique collectible that offers a personal glimpse into a significant moment in Monroe’s life and career. Don't miss the opportunity to own this extraordinary piece of history!
This lot has a Reserve Price that has not been met.