Richard E. Cole Signed Congressional Gold Medal 11x14 Photo (PSA) WWII Doolittle Raiders

Presented is a hand-signed 11x14 photograph featuring the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to the Doolittle Raiders, personally autographed by Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole (1915–2019), the co-pilot of Plane #1 on the historic Doolittle Raid—the first U.S. air attack on Japan during World War II. The signature has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by their Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eugene Cole served as the co-pilot to Lieutenant Colonel James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle aboard Crew #1, the lead B-25 Mitchell bomber that launched from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) on April 18, 1942. The daring mission—known as the Doolittle Raid—was America’s first strike against the Japanese homeland following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Though the raid caused limited physical damage, its psychological and strategic impact was immense, delivering a vital boost to American morale and demonstrating that Japan was within reach of U.S. air power.

After successfully bombing Tokyo, Cole and his crew were forced to bail out over China when their aircraft ran out of fuel. Narrowly escaping capture, they were aided by local Chinese villagers and military forces before returning safely to American lines. Cole continued to serve with distinction in the China-Burma-India Theater, flying dangerous supply missions over the Himalayan “Hump,” one of the most perilous flight routes of the war.

For his valor and service, Cole received numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Bronze Star. In 2015, Congress awarded the Doolittle Raiders the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing their extraordinary heroism and historic contribution to victory in World War II.

This PSA/DNA authenticated 11x14 photograph—depicting the Congressional Gold Medal and bearing the signature of Richard E. Cole, the last surviving Doolittle Raider—stands as a profoundly meaningful tribute to one of America’s most courageous aviation legacies.

Signer: Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Cole (1915–2019), Co-Pilot, Plane #1, Doolittle Raiders

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

Subject: Congressional Gold Medal Awarded to the Doolittle Raiders

Medium: Hand-signed in ink on 11x14 photograph

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.