George H.W. Bush Signed Limited Edition Baseball Inscribed "CAVU" # / 12 (JSA)

Official Major League Baseball hand-signed and inscribed "CAVU" on the sweet spot by President George H. W. Bush. Bush served as the 41st President of the United States. The ball is limited edition with just 12 signed. The actual baseball is not numbered, but the LOA direct form the signing indicates that the ball is a limited edition of 12.

CAVU: "Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited" A military term indicating perfect flying weather.  

George Herbert Walker Bush joined The Navy on his 18th birthday in 1942 against his influential father's urging that he take advantage of the opportunity he had to pursue a college career instead. He became The Navy's youngest pilot receiving his wings while still 18 years old.

While flying a torpedo bomber over the island of Chichi Jima (near Iwo Jima), his plane was struck by enemy fire. With his plane badly damaged and burning, he continued his mission and completed his strafing run before bailing out into the Pacific. As he clung to his rubber raft the tide pulled him toward the island and a Japanese patrol boat attempted to capture him. American flyers were able to ward off the enemy until a submarine picked him up. Other less lucky flyers who did wind up in captivity on the island were executed. I won't repeat here what was done to those men.

His two fellow crew members did not survive the damaged plane. In describing the events, President Bush states in his presidential museum exhibit that he continues to think of these men to this day.

President Bush describes the meaning of CAVU in his life. He says that every naval aviator always wanted CAVU whenever he flew. The treacherous business of naval carrier combat operations makes CAVU always a desired condition. Mr. Bush also applies it as a world view.

The baseball is limited edition of 12 and include the original hologram and COA from the signing conducted by Patrick Van Tiem. The autograph also includes a James Spence Authentication (JSA) Auction House LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: JSA

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.