Joe Kittinger Signed 8x10 Print (PSA) Vietnam 555th TFS Triple Knickle Pilot

Presented is a hand-signed 8x10 aviation art print by noted military artist Jay Ashurst, personally autographed in ink by Colonel Joseph W. “Joe” Kittinger II (1928–2022), pioneering U.S. Air Force test pilot, record-setting balloonist, and Vietnam War aviator. The autograph has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

Colonel Joe Kittinger was one of the most remarkable figures in 20th-century aviation—renowned for his daring spirit, scientific achievement, and lifelong dedication to flight. During the 1950s and early 1960s, Kittinger participated in the U.S. Air Force’s Project Excelsior, a series of high-altitude research missions designed to test the limits of human endurance in near-space conditions. On August 16, 1960, he ascended to 102,800 feet in a helium balloon and made a free-fall jump lasting over four minutes, reaching speeds in excess of 600 miles per hour before safely parachuting to Earth. This record-setting leap—conducted years before manned spaceflight—provided critical data for the Mercury and Apollo programs and stood as the world’s highest parachute jump for more than half a century.

In addition to his test pilot achievements, Kittinger served with distinction during the Vietnam War, flying F-4 Phantom II missions with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron (“Triple Nickel”). After being shot down in 1972, he endured 11 months as a prisoner of war in the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” demonstrating extraordinary courage and resilience.

Kittinger’s lifelong contributions to aviation earned him numerous awards, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, and the Harmon Trophy. In 2012, he returned to the edge of space as a mentor and capsule communicator for Felix Baumgartner’s Red Bull Stratos mission, symbolically passing the torch to a new generation of explorers.

This PSA/DNA authenticated Jay Ashurst print—personally signed by one of aviation’s most celebrated pioneers—offers collectors a rare opportunity to own an autograph that bridges the worlds of high-altitude flight, space exploration, and combat aviation.

Signer: Colonel Joseph W. “Joe” Kittinger II (1928–2022), U.S. Air Force Test

Pilot, Aviator & Record-Breaking Balloonist

Artist: Jay Ashurst

Subjects: Project Excelsior / High-Altitude Flight Research

Medium: Hand-signed in ink on 8x10 aviation art print

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) 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.