Vern Graham Signed "Ace in a Day" Stan Stokes Lithograph WWII Navy Ace (AIV)

"**Hand-Signed ""Ace in a Day"" 22x26 Lithograph by Artist Stan Stokes – Signed by WWII Pacific Theatre Ace Vern Graham, VF-11 “Sun Downers” – AI-Verified Authenticated**

Presented for auction is a remarkable **22"" x 26"" unframed lithograph titled *“Ace in a Day”*** by acclaimed aviation artist **Stan Stokes**, hand-signed by **Lieutenant Vern Graham**, a celebrated **U.S. Navy fighter ace** of World War II from **VF-11 “The Sun Downers”**, the famed carrier-based fighter squadron. This piece is authenticated by **AI-Verified** and comes with a **Certificate of Authenticity**.

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### **About the Artwork – “Ace in a Day” by Stan Stokes**

In this masterfully rendered lithograph, Stan Stokes captures the intensity and heroism of a moment few aviators ever achieve—becoming an **“Ace in a Day.”** The title references the rare feat of shooting down five enemy aircraft in a single day of combat. The artwork pays tribute to aviators like Vern Graham whose skill and bravery made such history possible in the skies of the **Pacific Theater during WWII**.

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### **About Vern Graham – VF-11 “Sun Downers”**

**Lieutenant Vern Graham** served with distinction in **Fighter Squadron 11 (VF-11),** known as the **""Sun Downers,""** one of the most celebrated U.S. Navy squadrons of the Pacific War. Flying the **Grumman F6F Hellcat**, Graham distinguished himself on **October 24, 1944**, during aerial combat over the **Battle of Leyte Gulf**, achieving the rare and heroic status of **""Ace in a Day""** by downing **five Japanese aircraft** in a single engagement.

VF-11 operated from the **USS Hornet (CV-12)** and played a vital role in providing air superiority during major operations including the **Marianas Turkey Shoot**, **Philippine Sea**, and the **Liberation of the Philippines**. Pilots like Graham contributed significantly to crippling Japanese air power and ensuring the dominance of U.S. naval aviation in the Pacific.

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### **About the Artist – Stan Stokes**

**Stan Stokes** is a nationally recognized American aviation artist known for his historically accurate and visually compelling depictions of flight. His work is displayed in institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum and the San Diego Air & Space Museum. *“Ace in a Day”* reflects his hallmark attention to detail and narrative, immortalizing the valor of naval aviators like Vern Graham.

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### **Item Details**

- **Title**: *Ace in a Day*

- **Artist**: Stan Stokes

- **Dimensions**: 22"" x 26"" (unframed)

- **Signatures**: Hand-signed by artist **Stan Stokes** and WWII U.S. Navy Ace **Vern Graham**

- **Authentication**: Includes **AI-Verified Certificate of Authenticity**

- **Condition**: Excellent, museum-quality, suitable for framing

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### **Summary**

This **hand-signed lithograph** is a powerful tribute to one of the Navy’s elite WWII fighter aces, **Vern Graham**, and his extraordinary achievement as an “Ace in a Day.” Combining the visual brilliance of **Stan Stokes** with a **rare historical signature**, this authenticated piece is a must-have for collectors of military aviation history, World War II memorabilia, and fine patriotic art.

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 lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: AIV COA

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.