Richard Bong Signed & Hand Addressed Envelope to His Mother

Lot description

World War II Hamilton Field, CA, May 24, 1942 Richard Bong Signed & Hand Addressed Envelope to His Mother Free Frank A holograph mailing envelope from notable flying ace Richard Bong during his first operational assignment in California. 1p, measuring 7" x 4", postmarked from Hamilton Field Air Force Base, May 24, 1942. Marked "Free" at upper right and signed in the upper left corner as "Lt. R. I. Bong/ 49th Pur. Sq. 14th Pur. Gp./ Hamilton Field, Cal." The envelope has been addressed to his mother, Mrs. Carl Bong of Poplar, Wisconsin. Exhibits uneven age toning and darkened soiling to edges, with light creasing throughout. Negligible paper loss to left of signature, not affecting text. Opened along far right edge with minor tearing present. Otherwise, very good. Richard Ira "Dick" Bong (1920-1945) was among the most decorated fighter pilots of World War II, and the country's top flying ace, credited with shooting down 40 Japanese aircrafts. He was later awarded the Medal of Honor for "gallantry and intrepidity in action above and beyond the call of duty in the Southwest Pacific area from October 10, to November 15, 1944." Shortly before the war ended, Bong tragically died in California while testing a Lockheed P-80 jet fighter at the age of 25. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!