Joe Foss Signed 'Tough as Nails' 11x16 Lithograph (AIV)

""" Calling all history enthusiasts and collectors!







Embark on a journey through the heroic exploits of World War II with this remarkable find: a hand-signed 11 1/2 X 16 lithograph titled """"Tough as Nails"""" by acclaimed artist Stan Stokes. Authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, this captivating lithograph pays tribute to the indomitable spirit and valor of WWII ace and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Joe Foss of VMF-121.







In """"Tough as Nails,"""" Stan Stokes expertly depicts a scene of unparalleled bravery as Joe Foss, adorned with the accolades of his distinguished service, takes to the skies in defense of freedom. Against a backdrop of swirling clouds and dynamic skies, Foss's aircraft, a symbol of American strength and resilience, navigates through the challenges of aerial combat with unmatched determination and skill.







The hand-signed signature of Joe Foss adds an extra layer of authenticity and historical significance to this lithograph, making it a prized addition to any collection.







With AI-Verified authentication services, you can bid with confidence, knowing that the signature on this lithograph has been verified using cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology. This ensures that you are acquiring a genuine piece of history, signed by Joe Foss himself.







Don't miss your chance to own this rare piece of military memorabilia. Bid now and make this hand-signed Stan Stokes lithograph of """"Tough as Nails,"""" authenticated by AI-Verified authentication services, the centerpiece of your collection. Honor the bravery and valor of WWII ace Joe Foss and commemorate the legacy of all those who served with courage and distinction during World War II. Place your bid today and let this extraordinary piece of history take pride of place in your collection! ""







Born 17th April 1915. He ws awarded his wings in May 1941, becoming a Marine Corps pilot leading a unit of Wildcat fighters which accounted for 72 enemy aircraft. Involved in the defence of Guadalcanal from the Japanese, he was forced to ditch into the sea, being rescued by local islanders before subsequently being picked up by a Catalina two weeks later. Later, defending Henderson Field from a large formation of enemy bombers and their accompanying fighters, he refused to allow his unit to be lured into combat with the enemy fighters, instead waiting for the escorting aircraft to run out of fuel and turn back, forcing the now unescorted bombers to also turn back. Joe Foss died 1st January 2003. Born into a farming family in South Dakota in 1915, Joseph Foss would go on to become the USMCs highest scoring fighter pilot of WW II. He would also become the first aviator to equal the WW 1 victory record of Captain Eddle Rickenbacker, and the first USMC aviator to become an ace in a day. A recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Joe Foss would be credited with 26 aerial victories while flying the F4F Wildcat with VMF-121 based at Henderson Field in Guadacanal in 1942 and early 1943. All this success did not come easily to Foss. Growing up during the difficult days of the Great Depression, the young Foss realized that to become a military aviator he would have to attend college. Following his graduation from the University of South Dakota, Foss entered the naval aviation cadet program in 1940. With Americas entry into WWII Foss was assigned to a photo reconnaissance unit. Foss was disappointed with this assignment and worked hard at convincing others that he was destined to be a fighter pilot. Logging nearly three hours of flying time per day in an F4F, the skills and dedication of this aspiring fighter pilot were soon noticed. Foss was assigned to VMF- 121 as the Executive Officer of the squadrons C.O. Captain L.K. Davis. The squadron was sent on its initial combat tour in the fall of 1942. Twenty Wildcats were transported by escort carrier to Guadacanal and were catapulted off for the flight to Henderson Field. Foss flight became known as Uoes Flying Circus, and 61.5 victories would be credited to this flight, with four other pilots becoming aces. Although air defense was the primary role of VMF-121, some ground support missions were also flown. The squadrons successes were not without a price, and more than 20% of VMF-121s pilots did not return from the combat tour at Guadacanal. In November Foss flew a mission against a large Japanese convoy near the Russell Islands. During this mission Lt. Col. Bauer was downed. Foss returned to Henderson Field and flew back to the site where Bauer was downed in a Grumman Duck. Unable to locate his downed comrade because of darkness, Foss returned at dawn. Unfortunately, Bauer was never found. Foss had fought recurring battles against malaria while on Guadacanal. He had lost 37 pounds. With the destruction of the Japanese convoy Foss along with several other pilots of VMF121 got some much needed R&R in Australia. While in Australia Foss met two of the leading Australian aces Clive Caldwell and Keith Truscott. Joe was disturbed by the attitude of the Australians that the Japanese must be second rate opponents. Returning to Guadacanal on New Years Day 1943, combat sorties resumed. On January 25 Foss flew his last mission at Guadacanal, but did not engage the enemy. Problems with malaria continued to plague the USMCs top ace, and he was unable to make a second combat tour."

The lot / autograph(s) includes an official Authentication Integrity Verified (AIV) hologram and matching COA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: AIV 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.