WWI Ace William Badham Signed Cut Signature with Portrait (PSA) RARE World War 1 Ace Signature

Hand-Signed Cut Signature by WWI Salmson 2A2 Pilot William T. Badham – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA

Presented for auction is a rare and historically significant hand-signed cut signature by William T. Badham, a distinguished American aviator who served as a pilot of the Salmson 2A2 reconnaissance aircraft during World War I. This authentic autograph has been encapsulated by PSA/DNA, the premier name in autograph authentication and preservation, ensuring its authenticity and long-term protection.

Biography of William T. Badham – Salmson 2A2 Pilot

William T. Badham served with valor as a U.S. Army Air Service pilot during World War I, operating the Salmson 2A2, a French-built two-seat reconnaissance and observation aircraft adopted by American squadrons in 1918. The Salmson 2A2 was known for its robust construction, maneuverability, and capability to carry out critical aerial reconnaissance missions under enemy fire.

Badham was a member of the 88th Aero Squadron, part of the First Army Observation Group, which played a vital role in gathering intelligence and directing artillery during the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Offensives, two of the largest and most decisive American campaigns of the war. Pilots like Badham risked their lives daily flying unarmed or lightly armed observation missions deep over enemy lines, where they were exposed to anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters.

Badham's service exemplifies the bravery and pioneering spirit of America’s earliest combat aviators—men who flew open-cockpit biplanes with rudimentary instruments and little formal training, helping to establish the foundation of the United States Air Force.

Item Details

Signer: William T. Badham – U.S. Army Air Service, WWI

Aircraft: Salmson 2A2 reconnaissance aircraft

Medium: Cut signature, neatly signed in pencil

Authentication: Encapsulated and certified authentic by PSA/DNA

Condition: Excellent; legible signature presented in PSA/DNA protective holder

Summary

This hand-signed and encapsulated cut signature from WWI pilot William T. Badham is a rare and valuable artifact from the earliest days of American military aviation. As a Salmson 2A2 pilot in one of the U.S.'s first combat aviation units, Badham's contributions reflect the courage and innovation of a new generation of warfighters in the skies over Europe.

A prized addition to any military, aviation, or World War I collection, this signed piece is a testament to the enduring legacy of America’s pioneering airmen.

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.