Details:

Robert L. Hite autographed Wright Brothers aviation First Day Cover commemorating the 75th anniversary of powered flight, 1903-1978. Hite has signed in black ink and added the extensive inscription, "Co-Pilot Plane #16, 'Doolittle Tokyo Raid' from U.S.S. Carrier Hornet / First Air Offensive against our then enemy!" The cover bears two 31-cent Wright Brothers airmail stamps with Dayton, Ohio, September 23, 1978 First Day of Issue cancellations and an illustrated cachet depicting Wilbur and Orville Wright and their pioneering aircraft.

Fine condition.

Robert L. Hite (1920-2015) was a U.S. Army Air Forces officer and one of the famed Doolittle Raiders who carried out the first American air attack on the Japanese home islands during World War II. Serving as co-pilot of the 16th and final B-25 launched from the USS Hornet on April 18, 1942, Hite flew with the crew commanded by William G. Farrow. After the raid, Hite was captured by Japanese forces in China and endured more than three years as a prisoner of war before his liberation in 1945.

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

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Reference sku: 11699 1418761-1