Frank McCauley Signed "Rat Racer" Original Nose Art P-47 (PSA)

"**Original Hand-Painted 8""x12"" Aluminum Nose Art of P-47 Thunderbolt “Rat Racer” — Hand Signed and Inscribed by WWII Ace Pilot Frank McCauley — PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Offered here is a remarkable piece of World War II aviation history: an **original hand-painted aluminum nose art panel (8""x12"")** commemorating the famed **P-47 Thunderbolt “Rat Racer”**, flown by **American Fighter Ace Frank McCauley**. This striking artwork has been **personally hand signed by McCauley in permanent marker** and inscribed with the details:

**“Rat Racer, 56th FG 61st FS, 5.5 Victories.”**

This historically significant item is **authenticated by PSA/DNA** and includes their **Certificate of Authenticity**.

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### **Biography of Frank McCauley**

**Frank McCauley** served as a fighter pilot in the **61st Fighter Squadron, 56th Fighter Group** of the **8th Air Force** during World War II. Flying the rugged and powerful **Republic P-47 Thunderbolt**, McCauley earned recognition as a **U.S. Army Air Forces Fighter Ace**, credited with **5.5 aerial victories** against enemy aircraft over the European Theater.

McCauley’s P-47, affectionately named **“Rat Racer”**, was part of the famed “Zemke’s Wolfpack,” the highest-scoring fighter group in the European Theater of Operations. Known for their aggressive tactics, tight discipline, and unmatched air superiority, McCauley and his fellow pilots helped secure control of the skies over Europe during crucial phases of the war.

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### **About the P-47 Thunderbolt “Rat Racer” and the 56th Fighter Group**

The **Republic P-47 Thunderbolt** was among the most durable and heavily armed fighters of World War II. Renowned for its ability to absorb damage and deliver punishing firepower, it was a favorite among U.S. Army Air Forces pilots in the European Theater.

The **56th Fighter Group**, known as **“Zemke’s Wolfpack,”** remains one of the most storied units in the history of U.S. military aviation. Operating from England, the group was instrumental in escorting bombers on strategic raids over Nazi-occupied Europe and achieving air superiority. The 61st Fighter Squadron, to which McCauley belonged, was a key component of that success.

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### **Item Features:**

- **Medium**: Aircraft-grade **aluminum panel**, hand painted with the nose art of **P-47 Thunderbolt “Rat Racer”**

- **Dimensions**: 8 inches by 12 inches

- **Signature**: Personally **hand signed by Frank McCauley** in **permanent marker**

- **Inscription**: “**Rat Racer, 56th FG 61st FS, 5.5 Victories**”

- **Authentication**: **PSA/DNA authenticated** and includes **PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity**

- **Condition**: Excellent and ready for framing or display

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### **Summary**

This exceptional, one-of-a-kind **original hand-painted nose art panel** pays tribute to WWII Fighter Ace **Frank McCauley** and his legendary aircraft, **“Rat Racer.”** With McCauley’s bold signature and combat achievements proudly inscribed, this certified artifact offers a rare opportunity to own a tangible and artistically rendered piece of **aviation and military history**. An outstanding addition to any WWII, aviation, or military memorabilia collection."

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 for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA Hologram

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.