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Archive of Col. Milton W. Buffington (1909-1979), WWII veteran and CIA agent under Truman. 1st Item: Framed, signed photograph of President Harry Truman, seated, surrounded by Buffington (speaking) and others, taken upon the formation of the Military Government Association, April 2nd, 1947. Signed by Truman, lower center, as well as John H. Hilldring (lower left, faded), National President of the Association, and Senator Harry P. Cain, National Vice President. Also included is the November, 1947 issue of the Military Government Journal, featuring this photograph on its cover. 2nd Item: Wooden fragment from the 1950’s renovation of The White House, of what appears to be a section of trim molding, identified and dated in pencil March 1952. 3rd Item: Presentation gavel made of two-toned, contrasting woods. (Gavels of this type were made from fragments of the White House removed during the renovation and given as gifts during President Truman’s term). 4th Item: Framed, signed photograph of President Gerald Ford, inscribed to Buffington and his wife. 5th Item: Framed photograph of John F Kennedy, inscribed to Anne Louise Buffington, mechanically signed. 6th Item: Framed invitation to the 1981 Presidential Inauguration of Ronald Reagan. 7th-8th Items: CIA Bronze Retirement Medallion, with Buffington’s name and years of service. The Bronze was for employees who completed between 15-25 years of service. Encased in clear plastic, 4 in x 4 in x 1 in., with framed CIA Retirement Certificate.9th Item: Glass ashtray with United States Senate emblem, 8 in Dia. 10th-11th Items: Porcelain ashtray with emblem of The Military Order of the World Wars, 6 1/2 in Dia., along with Buffington’s framed Certificate of Appreciation. 12th-14th Items: Buffington’s Framed Army Reserve Retirement Certificate, Jimmy Carter Era US recognition certificate (facsimile signed), with a small 4in. x 5 in. framed portrait of Buffington in uniform. 15th-16th Items: Lyndon Johnson era US Recognition certificate to Buffington’s father, Dr. Leonard M. Buffington (facsimile signed), and a telegram dated March 30th, 1970 from Richard Nixon to Mrs. Martha Buffington (Buffington’s mother) congratulating her on her 90th birthday. Biographical Note: Col. Milton W. Buffington (1909-1979). In World War II, Col. Buffington served as a military intelligence officer overseas and then joined the CIA under President Truman, serving in the Office of Policy Coordination 1948-1952. He retired from the CIA in 1970, and taught various subjects on the university level until his death. Note regarding 1st Item (Truman photo): Entry from Truman’s Presidential appointment calendar dated 12:30 pm April 02, 1947 – “Hon. J. H. Hilldring, Assistant Secretary of State and four officers of the Military Government Association: Charles M. Spofford, Vice President Senator Harry P. Cain, Vice President Richard H. Wilmer, Vice President Milton W. Buffington, Treasurer (These gentlemen are meeting today with Mr. Hilldring organizing the Military Government Association, and wanted picture taken with the President marking the start of this organization)”. Source: Daily Appointment calendar of Harry S. Truman at The Truman Library, https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/calendar
PROVENANCE: The estate of Anne Buffington, Brentwood, TN (daughter of Milton Buffington).
CONDITION: All items in very good condition. Photo with Hildring signature faded. Ashtray with slight usage wear. Lot includes 5 pieces of personal supplemental materials not pictured here, ranging in size from 6 1/2 H x 5 1/2 W to 9 1/2 in H x 12 in. W: 1938 yearbook from the Infantry School, Fort Benning, GA, a framed wedding photo, and 3 wall plaques.
