Frank Holmgren Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII USS Juneau Survivor 11/13/1942 (PSA)

**Hand Signed 5x7 Photograph by WWII USS Juneau Survivor Frank Holmgren — Inscribed “USS Juneau CL-52, Survivor November 13, 1942” — Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Presented for auction is an exceptional **5x7 black-and-white photograph** hand signed in permanent marker by **World War II U.S. Navy veteran Frank Holmgren**, a **survivor of the sinking of the USS *Juneau* (CL-52)**. Holmgren has personally inscribed the photograph:

*“USS Juneau CL-52, Survivor November 13, 1942”*

This historically significant photograph has been **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, preserving both the bold signature and the heartfelt inscription of one of the few remaining witnesses to one of WWII’s most tragic naval losses.

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### **Biography of Frank Holmgren**

Frank Holmgren served aboard the **USS *Juneau* (CL-52)**, a light anti-aircraft cruiser in the U.S. Navy during World War II. On **November 13, 1942**, during the **Naval Battle of Guadalcanal**, *Juneau* was struck by a Japanese torpedo and exploded, sinking in less than 20 seconds. Holmgren was among the few crew members who survived the initial blast and the harrowing days adrift at sea that followed. His survival is a powerful testament to endurance, sacrifice, and courage under fire.

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### **History of the USS *Juneau* (CL-52)**

Commissioned in February 1942, the **USS *Juneau*** was an Atlanta-class light cruiser designed primarily for anti-aircraft defense. She saw action in several Pacific engagements during World War II, including the **Battle of Santa Cruz Islands** and **Naval Battle of Guadalcanal**.

On **November 13, 1942**, after sustaining damage from earlier combat, *Juneau* was retreating with a task force when she was struck by a torpedo fired from the Japanese submarine **I-26**. The ship **broke in two and sank rapidly**, taking **687 men** with her, including the **five Sullivan brothers** — a tragedy that deeply impacted national morale and led to changes in military policy regarding family members serving together.

Only **10 sailors survived** long enough to be rescued — Frank Holmgren was among them.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5" x 7"

- **Signature**: Frank Holmgren, in permanent marker

- **Inscription**: *“USS Juneau CL-52, Survivor November 13, 1942”*

- **Authentication**: Encapsulated by **PSA/DNA Authentication Services**

- **Condition**: Signature and inscription remain crisp and clear within the protective PSA/DNA holder

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This is a rare and poignant artifact signed by a direct survivor of one of the most devastating U.S. naval losses in the Pacific Theater. A powerful addition to any collection of World War II memorabilia, naval history, or survivor-signed items.

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) has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA Encapsulated

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.