Frank Peterson Signed Cut Signature (PSA) Korean War America's First Black Marine Aviator

**Hand-Signed Cut Signature by U.S. Marine Corps General Frank E. Peterson – Signed in Pencil – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Presented is an exceptional **hand-signed cut signature** by **General Frank E. Peterson**, a trailblazing aviator and one of the most distinguished figures in United States Marine Corps aviation history. This autograph, rendered in **pencil**, is **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, ensuring its authenticity and long-term preservation.

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### **Biography of General Frank E. Peterson (1932–2015)**

General Frank Emmanuel Peterson Jr. was a decorated Marine Corps aviator and the **first African American Marine Corps pilot** and **the first African American Marine Corps general officer**. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Peterson enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950 before transferring to the Marine Corps. He earned his wings in 1952 and began a distinguished flying career in both the **Korean War** and the **Vietnam War**, flying more than **350 combat missions** and amassing over **4,000 flying hours** in various aircraft including the **Vought AU-1 Corsair**, F-4 Phantom, and A-4 Skyhawk.

Over his 38-year career, Peterson rose to the rank of **Lieutenant General** before retiring in 1988. His awards include the **Distinguished Service Medal**, the **Distinguished Flying Cross**, and the **Air Medal with 18 gold stars**. A champion for diversity and a symbol of courage and perseverance, General Peterson also authored a memoir titled *"Into the Tiger's Jaw: America's First Black Marine Aviator."*

His legacy lives on through numerous scholarships and honors, including the naming of the **USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121)**, a guided-missile destroyer commissioned in his honor by the United States Navy.

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### **Item Features:**

- **Signer**: General Frank E. Peterson, USMC

- **Aircraft Association**: Vought AU-1 Corsair

- **Signature**: Hand-signed in **pencil**

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

- **Encapsulation**: Securely sealed in PSA/DNA’s tamper-evident holder

- **Condition**: Clear and well-preserved, perfect for collectors of aviation and military history

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### **Summary:**

This encapsulated pencil signature of **General Frank E. Peterson** is a powerful piece of American military history. As the Marine Corps’ first Black aviator and general officer, his signature embodies a legacy of courage, leadership, and groundbreaking service. A rare and highly desirable addition to any collection of military, aviation, or African American history 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) 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.