Richard E. Cole Signed MLB Baseball (PSA) Doolittle Raiders Co-Pilot #1 Rare and Unique

"**Official Major League Baseball Hand-Signed by Tokyo Doolittle Raiders Co-Pilot Richard E. Cole – Authenticated by PSA/DNA**

This Official Major League Baseball is hand-signed in blue ballpoint pen by Richard E. Cole, co-pilot of the lead plane in the famous Doolittle Tokyo Raid during World War II. Cole has inscribed ""#1"" alongside his signature, commemorating his role in one of the most daring and significant air raids in military history. This rare and unique item is authenticated by PSA/DNA and includes a PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring the legitimacy and value of this extraordinary piece of history.

**Richard E. Cole**:

Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole served as the co-pilot for Lt. Col. James Doolittle on Plane #1 during the Doolittle Raid, a pivotal moment in World War II. Cole’s courage and skill were vital in the execution of the raid, which saw 16 B-25 bombers launch from the USS *Hornet* to conduct the first air strike on Japan. The raid, conducted on April 18, 1942, significantly boosted American morale during the early days of the war and demonstrated that Japan was within the reach of U.S. air power. Cole’s contribution to the mission earned him lasting recognition as a true American hero.

**The Doolittle Tokyo Raid**:

The Doolittle Raid was a bold and unprecedented mission that took place just months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Led by Lt. Col. James Doolittle, 80 brave airmen flew 16 B-25 Mitchell bombers in the first air raid to strike the Japanese home islands. The raid had a profound psychological impact, showing Japan that its homeland was vulnerable to attack. While the physical damage was limited, the raid galvanized the American war effort and raised the spirits of the U.S. military and the public. Many of the airmen, including Richard Cole, faced incredible odds during the mission, as the planes were forced to crash-land in China after the raid due to a lack of fuel. Cole’s bravery and leadership during and after the mission have solidified his legacy as one of the Doolittle Raid’s most celebrated veterans.

**Piece Overview**:

This hand-signed Official Major League Baseball, with the ""#1"" inscription by Richard E. Cole, is a rare and valuable collector’s item. Cole’s role as co-pilot of Plane #1 in the Doolittle Raid makes this piece especially significant for military history and sports memorabilia enthusiasts alike.

Authenticated by PSA/DNA, this baseball comes with a PSA/DNA Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and historical significance. For collectors of military memorabilia, World War II history, or rare signed items, this baseball signed by Doolittle Raid hero Richard E. Cole is a truly one-of-a-kind treasure."

The autograph includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA COA

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.