Tom Hayes Signed 8x10 World War II WW2 B&W Photo AUTO AI COA For Sale

Offered is a signed 8x10" photo from WWII flying ace, Tom Hayes. He served with the 70th Pursuit Squadron (P-36 Hawks) at Hamilton Field, California, until December 1941. He then flew P-40 Warhawks with the 17th Provisional Pursuit Squadron in Java, Dutch East Indies, during the Dutch East Indies CampaignOn February 20, 1942, he participated in a bomber escort mission over Bali, where his P-40 was damaged by Japanese A6M Zeros. He crash-landed at Negro Airfield but was rescued.

In March 1943, Hayes joined the 357th Fighter Group in England, commanding the 364th Fighter Squadron in P-51 Mustangs. He led the group in escort missions, including a notable bomber escort to Berlin on March 6, 1944, where his squadron scored multiple victories. His leadership and combat skill earned him multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses and a Silver Star for gallantry over Buna, New Guinea. Authenticated with an AI verified hologram at lower right.