David Thatcher Signed "Ruptured Duck" Original B-25 Nose Art (PSA) WWII Doolittle Raiders Crew #7

"**Original Hand-Painted 8""x12"" Aluminum Nose Art of WWII B-25 Mitchell ""Ruptured Duck"" — Hand Signed by Doolittle Raider David Thatcher with ""4-18-42"" Inscription — PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Presented is a historically significant and visually compelling **8""x12"" original hand-painted aluminum nose art panel** commemorating the famed **B-25 Mitchell ""Ruptured Duck""**, as flown during the legendary **Doolittle Raid on April 18, 1942**. This panel is **personally hand signed in permanent marker** by **Staff Sergeant David Thatcher**, the crew’s engineer-gunner, who has also inscribed the date of the mission — **""4-18-42""** — beneath his signature. This artifact comes **authenticated by PSA/DNA** and is accompanied by their **Certificate of Authenticity**.

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### **Biography of David J. Thatcher (1921–2016)**

David J. Thatcher served as the **engineer-gunner on Crew #7**, which flew the B-25 bomber **""Ruptured Duck""** during the **Doolittle Raid**, the United States' daring air strike on Tokyo and other Japanese cities just four months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. At only 20 years old, Thatcher displayed remarkable valor when his aircraft crash-landed off the coast of China following the bombing mission. Despite being injured himself, Thatcher administered aid to his wounded crewmates and singlehandedly ensured their survival under extreme conditions, for which he was awarded the **Silver Star**.

Thatcher went on to serve in the Army Air Forces for the remainder of WWII and became one of the most celebrated of the 80 Doolittle Raiders. His humility, heroism, and dedication to duty remain a powerful symbol of the American spirit during the Second World War.

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### **About the ""Ruptured Duck""**

The **""Ruptured Duck""** was one of 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers launched from the deck of the USS *Hornet* in the Doolittle Raid, targeting military and industrial sites in Japan. The aircraft’s nose art, depicting a comically bedraggled duck, became one of the most iconic images associated with the mission. Following their bombing run, the crew crash-landed off the coast of China, where David Thatcher’s heroism was immortalized.

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### **Item Details:**

- **Artwork**: Original **hand-painted 8""x12"" aluminum nose art panel** featuring the ""Ruptured Duck"" artwork

- **Signature**: Hand signed in **permanent marker** by **David J. Thatcher**

- **Inscription**: Dated **""4-18-42""**, commemorating the Doolittle Raid

- **Material**: Aircraft-grade aluminum

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

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

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### **Summary:**

This extraordinary signed nose art panel is both a rare autograph and a meaningful tribute to one of the most daring and morale-boosting missions of World War II — the **Doolittle Tokyo Raid**. Featuring the hand signature and personal mission date inscription of **David Thatcher**, one of the final surviving Raiders, this authentic artifact will enhance any serious WWII collection. Authenticated by **PSA/DNA**, it represents a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in American military history."

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.