The Major General Clayton L. Bissell Short Snorter
Sparks, Thomas J. (2025)
Book Summary
This document is an account of a remarkable World War II artifact known as the “Bissell Short Snorter.” This 64-foot-long strip of banknotes, each bearing signatures of notable WWII military leaders and dignitaries, was discovered by the Sarasota Rare Coin Gallery decades ago and kept in storage until its historical significance was recognized. Coin expert Jeff C. Garrett reached out to short snorter specialist Tom Sparks, who identified nearly 300 admirals and generals, 17 presidents and prime ministers, and 37 ambassadors and ministers. The snorter, attributed to Major General Clayton L. Bissell, has since been featured at numerous conventions and on "Pawn Stars Does America." The artifact's value lies not just in its rarity but in its encapsulation of WWII history, capturing the spirit and signatures of many influential figures of that era.The work also explores the life and military career of Major General Clayton L. Bissell, from his service as a decorated fighter pilot in World War I to his prominent roles during World War II. Bissell's trajectory included working closely with aviation pioneer Billy Mitchell, playing a crucial part in the 1924 Round-the-World flight as an advance officer, and serving as Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence on the War Department General Staff. His complex and often contentious relationship with Claire Chennault in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater is also discussed, highlighting differences in command style and strategic vision. The documentation and preservation of Bissell’s diaries, facilitated by a grant and diligent research, lend deeper insight into his impact on military history and the enduring importance of the short snorter tradition.
