Details:

Frank A. Andersen autographed commemorative cover honoring the end of the Second World War, signed in black ink with the inscription, "Jake" 1st. Sqdn. Accompanying the cover is an unsigned handwritten letter spanning two index cards, taped together on the verso, containing Andersen’s personal recollections of General Claire Chennault, General Joseph Stilwell, and General Clayton Bissell during the China-Burma-India campaign.

In the letter, Andersen offers a candid assessment of the command structure in China, writing that “the real tragedy of Gen. Chennault was that as a Brig. Gen. he was subordinate to two Wing Dings, namely Gen. Stilwell & Gen. Bissell.” He criticizes Bissell’s understanding of air warfare and recounts the loss of four B-25 bombers sent from India after a mission against the Japanese-held Rangoon airfield, noting that only two aircraft reached their destination, one with dead crew members and another with a deceased gunner. The letter concludes with Andersen’s remark that there was a rumor Bissell decorated himself for the operation.

Fine condition.

Frank A. Andersen (1921-2002), known by the nickname “Jake,” served with the 1st Pursuit Squadron of the American Volunteer Group, better known as the Flying Tigers. Organized under the command of Claire Lee Chennault, the Flying Tigers flew Curtiss P-40 Warhawks in China during 1941-1942, defending Chinese cities and supply routes before the United States formally entered the Second World War. After the AVG was disbanded, many of its members, including Andersen, continued their military service with the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11667 1416608-1