Description:

Doolittle Raiders
various, various
Superb Doolittle Raid Collection, 61 Out of 80 Original Crewmembers, Impossible to Obtain!
Archive
An outstanding lot of 61 signatures on First Day of Issue covers and cards, representing more than 80% of the members of the acclaimed World War II Doolittle (or Tokyo) Raid! This historic strike was made on April 18, 1942, and boosted American morale after the devastating Pearl Harbor attack. It also set the stage for the Battle of the Midway, and the ultimate Allied victory in World War II.

The raid was undertaken by 16 B-26 Mitchell bombers launched from the USS "Hornet," each with a crew of five men, and was aimed at harassing Japan during the height of the Japanese offensive in Southeast Asia. Eastern China bore the brunt of attacks. Although the raid initiated harsh reprisal measures by the Japanese military, it also raised fear and doubt about the ability of her military leaders to defend the home islands.

The Doolittle Raid was one of the most daring of World War II, and Doolittle would receive the Medal of Honor and became a 3-Star General by war's end.

Many of these Raiders passed away when they were young, making this collection most difficult to assemble!

The lot includes two signatures of Commander James H. Doolittle himself: one is accomplished on a FDC bearing a stamp honoring Brien McMahon (1903-1952), a major figure in the establishment of the Atomic Energy Commission and originator of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946. Doolittle boldly signs in black fountain ink at top left, adding his typical flourish. Also offered is a second signature on a 5" x 3" card in blue fountain ink. Both items are in fine condition.

Together with the signatures of: R. E. Cole, Hank Potter, Fred Braemer (Crew #1); Travis Hoover, William Fitzhugh, Carl Wildner, Doug Rainey (Crew #2); Jacob "Shorty" Manch, Charles Ozuk, Aden E. Jones (Crew #3); Everett "Brick" Holstrom, Lucian N. Youngblood, Harry C. McCool, Robert J. Stevens, Bert Jordan (full Crew #4); Davy Jones, Ross Wilder, Joe Manske (Crew #5); Chase J. Nielen (Crew #6); Ted W. Lawson, Dean Davenport, Charles McClure, David J. Thatcher (Crew #7); Edward J. York, Robert G. Emmons, Nolan A. Herndon, Theodore "Ted" H. LaBan, David W. Pohl (full Crew #8); Harold J. Watson, James Parker, Thomas C. Griffin, Wayne M. Bissell, Eldred V. Scott (full Crew #9); Richard O. Joyce, J. Roydan "Roy" Stork, Horace E. Crouch, Edwin W. Horton (Crew #10); Charles Ross Greening, Frank A. Kappeler, William L. Birch (Crew #11); William M. "Bill" Bower, Thadd H. Blanton, William R. "Bill" Pound, Jr., Waldo J. Bither (Crew #12); Edgar E. McElroy, Richard A. Knobloch, Clayton J. Campbell, Robert C. Bourgeois, Adam R. Williams (full Crew #13); John R. Hilgar, Jack A. Sims, James H. Macia, Jacob Eierman (Crew #14); Griffith P. Williams, Howard A. Sessler, Thomas R. "Doc" White, Edward J. Saylor (Crew #15); and Robert L. Hite, George Barr, Jacob deShazer (Crew #16).

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 10"
  • Medium: Archive

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October 30, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000