Richard E. Cole & David Thatcher Signed "Tokyo Invasion Map" 11x14 Photo (PSA) WWII Doolittle Raiders

Presented is a hand-signed 11x14 “Tokyo Invasion Map” photograph, personally autographed by Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole (1915–2019) and Staff Sergeant David J. Thatcher (1921–2016)—both distinguished crew members of the historic Doolittle Raid on Japan during World War II. Each veteran has added a personal inscription: Cole has written “Tokyo Bound” and Thatcher has inscribed “#7” referencing their aircraft assignment. The autographs have been authenticated by PSA/DNA and are accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

The Doolittle Raid, carried out on April 18, 1942, was the first U.S. air strike against the Japanese homeland. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle, sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers were launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) in a daring and unprecedented mission. The operation—executed just months after the attack on Pearl Harbor—provided a vital boost to American morale and demonstrated that Japan was not beyond the reach of U.S. air power.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole served as Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot aboard Crew #1, the lead aircraft of the mission. After successfully bombing Tokyo, Cole and his crew bailed out over China when their B-25 ran out of fuel. He continued to serve in the China-Burma-India Theater and later became the last surviving member of the Doolittle Raiders, his life symbolizing the bravery and pioneering spirit of America’s early bomber crews.

Staff Sergeant David J. Thatcher was the engineer-gunner of Crew #7, commanded by Captain Ted Lawson, whose experiences were later immortalized in the book and film Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. After his aircraft crash-landed off the Chinese coast, Thatcher heroically assisted his wounded crewmates, earning the Silver Star for gallantry. His courage and quick thinking exemplified the resourcefulness and resolve that defined the Raiders’ legacy.

This historically important 11x14 Tokyo Invasion Map photograph—featuring inscriptions and signatures from two of the most celebrated Doolittle Raiders—is authenticated by PSA/DNA and stands as a powerful tribute to the men who carried the war to Japan’s doorstep and forever changed the course of history.

Signers: Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole (Co-Pilot, Crew #1) & Staff Sgt. David J. Thatcher (Engineer-Gunner, Crew #7), Doolittle Raiders

Aircraft: North American B-25B Mitchell, USS Hornet (CV-8)

Subject: “Tokyo Invasion Map” Commemorative Photograph

Medium: Hand-signed in ink with personal inscriptions on 11x14 photograph

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.