Herman Ernst Signed Cut Signature with Portrait (PSA) WWII Top Night Fighter Ace

Presented is a scarce hand-signed cut signature of Lieutenant Colonel Herman E. Ernst (1915–1985), 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.

Herman Ernst was a highly accomplished U.S. Army Air Forces pilot and night-fighter ace with the 422d Night Fighter Squadron during World War II. Flying the formidable Northrop P-61 Black Widow, America’s first purpose-built radar-equipped night fighter, Ernst and his radar operator, Lieutenant Edward Kopsel, achieved seven confirmed aerial victories over German aircraft in nocturnal combat.

Operating under challenging conditions of darkness and limited visibility, Ernst’s mastery of the Black Widow’s advanced radar and twin-engine performance made him one of the leading American night-fighter pilots of the war. The 422d Night Fighter Squadron provided crucial air defense for Allied bomber formations and ground troops during the final campaigns in Western Europe, and Ernst’s skill and leadership contributed directly to that success.

Following the war, Ernst continued to serve in the U.S. Air Force, furthering the development of radar interception tactics that laid the groundwork for modern night and all-weather combat aviation.

This authenticated and encapsulated cut signature represents a rare opportunity to acquire the autograph of one of the P-61 Black Widow aces of World War II, a pilot whose service exemplified the innovation and bravery of America’s pioneering night-fighter crews.

Signer: Lieutenant Colonel Herman E. Ernst (1915–1985), WWII P-61 Black Widow Ace, 422d Night Fighter Squadron

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.

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.