Richard Knobloch Signed Cut Signature with Portait (PSA) WWII Doolittle Raiders Crew #13 co-pilot

**Hand-Signed Cut Signature by WWII Doolittle Raider Richard Knobloch – Signed in Pencil – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**

Presented is a highly desirable **hand-signed cut signature** by **First Lieutenant Richard Knobloch**, a heroic member of the legendary **Doolittle Tokyo Raid** during **World War II**. This historically significant autograph is hand signed in **pencil** and has been **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, ensuring authenticity and preservation in a tamper-evident display.

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### **Biography of First Lieutenant Richard Knobloch (1918–2004)**

Richard Knobloch served as the **co-pilot of Plane #13** in the historic **Doolittle Raid**, a daring U.S. bombing mission conducted on **April 18, 1942**, against the Japanese homeland. Flying alongside pilot **Lieutenant Harold F. Watson**, Knobloch launched from the deck of the USS *Hornet* in a **B-25 Mitchell bomber**, one of 16 aircraft sent on the unprecedented long-range mission.

The Doolittle Raid marked the **first air operation to strike the Japanese home islands**, providing a crucial morale boost to the United States following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Though the physical damage was limited, the raid forced Japan to divert resources and altered their strategic planning, directly contributing to later Allied successes in the Pacific.

Knobloch and his crew successfully completed their bombing mission over Nagoya before crash-landing in China. They evaded capture with the help of Chinese civilians and continued to serve with distinction. For his bravery, Knobloch was awarded the **Distinguished Flying Cross** and other commendations. His contributions to the Doolittle Raid stand as a testament to the courage and resolve of America’s airmen in WWII.

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### **Item Features:**

- **Signer**: 1st Lt. Richard Knobloch

- **Mission**: Co-pilot, Plane #13 – Doolittle Raid, April 18, 1942

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

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

- **Display**: Housed in PSA/DNA’s secure, tamper-evident acrylic holder

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### **Historical Significance – The Doolittle Raid:**

Led by **Lt. Col. James H. Doolittle**, the raid involved 80 men flying 16 B-25 bombers launched from an aircraft carrier—an unprecedented tactic at the time. The mission served as a pivotal psychological turning point in the Pacific Theater and is revered as one of the most heroic operations in military aviation history.

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### **Summary:**

This rare, hand-signed cut signature by **Richard Knobloch**, one of the valiant Doolittle Raiders, is a powerful tribute to one of the most iconic missions in WWII history. **Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**, it offers collectors, historians, and patriots a unique opportunity to own an authentic piece of American military legacy.

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.

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.