Richard E. Cole Signed Doolittle Take Off on USS Hornet 18x14 Canvas (PSA) WWII Doolittle Raiders co-pilot plane #1

"**Hand Signed 18x24 Canvas by WWII Doolittle Raider Richard E. Cole — PSA/DNA Authenticated with Certificate of Authenticity**

Presented for auction is an extraordinary **18x24 unframed canvas print** **hand signed in permanent marker** by **Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole**, co-pilot of **Plane #1** during the historic **Doolittle Raid on Tokyo**, April 18, 1942. This rare and commemorative piece comes **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and includes their **Certificate of Authenticity**.

---

### **About Richard E. Cole:**

**Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole (1915–2019)** was the **last surviving member** of the legendary **Doolittle Raiders**, a group of 80 volunteers who participated in the United States’ first air raid on the Japanese mainland following the attack on Pearl Harbor. As **co-pilot to mission leader Lt. Col. James H. ""Jimmy"" Doolittle** aboard the **B-25 Mitchell bomber ""Plane #1""**, Cole played a pivotal role in executing the daring raid that boosted American morale and demonstrated that Japan was within reach of U.S. bombers.

Following the Tokyo raid, Cole served in the China-Burma-India theater, flying over “The Hump” and conducting vital transport and reconnaissance missions. His distinguished military career and lifelong service to the country left a profound legacy, earning him multiple honors and the respect of the global aviation and military communities.

---

### **About the Doolittle Raid:**

The **Doolittle Raid**, launched on April 18, 1942, involved sixteen B-25 bombers launched from the USS *Hornet*. This unprecedented mission aimed to strike back at Japan just four months after Pearl Harbor, demonstrating American resolve and strategic reach. Although the physical damage inflicted was modest, the psychological impact on both American and Japanese forces was significant, marking a turning point in the early Pacific War.

The raid’s success came at a high cost, with many of the raiders captured or killed in action. Despite the risks, the mission embodied extraordinary courage, ingenuity, and patriotism.

---

### **Item Features:**

- **Dimensions**: 18"" x 24"" canvas print

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole in **permanent marker**

- **Authentication**: **PSA/DNA Certified**, includes their **Certificate of Authenticity**

- **Condition**: Excellent; ideal for professional framing or display

---

### **Summary:**

This signed canvas is an enduring tribute to **Richard E. Cole’s legacy** and the bravery of the **Doolittle Raiders**. Authenticated by **PSA/DNA**, it offers collectors and history enthusiasts a rare opportunity to preserve a tangible connection to one of the most pivotal aerial missions of World War II. A striking centerpiece for any military, aviation, or WWII memorabilia collection."

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) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA LOA

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.