Hank Potter & Richard E. Cole Signed 8x10 (PSA) WWIIl Doolittle Raiders Crew Members Plane #1

Presented is a hand-signed 8x10 photograph by Lt. Colonel Richard E. Cole (1915–2019) and Technical Sergeant Henry “Hank” Potter (1916–2002), both distinguished members of Crew #1 of the famed Doolittle Raid — the first American air attack on the Japanese homeland during World War II. The autographs have been authenticated by PSA/DNA and come with their Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

The Doolittle Raid, carried out on April 18, 1942, was a daring and unprecedented mission led by Lt. Colonel James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle. Sixteen B-25 Mitchell bombers launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CV-8) to strike military and industrial targets in Tokyo and other Japanese cities. The raid provided a critical boost to American morale in the early months of the war and demonstrated that Japan’s home islands were vulnerable to U.S. air power.

Lt. Colonel Richard E. Cole served as Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot on Aircraft #1. After completing the raid, Cole and his crew parachuted into China following fuel exhaustion. He went on to serve in the China-Burma-India Theater for the remainder of the war, later becoming the last surviving member of the Doolittle Raiders and a living symbol of their courage and sacrifice.

Technical Sergeant Henry “Hank” Potter was the flight engineer and gunner aboard Doolittle’s aircraft, responsible for maintaining the B-25’s mechanical integrity throughout the perilous launch and attack. Like his crewmates, Potter displayed extraordinary bravery during the mission and subsequent escape across hostile territory in China.

This dual-signed 8x10 photograph—authenticated by PSA/DNA—represents a rare and historically significant artifact linking directly to the men of Crew #1, whose valor during the Doolittle Raid became a defining moment in American aviation and World War II history.

Signers: Lt. Colonel Richard E. Cole (1915–2019) & Technical Sergeant Henry “Hank” Potter (1916–2002), Doolittle Raiders, Crew #1

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

Medium: Hand-signed in ink on 8x10 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.