Jim Thompson Signed "The Huff" Original Nose Art F-86 (PSA) Korean War Pilot (d)

"**Original Hand-Painted 8""x12"" Aluminum Nose Art of Korean War F-86 Sabre ""The Huff"" — Hand Signed by Pilot Lt. Jim Thompson — PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Offered is a rare and historically evocative **8""x12"" original hand-painted aluminum nose art panel** commemorating the famed **F-86 Sabre jet fighter ""The Huff""**, piloted by **Lt. Jim Thompson** during the Korean War. This panel is **hand signed in permanent marker** by Lt. Thompson and comes **authenticated by PSA/DNA**, accompanied by their **Certificate of Authenticity**.

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### **Biography of Lt. Jim Thompson**

During the Korean War, **Lt. Jim Thompson** flew the **F-86 Sabre**, one of the United States Air Force’s most iconic jet fighters. He is best known for piloting an aircraft known as **“The Huff,”** which became legendary for its unique and fearsome nose art — a depiction of a green Chinese dragon breathing fire, inspired by a MiG-15 fighter shot down by Thompson that featured a similar dragon painted on its fuselage.

Thompson’s daring and skill as a pilot earned him recognition as one of the many unsung heroes of the Korean conflict. ""The Huff"" became a symbol of American resolve, air superiority, and the individuality of fighter pilots in jet combat. His aircraft and its vivid dragon artwork remain one of the most memorable representations of Korean War aviation.

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### **About “The Huff”**

“The Huff” was an **F-86 Sabre**, America’s premier swept-wing fighter jet that was critical in establishing air dominance during the Korean War. Engaged in frequent high-speed dogfights with Soviet-built MiG-15s, the F-86 was flown by elite American pilots over the infamous **“MiG Alley.”** “The Huff,” adorned with a vivid hand-painted dragon, became an iconic piece of aviation history, blending both lethal performance and artistic expression.

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### **Item Details:**

- **Artwork**: Original **hand-painted nose art** on an **8""x12"" aircraft-grade aluminum panel**, replicating the famous dragon motif of “The Huff”

- **Signature**: Hand signed in **permanent marker** by pilot **Lt. Jim Thompson**

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

- **Condition**: Excellent; ideal for framing or display as a centerpiece of any Korean War or aviation collection

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### **Summary:**

This remarkable piece of hand-painted nose art is both a unique tribute to Korean War aviation and a signed artifact from one of its noted pilots. Featuring the **striking dragon insignia of ""The Huff""** and the authentic signature of **Lt. Jim Thompson**, it captures a vivid piece of history when jet-powered dogfighting first came into its own. Authenticated by **PSA/DNA**, this display-ready panel is a must-have for collectors of military aviation memorabilia."

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.