Richard Cole Signed 8x10 WWII Doolittle Raiders USS Hornet Auto BECKETT

From the Steve Grad Autograph Collection, here is a powerful signed 8x10 photo of the USS Hornet with B-25 bombers on deck and in flight during the legendary Doolittle Raid, autographed by Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Cole (1915–2019). Authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) Cert #BD86136 with tamper-evident sticker.

About Dick Cole (1915–2019):

• Served as Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot during the daring Doolittle Raid on Japan (April 18, 1942), the first U.S. offensive mission following Pearl Harbor.

• The raid boosted American morale, proved Japan’s vulnerability, and became a defining moment in WWII history.

• After the raid, Cole flew in the China-Burma-India Theater, undertaking dangerous supply missions over the Himalayas (“The Hump”).

• Retired as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Air Force.

• Passed away on April 9, 2019, at 103 years old — the last surviving Doolittle Raider.

Item Details:

• Size: 8x10 black-and-white photo depicting the USS Hornet at sea with B-25s launching.

• Signature: Bold black ink autograph of Dick Cole.

• Authentication: Beckett Authentication Services (Cert #BD86136) with holo sticker affixed.

• Provenance: Obtained directly from Dick Cole by Steve Grad.

From the Steve Grad Collection:
Steve Grad is the lead authenticator for Beckett Authentication Services, a featured expert on Pawn Stars (History Channel), and the former Head Authenticator at PSA/DNA. His collection includes some of the rarest and most historically significant autographs.

🔥 Collector Highlights:

• Authentic Dick Cole (1915–2019) signature on iconic WWII photo

• Cole was Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot in the historic Doolittle Raid

• Depicts USS Hornet with B-25 bombers launching (April 18, 1942)

• Cole was the last surviving Raider, passing in 2019 at age 103

• Obtained directly from Cole by Steve Grad

• Certified by Beckett (Cert #BD86136) with tamper-evident sticker

• From the prestigious Steve Grad Autograph Collection

• Rare and historically significant WWII collectible