Dora Dougherty Signed Index Card (PSA) WWII WASP Pilot (d) 2013

"**Hand-Signed Index Card by WWII Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) Dora Dougherty – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Offered here is an exceptionally rare and historically significant **hand-signed index card by Dr. Dora Jean Dougherty Strother**, one of the most accomplished pilots of the **Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)** program during **World War II**. This original signature is **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, ensuring its authenticity and preserving its condition for generations.

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### **About Dora Dougherty Strother**

**Dora Dougherty Strother** (1921–2013) was an aviation trailblazer, mechanical engineer, and one of only **two women** selected by Boeing to fly the **B-29 Superfortress** during WWII. Her groundbreaking demonstration flights were instrumental in convincing skeptical male crews that the B-29 was not too difficult or dangerous to fly. As a member of the **WASP**, she logged extensive flight hours in various aircraft and helped shuttle planes, test repaired aircraft, and train male pilots—all while facing systemic gender-based limitations.

After the war, Dougherty earned a Ph.D. in Aviation Education and went on to become a **leading aviation psychologist** for Bell Helicopter, where she set records in helicopter flight and conducted vital research in cockpit design and pilot training.

In 2009, she was awarded the **Congressional Gold Medal** in recognition of her pioneering service.

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### **About the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)**

The **WASP program** was established in 1943 to address the need for skilled pilots during WWII. Comprised of over **1,000 civilian women**, the WASPs flew more than **60 million miles** in non-combat roles—ferrying aircraft, towing targets for live anti-aircraft training, testing new planes, and training male pilots.

Despite their critical contributions, the WASPs were not granted full military status until decades later. Their legacy, however, paved the way for future generations of women in the U.S. Armed Forces and aviation industry. In 2010, the **WASPs were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal**, recognizing their trailblazing service to the nation.

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### **Item Details**

- **Signer**: Dr. Dora Dougherty Strother

- **Role**: WWII WASP Pilot, B-29 Demonstration Pilot

- **Format**: Hand-signed 3x5 index card

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

- **Condition**: Excellent; clean, legible signature

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This encapsulated signature from **WASP Dora Dougherty** is a meaningful tribute to a courageous and innovative pilot who defied wartime gender barriers and redefined the role of women in military aviation. A vital addition to any serious **WWII, aviation, or women's history 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) 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.