Richard E. Cole Signed "B-25" Original Nose Art (PSA)

"**Original Hand-Painted 8""x12"" Aluminum Nose Art Signed by WWII Doolittle Raiders Plane #1 Co-Pilot Richard E. Cole – Authenticated by PSA/DNA**

Offered for auction is a truly exceptional and historically important piece: an **original hand-painted aluminum nose art panel**, measuring **8 inches by 12 inches**, commemorating **Plane #1 of the historic Doolittle Tokyo Raid**. This striking recreation is **personally hand signed in permanent marker** by **Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole**, co-pilot to General Jimmy Doolittle on the famed April 18, 1942 mission. This rare collectible comes fully **authenticated by PSA/DNA** and includes their **Certificate of Authenticity**, with matching certification sticker affixed to the item.

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### **Biography of Richard E. Cole**

**Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eugene Cole** (1915–2019) served as the **co-pilot of Plane #1** during the daring and morale-boosting **Doolittle Raid** on Tokyo in the early months of America’s involvement in World War II. Flying a **B-25 Mitchell bomber** off the deck of the aircraft carrier **USS Hornet**, Cole and his pilot, **Lt. Col. James “Jimmy” Doolittle**, led sixteen bombers on the first American air raid against the Japanese mainland.

The Doolittle Raid marked a pivotal moment in WWII, significantly boosting American morale and proving that Japan’s home islands were within reach. After successfully bombing targets in Tokyo, the crews faced fuel shortages and crash-landed or bailed out over China. Cole and Doolittle both survived the mission, and their courage was later honored with numerous awards. Cole received the **Distinguished Flying Cross**, and for many years remained the last living participant of the raid, passing away in 2019 at the age of 103.

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### **Item Details:**

- **Subject**: Original hand-painted nose art panel representing **Plane #1 of the Doolittle Raid**

- **Signer**: **Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole**, WWII Doolittle Raiders Co-Pilot

- **Dimensions**: **8"" x 12"" aluminum sheet**

- **Signature**: Hand signed in **permanent marker**

- **Authentication**: Includes **PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity** with matching sticker affixed

- **Condition**: Excellent – vivid artwork with a clear, bold signature

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### **Summary:**

This museum-worthy artifact honors the extraordinary heroism of Richard E. Cole and the brave men of the **Doolittle Tokyo Raiders**. Featuring original nose art hand-painted on aluminum and authentically signed by one of WWII’s most revered aviators, this piece is a one-of-a-kind treasure for serious collectors of military history, aviation, and patriotic heritage. Authenticated by **PSA/DNA**, it represents an enduring symbol of American courage and innovation during the darkest days of the Second World War."

A portion of the sale of this auction will be donated to the General James. H Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund was founded to assist college students by awarding one scholarship annually in the maximum amount of $5,000 to a deserving student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in aeronautical engineering or an aerospace science. Students are selected based on their scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. More information can be found at the Doolittle Scholarship Funds’ website.

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA COA

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.