Richard Catledge Signed Cut Signature with Portrait (PSA) Thunderbirds Founding Leader

**Hand-Signed Cut Signature by USAF F-84 Thunderjet Pilot & Founding Thunderbirds Leader Richard “Dick” Catledge – Signed in Pencil – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Offered for auction is a rare and historically significant **hand-signed cut signature** by **Colonel Richard “Dick” Catledge**, **founding leader and first commanding officer** of the U.S. Air Force **Thunderbirds** aerial demonstration team. This signature, penned in **pencil**, is **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, preserving its authenticity and historical integrity.

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### **Biography of Colonel Richard "Dick" Catledge**

**Colonel Richard L. “Dick” Catledge (1920–2007)** was a celebrated **U.S. Air Force combat pilot**, test pilot, and the **original leader of the USAF Thunderbirds**, the Air Force’s official aerial demonstration squadron.

Catledge began his military aviation career during **World War II**, flying **P-38 Lightnings** with distinction in the European Theatre. He later transitioned into flying **jet aircraft**, including the **F-84 Thunderjet**, one of the early jet fighters of the U.S. Air Force.

In **1953**, Catledge was selected to **organize and command** a new precision flying team that would become one of the most recognizable symbols of American air power and professionalism: the **USAF Thunderbirds**. Flying the F-84G Thunderjet, Catledge led the Thunderbirds through their first public performances, laying the foundation for the squadron’s legacy of precision flying and public outreach.

Throughout his 30-year military career, Catledge served in a variety of command and test pilot roles and logged thousands of flight hours. He retired with the rank of **Colonel**, having made enduring contributions to aviation history and military tradition.

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### **Item Features**

- **Signer**: Col. Richard “Dick” Catledge – Founding leader of the USAF Thunderbirds

- **Aircraft**: F-84 Thunderjet (Thunderbirds Demonstration Aircraft)

- **Medium**: Hand-signed cut signature in **pencil**

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

- **Condition**: Signature remains clear and professionally preserved within PSA's tamper-evident holder

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### **Summary**

This encapsulated autograph from **Colonel Dick Catledge**, a pioneering U.S. Air Force figure and the inaugural commander of the **Thunderbirds**, is a unique artifact for aviation historians and military collectors alike. Catledge’s leadership helped shape one of the most prestigious aerial demonstration teams in the world, making his autograph both scarce and historically significant.

With **PSA/DNA encapsulation**, this authentic signature is an exceptional addition to any collection focused on aviation, military history, or the legacy of the **U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds**.

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.