What are the chances that a German WWII flag signed by a number of US Army GIs could end up in Australia? Pretty remote, would you say? So, what are the chances that one of the signatures on the flag could possibly be from my home town of Hubbardston, Massachusetts? Now, throw in the chance that I would get notified of this incredible coincidence when this 4' x 9 1/2' party flag showed up at an auction house in Morley, Western Australia.
Now enters my pal Tom Murray from Australia and we have a match. Tom has been a customer and a friend for many years. He is also my number one researcher. If I need information on a name or a unit, Tom has come through many dozens of times.
Not only did he notice the name Bill Hakkinen, Hubbardston, MA, he also took the time to look up any relatives who live in the area.
Well, you know I had to have that flag, no matter the cost because I want to contact his family members and show it to them. Bill served proudly with the 25th Armored Combat Engineer Battalion, 6th Division, US Army and was 20 years old when he entered the service. His unit arrived in England in February of 1944, and arrived in Normandy in July of 1944. His unit was in the thick of things until the end of the war. William Hakkinen was one of over 200 residents of Hubbardston, which is a small town of about 1,500 in 1940. His name is on our WWII monument located in the center of town. Bill was born on Jan 19,1923 and passed on Jan 7th, 1996 at the age of 72.
The actual first challenge was to win the flag at the auction. It was just the garden variety NAZI party style flag. Tom managed to do that and promptly sent it off to me.
It's a very interesting series of names covering four squads from this unit. There are a total of 37 names on the flag. There are actually nine from Brooklyn NY and 10 from NJ. It makes you wonder if some of them were buddies and joined up together. And then there was this one dude from good old Hubbardston, MA! I never got to meet him but now my challenge is to find some of his relatives!
Wish me luck.
Paul Bouchard
Good Morning Bill,
Purchased many years ago from H H the Standard of Werner Von Blomberg 1935-1938, with the names of the U S Servicemen written on the center, (white portion), of the Standard by the those who captured him in 1945. Best wishes. Paul
Francois Boucher
Best of luck with this amazing finding. I have a similar collection of items from a Manchester NH resident where I live.
Tom MURRAY
It’s a great story Bill. Glad I was able to be part of it and good luck tracking down Bill Hakkinen’s sons. Regards Tom.
P.S. Dean, if you want some help, please reach out to Bill 😀
Mike Kreitzer
Hello, My wife and I are from Dayton Ohio. I thought it was fascinating to see someone’s name on the flag from Dayton. Also, St. Mary’s is about 60 miles north of here. What an excellent find………… Thanks for the pics!
Pete MARCINIAK
That is amazing Bill, a chance to preserve history like this rarely turns up.Glad the info was sent your way so you could snag it.. if this flag could talk !
Best,Pete