From the Steve Grad Autograph Collection, here is an extraordinary signed 8x10 photo of the Doolittle Raiders preparing for their historic mission, autographed by Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Cole (1915–2019). Authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) Cert #BD86165 with tamper-evident sticker.

The image captures the Raiders with a bomb being prepped aboard the USS Hornet before the daring raid on April 18, 1942 — one of the most famous moments of WWII. Cole’s bold black ink signature stands out sharply on the historic photograph.

About Dick Cole (1915–2019):

• Served as Jimmy Doolittle’s co-pilot on the legendary Doolittle Raid, the first U.S. air operation to strike Japan following Pearl Harbor.

• The raid boosted morale and marked a turning point early in WWII.

• Continued to serve in the China-Burma-India Theater, flying 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 the age of 103 — he was the last surviving member of the Doolittle Raiders.

Item Details:

• Size: 8x10 black-and-white photo of the Doolittle Raiders aboard the USS Hornet.

• Signature: Bold black ink autograph of Dick Cole.

• Authentication: Beckett Authentication Services (Cert #BD86165), holo sticker affixed.

• Provenance: Obtained directly from 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 features some of the most historically important WWII autographs.