R.T. Smith & Link Laughlin Signed 8x10 (PSA) WWII AVG Flying Tigers

Presented is a hand-signed 8x10 photograph by Colonel Robert T. “R.T.” Smith (1918–1995) and Major Link Laughlin (1918–2003), both distinguished fighter pilots of the legendary American Volunteer Group (AVG)—the famed Flying Tigers of World War II. The autographs have been authenticated by PSA/DNA and come with their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

The Flying Tigers, formed in 1941 under the command of Claire L. Chennault, were composed of volunteer American pilots who flew in defense of China before the United States formally entered World War II. Operating the distinctive Curtiss P-40 Warhawk adorned with the iconic shark-mouth nose art, the AVG achieved remarkable success against numerically superior Japanese air forces, earning an enduring place in aviation history.

Colonel Robert T. “R.T.” Smith served as a flight leader with the AVG’s Third Squadron, “Hell’s Angels.” A gifted pilot and natural leader, Smith achieved 8.9 confirmed aerial victories during his service in China and Burma, making him one of the AVG’s top-scoring aces. After the AVG disbanded in 1942, he continued his military career in the U.S. Army Air Forces and later became a celebrated author and historian, preserving the Flying Tigers’ legacy through his acclaimed book Tale of a Tiger.

Major Link Laughlin also flew with the Flying Tigers, serving with distinction in combat over China. As a P-40 pilot, Laughlin participated in numerous dogfights and bombing missions against Japanese forces, exemplifying the skill, bravery, and independence that defined Chennault’s volunteer airmen. His later career included service in the U.S. Army Air Forces, where he continued to contribute to the advancement of American military aviation.

This dual-signed 8x10 photograph, authenticated by PSA/DNA, captures the enduring spirit and valor of the Flying Tigers, whose courage and innovation in the skies over China inspired a generation of aviators and remain one of the most celebrated chapters in American air combat history.

Signers: Colonel Robert T. “R.T.” Smith (1918–1995) & Major Link Laughlin (1918–2003), AVG Flying Tigers

Aircraft: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

Unit: American Volunteer Group, 3rd Squadron “Hell’s Angels”

Medium: Hand-signed in ink on 8x10 photograph

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.