Frank Murray Signed North Korea Top Secret Aerial 8x12 A-12 Photo (PSA)

"**8x12 Aerial Photograph of Pyongyang, North Korea – Hand-Signed by A-12 Oxcart Pilot Frank Murray – Authenticated by PSA/DNA**

This rare and historically significant 8x12 aerial photograph of Pyongyang, North Korea, is hand-signed in blue Sharpie by A-12 Oxcart pilot Frank Murray. The image, taken by A-12 aircraft #606930 on February 19, 1968, during a reconnaissance mission, captures a unique and vital perspective of the North Korean capital during the height of the Cold War. Authenticated by PSA/DNA, this photograph comes with their Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring the legitimacy of the signature and the historical importance of the piece.

**About Frank Murray**:

Frank Murray was an elite pilot for the CIA’s A-12 Oxcart program, one of the most secretive and advanced reconnaissance projects during the Cold War. As part of the program, Murray piloted the A-12, the precursor to the SR-71 Blackbird, a high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed by Lockheed’s Skunk Works. The A-12 was capable of flying at speeds over Mach 3 and altitudes exceeding 80,000 feet, making it nearly invulnerable to enemy defenses. Murray flew numerous critical reconnaissance missions, gathering vital intelligence during a time of heightened global tension. His flights, including those over North Korea, provided essential intelligence to the U.S. government during the Cold War.

**Details of the Image**:

This photograph was captured by A-12 aircraft #606930 during a classified reconnaissance mission over Pyongyang, North Korea, on February 19, 1968. The image offers a bird’s-eye view of the city during a period of intense geopolitical tension, just weeks after the capture of the USS Pueblo by North Korean forces. The A-12’s advanced reconnaissance capabilities allowed it to gather high-resolution imagery while flying at extreme altitudes and speeds, far beyond the reach of enemy air defenses. This mission, like many others flown by the A-12, contributed valuable intelligence to U.S. military and intelligence agencies.

**Piece Overview**:

This hand-signed photograph offers a unique glimpse into Cold War history, captured by one of the most advanced aircraft of its time and signed by the pilot who flew the mission. Frank Murray’s signature, in blue Sharpie, adds a personal connection to this iconic image, enhancing its value and significance. Authenticated by PSA/DNA, the photograph comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and authenticity.

For collectors of military and aviation history, this signed aerial photograph of Pyongyang by Frank Murray is a remarkable and rare artifact, celebrating the legacy of the A-12 Oxcart program and its role in Cold War reconnaissance."

The autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA Hologram

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.