Donald McPherson Signed "Death N' Destruction" Original Nose Art (PSA)

**Original Hand-Painted 8"x12" Aluminum Nose Art of F6F Hellcat “Death n' Destruction” — Hand Signed and Inscribed by WWII Pilot Donald McPherson — PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Presented is a stunning and historically significant **8"x12" hand-painted aluminum nose art panel** commemorating the iconic **F6F Hellcat** flown by **U.S. Navy pilot Donald McPherson** during World War II. This panel is **hand signed in permanent marker** by McPherson, who has also inscribed it with **“VF-83 USS Essex”**, honoring his squadron and service. The piece is **authenticated by PSA/DNA** and includes their **Certificate of Authenticity**.

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### **Biography of Donald McPherson**

**Donald McPherson** served as a U.S. Navy aviator with **Fighter Squadron 83 (VF-83)** aboard the aircraft carrier **USS Essex (CV-9)** during World War II. As a pilot of the **Grumman F6F Hellcat**, McPherson took part in numerous combat missions across the Pacific Theater, supporting the island-hopping campaigns that brought Allied forces closer to Japan.

McPherson's aircraft, known as **“Death n’ Destruction,”** bore distinctive nose art symbolic of the ferocity and resolve of VF-83’s pilots. Operating from the deck of one of the U.S. Navy’s most decorated carriers, McPherson and his fellow aviators contributed to key victories during the final stages of the war, including operations over the Philippines, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and the Japanese mainland.

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### **About the F6F Hellcat & “Death n’ Destruction”**

The **Grumman F6F Hellcat** was one of the most effective carrier-based fighters of World War II, responsible for destroying over 5,000 enemy aircraft in the Pacific Theater. Rugged, powerful, and versatile, the Hellcat gave the U.S. Navy air superiority across the Pacific.

“**Death n’ Destruction**” was the name affectionately applied to McPherson’s F6F — a moniker that reflected the combat tenacity of the pilot and aircraft alike. Serving under VF-83 on the **USS Essex**, the aircraft played a role in strike missions and fleet defense, leaving a lasting legacy among wartime aviators.

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### **Item Features:**

- **Dimensions**: 8"x12" **aluminum panel**

- **Artwork**: Professionally **hand painted** nose art replica of “Death n' Destruction”

- **Signature**: Hand signed by **Donald McPherson** in **permanent marker**

- **Inscription**: Personally inscribed “**VF-83 USS Essex**”

- **Authentication**: **PSA/DNA authenticated**, accompanied by **PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity**

- **Condition**: Excellent; ready for framing or display

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### **Summary:**

This exceptional signed and inscribed nose art panel by **WWII Navy pilot Donald McPherson** is a one-of-a-kind tribute to the legendary F6F Hellcat “**Death n’ Destruction**” and its role in the U.S. Navy's aerial victories during World War II. With its authentic artwork, bold signature, and PSA/DNA certification, this artifact offers collectors and historians a tangible link to the valor and spirit of the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based fighter squadrons.

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA 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.