Laurence Craigie Signed Cut Signature (PSA) 1st Jet Pilot in 1992 Bell XP-59

**Hand-Signed Cut Signature by U.S. Air Force General Laurence Craigie – Signed in Pencil – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Presented for auction is a rare hand-signed cut signature by **General Laurence C. Craigie**, United States Air Force, executed in **pencil** and **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** for preservation and authenticity.

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### **Biography of General Laurence C. Craigie**

**Major General Laurence Cardee Craigie** (1902–1994) was a pioneering figure in the evolution of American military aviation. A 1923 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Craigie quickly distinguished himself as one of the earliest Army Air Corps officers to champion the development of jet propulsion and guided missile technology.

During World War II, he served in several critical roles, including as Chief of Staff of the Twelfth Air Force in the Mediterranean Theater and as Deputy Commander of the Northwest African Air Forces. His visionary leadership extended beyond combat; Craigie was instrumental in the postwar transformation of the Army Air Forces into an independent U.S. Air Force.

Most notably, General Craigie holds the distinction of being the **first U.S. military pilot to fly a jet aircraft**, the Bell XP-59A Airacomet, in 1942—marking a turning point in American aeronautical history. He later led efforts in guided missile research and development, helping shape the U.S. Air Force’s role in the early Cold War era.

Following his active service, Craigie continued to contribute to defense research and technological advancement until his retirement.

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### **Item Features**

- **Signer**: General Laurence C. Craigie, USAF

- **Medium**: Cut signature, hand signed in **pencil**

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

- **Condition**: The signature is well-preserved and housed in PSA/DNA’s secure encapsulation holder for protection and display

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### **Summary**

This encapsulated, pencil-signed cut signature of **General Laurence Craigie** offers collectors a unique artifact from a foundational leader in U.S. Air Force history and jet aviation. From his historic flight in America’s first jet aircraft to his post-war leadership in missile development, Craigie’s contributions were instrumental to the technological advancement of American air power.

Professionally authenticated and preserved, this signature is ideal for enthusiasts of **military aviation history**, **Air Force heritage**, or **Cold War-era aerospace innovation**.

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.