James Swett Signed Cut Signature with Portrait (PSA) USMC WWII Ace 15.5 Victories (d) 2009

**Hand-Signed Cut Signature by WWII Medal of Honor Recipient and Ace Pilot James Swett – Signed in Pencil – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Offered is an exceptional **hand-signed cut signature** by **Second Lieutenant James Elms Swett**, a United States Marine Corps fighter ace and recipient of the **Congressional Medal of Honor**. This remarkable signature, **executed in pencil**, is professionally **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, providing verified authenticity and long-term preservation in a secure, tamper-evident holder.

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### **Biography of James Swett (1920–2009)**

James Swett was a highly decorated American fighter pilot and ace during **World War II**, flying the **F4F Wildcat** and **F4U Corsair** with Marine Fighting Squadron 221 (VMF-221). Swett is best remembered for his unparalleled bravery during the **Battle of the Solomon Islands**, where he achieved one of the most astounding feats in U.S. aviation history.

On **April 7, 1943**, during his very first combat mission over Guadalcanal, Swett engaged a massive formation of Japanese aircraft attacking Allied naval forces. In the span of one flight, he shot down **seven enemy bombers**—an achievement that instantly established him as an ace and made him one of the war's most celebrated aviators. Despite being wounded and having his aircraft severely damaged, Swett managed to return and crash-land safely.

He would go on to record **15.5 confirmed aerial victories** in the Pacific Theater and was the recipient of numerous awards for valor, including the **Medal of Honor**, **Distinguished Flying Cross**, and **Purple Heart**.

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### **Medal of Honor Citation**

**Rank and organization:** Second Lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, Marine Fighting Squadron 221, Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.

**Place and date:** Solomon Islands area, 7 April 1943.

**Entered service at:** California

**Born:** June 15, 1920, Seattle, Washington

*For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty as division leader in Marine Fighting Squadron 221, in action against enemy Japanese aerial forces in the Solomon Islands Area on April 7, 1943. In a daring flight to intercept a wave of Japanese bombers, 2d Lt. Swett, undeterred by the overwhelming superiority of numbers, boldly engaged the enemy formation, shooting down seven bombers in a single flight. Despite sustaining serious wounds and damage to his aircraft, he displayed superb airmanship and determination by continuing his attack and returning safely. His extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.*

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### **Item Features:**

- **Signer**: James Swett, WWII USMC Ace & Medal of Honor Recipient

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

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

- **Condition**: Clean signature, well-preserved in PSA/DNA’s protective case

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### **Summary:**

This rare, authenticated pencil signature of **James E. Swett** represents a significant piece of American military history. His valor in combat and remarkable performance as a Marine Corps aviator embody the courage and heroism of the Greatest Generation. A cornerstone addition for collectors of **Medal of Honor**, **WWII aviation**, or **Marine Corps** 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.