Rex Barber Signed Cut Signature with Portrait (PSA) WWII Ace 5 V Yamamoto Mission

Presented is a hand-signed cut signature of Colonel Rex T. Barber (1917–2001), executed in pencil. This signature originates from a limited edition Gathering of Eagles lithograph and has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

Rex Barber was a distinguished U.S. Army Air Forces P-38 Lightning pilot during World War II, best known for his role in one of the most famous aerial missions in military history — the interception and shootdown of Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the architect of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

On April 18, 1943, Barber was part of a select group of P-38 Lightning pilots from the 339th Fighter Squadron, 347th Fighter Group, tasked with a top-secret mission to intercept Yamamoto’s aircraft over Bougainville in the Solomon Islands. Flying more than 400 miles at wave-top altitude to maintain surprise, Barber successfully engaged and helped down the Admiral’s Mitsubishi G4M “Betty” bomber. The mission was a remarkable feat of navigation, planning, and precision flying, and it delivered a significant blow to Japanese morale.

Beyond the Yamamoto mission, Barber flew 138 combat missions in the Pacific Theater, achieving five confirmed aerial victories, officially qualifying him as an ace. For his skill and courage, he received numerous decorations, including the Navy Cross, Silver Star, and Distinguished Flying Cross.

This authenticated and encapsulated cut signature represents a rare opportunity to acquire the autograph of the P-38 pilot who took part in one of World War II’s most daring and historically significant air operations, cementing his place among America’s legendary aviators.

Signer: Colonel Rex T. Barber (1917–2001), WWII P-38 Lightning Ace, “Yamamoto Mission” Pilot

Medium: Hand-signed in pencil on cut signature

Provenance: From a limited edition Gathering of Eagles lithograph

Authentication: PSA/DNA, authenticated and encapsulated

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.