R.T. Smith & Chuck Older Signed 8x10 (PSA) WWII AVG Flying Tigers Aces

Presented is a hand-signed 8x10 photograph by Colonel Charles “Chuck” Older (1917–2006) and Colonel Robert T. “R.T.” Smith (1918–1995), two of the most celebrated American Volunteer Group (AVG) “Flying Tigers” aces 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, led by the legendary Claire L. Chennault, were composed of volunteer American pilots who defended China against Japanese air attacks prior to the United States’ formal entry into World War II. Flying the distinctive Curtiss P-40 Warhawk adorned with its iconic shark-mouth nose art, the AVG achieved extraordinary success in combat, destroying nearly 300 enemy aircraft between December 1941 and July 1942 and earning an enduring place in aviation history.

Colonel Charles “Chuck” Older served as a flight leader in the 3rd Squadron “Hell’s Angels” and became one of the Flying Tigers’ top-scoring aces with 10 confirmed aerial victories. After the AVG disbanded, Older continued his service as a Marine Corps Corsair pilot in the Pacific, achieving six additional victories in World War II and the Korean War. Following his military career, he gained national recognition as the presiding judge in the Charles Manson trial, further distinguishing a life marked by courage and integrity.

Colonel Robert T. “R.T.” Smith also flew with the 3rd Squadron “Hell’s Angels”, scoring 8.9 confirmed victories against Japanese aircraft. Smith was admired for his coolness under fire and his vivid storytelling, later chronicling his experiences in his highly regarded memoir, Tale of a Tiger. His writings and photographs became key historical records preserving the legacy of the AVG and its pivotal role in early American air combat.

This dual-signed 8x10 photograph—authenticated by PSA/DNA—represents an exceptional opportunity to own the autographs of two of the most accomplished and charismatic members of the Flying Tigers, whose valor and skill helped turn the tide in the early air war against Japan.

Signers: Colonel Charles “Chuck” Older (1917–2006) & Colonel Robert T. “R.T.” Smith (1918–1995), AVG Flying Tigers Aces

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

Aircraft: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk

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.