The United States Congress usually a cesspit of backbiting and political nonsense did something profoundly right on June 1st, 1954. They amended a bill that created Armistice Day and instead created Veterans Day to honor veterans of all American conflicts. Now we celebrate that holiday in honor of all those who gave their service in defense of our country. In celebrating these auguste heroes I remembered one of my own heroes that I read as a kid in the 1970's: The Unknown Soldier. He was in the United States Army and wounded in the Pacific Theater from a hand grenade blast and horribly disfigured. Unable to fix his mutilation at the hands of fell fascist forces he becomes an intelligence operative code-named "The Unknown Soldier." Primarily using disguise he infiltrates the enemy camp throughout the war and in all theaters of WWII.
The coolest thing about the original Unknown Soldier is his loss of temper at enemy atrocities. This explosion of anger often leads him to blow his undercover work and attack his foes. This character more than any other reminds me of Captain America and is a shining example of the sacrifices the men and women of our armed forces make on a daily basis. The Unknown Soldier is everyone and no one, but can this anonymous hero hurdle the profit divide? The comic book Our Army At War #168 features Sgt. Rock another outstanding war hero, and provides the introduction of this new character back in 1966. The Unknown Soldier was created by Bob Kanigher and Howard Liss (writers) with the art of Joe Kubert and Jack Abel bringing him to life. Probably the best indicator of value is from a sale Our Army At War #168 in grade (9.2) on 12/10/2015 for $465 (ComicConnect). Interestingly, there is only one sale at (9.6) and at (9.8) in existence (per CGC Census). Probably the best idea of current value comes from a sale in April 2018 for $79.95 in the grade (4.0). This tells you one thing, The Unknown Soldier is still very cheap to pick up.
Additionally, the CGC Census has the following total outstanding books: two in (4.0) grade, three in (8.0) grade, and one in (9.6) grade. This book has not really been battled over by speculators or even investors. Basically, it looks like just collectors and fans are lining up for this lone hero. This is a great book to CGC. Should the war comics ever make a huge comeback you will be sitting on one of the most interesting and cinematic characters of the bunch.
In the final analysis, The Unknown Soldier is a big key for a not hot-to-trot title, as of yet. This is a nice long-term investment play that seeks to get in at almost the start of a character's worldwide popularity. Most of the comic book grades have been a mixed result for Our Army At War #168. However, the fine plus category of grade (6.5) has shown a nice uptick of positive +97.6% with a sale last year in August. Warning: other grades have had mixed results. In the words of The Unknown Soldier, "one man in the right place," or one investment at the right time. Best wishes and salutations to all our veterans on this holiday.
