Description: A Commemorative, autographed photo of the 1981 United States Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration team shown flying over the Nevada desert. All members of the team are listed below the photo with their signatures. SOUGHT after by the National Museum USAF. Thought I'd give someone the opportunity to own this piece of history 1st. What makes this picture particularly tragic is that the next year in 1982, The pilots were practicing the four-plane line abreast loop, in which the aircraft climb in side-by-side formation several thousand feet, pull over in a slow, inside loop, and descend at more than 400 miles per hour (640 km/h). The planes were meant to level off at about 100 feet (30 m); instead, the formation struck the ground at high speed The four pilots died instantly: Major Norm Lowry, III, leader, 37, of Radford, Virginia; Captain Willie Mays, left wing, 31, of Ripley, Tennessee; Captain Joseph "Pete" Peterson, right wing, 32, of Tuskegee, Alabama; and Captain Mark E. Melancon, slot, 31, of Dallas, Texas. On the reverse side is a "Thank you" note from the Commander/Leader Lt Colonel D.L. Smith to the 2 individuals that had 3 officers over for a dinner during an Air Show in Battle Creek, MI on June 20th and 21st, 1981. Unfortunately, 2 months later, Lt Colonel Smith died in a plane crash when he ejected leaving Cleveland. His parachute did not properly deploy and he hit the rocks at the end of the runway. His back seat passenger made it safely out of the jet. The picture was signed to Jack & Donna Gray who were very well respected citizens of Battle Creek Michigan. In fact, there is still a scholarship program set up for high school kids in Battle Creek that the Gray family funds. The name tag with Willie Mays' name on it is very rare. Price is commensurate with rarity and historical significance. Thunderbird logo golf ball included. Frame measures approx.: Length-22 1/4" Width-17" Height-2" Weight-(includes glass cover) 15-20 lbs Frame and picture are in MINT condition!
Price: 4200 USD
Location: Marshall, Michigan
End Time: 2024-08-01T14:17:09.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Industry: Military
Signed by: USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team
Signed: Yes
Autograph Authentication: Flt Commander D.L.Smith, Lt Col USAF
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
