We propose to observe a system at z = 0.03 whose morphology and integrated properties strongly suggest that it is in the very first stage of the galaxy assembly process, where sub-units, gravitationally bound to one another, are coming together for the first time to form a larger unit.  This object is Galaxy #109 (hereafter D109) in Abell 2634 in Dressler's (1980) catalog of the morphological properties of cluster galaxies.  Ground based CCD imaging reveals that D109 is a remarkable ensemble of approximately a dozen extremely blue (V-I = 0 +/- 0.1) "knots" of size 2-5 kpc and absolute V magnitudes of -15 to - 17 distributed over a total linear extent of 45 kpc.
The total aggregate starlight is equivalent in luminosity to M33 and the observed integrated H I mass is approximately 5 x 10^9 solar masses.  The H I profile looks undisturbed and the velocity dispersion (from low resolution spectroscopy) of the collection of knots is approximately 150 km/s.  In all respects then, D109 bears the signature of galactic sub-units merging for the very frist time into a large body.   Given its low redshift, we then have the extraordinary opportunity of a high resolution view of the assembly process in action.  We therefore request 2 orbits of time to acquire superior imaging data over a color baseline ranging from the UV to I-Band that will allow for a better characterization of the structural nature and stellar populations of these multiple bright knots in this very unusual and enigmatic galaxy.