Winter 2026 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 198:
Description
John William Mitchell (June 14, 1914-November 15, 1995) was an officer of the US Air Force, a flying ace and the leader of Operation Vengeance, the mission to shoot down Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. He served in WWII and the Korean War. Mitchell enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 9, 1934, and after completing basic training he served with the Coast Artillery Corps at Fort Ruger, Hawaii, from July 1934 to September 8, 1938. Mitchell was selected to attend the Aviation Cadet Program, and entered training on November 10, 1939, receiving his commission as a 2Lt in the Air Corps and his pilot wings on July 26, 1940. He flew as a P-40 Warhawk pilot with the 55th Fighter Squadron of the 20th Fighter Group from August 1940 to January 1942, and then flew P-39 Airacobra fighters with the 70th Fighter Squadron from January to September 1942, and with the 67th Fighter Squadron from September to November 1942. Mitchell next flew P-38 Lightning fighters as the commander of the 339th Fighter Squadron from November 1942 to May 1943. He served a tour with Headquarters Army Air Forces from June to December 1943, and then was assigned to the 412th Fighter Group, where he served from December 1943 to April 1945. Mitchell flew Spitfires and Hurricanes as an observer in England in April and May 1945, and then served with the 15th Fighter Group from May to June 1945. Col Mitchell was credited with destroying 12 enemy aircraft in aerial combat during World War II. He next served as Deputy Commander and then Commander of the 21st Fighter Group, where he served from July to October 1945. Mitchell flew 240 combat missions in two wars and was credited with 16 air victories. The approximate size is 8 x 10 inches. This signed photo is a copy of an actual period photo. The signature is original. Good overall condition.
Condition: See description for notes on condition. Please note that all items are sold as is without returns, so please ask questions in advance of bidding.
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