CHARLES
LINDBERGH. Signed Photograph, no place, no date.
A superb photo of Charles Lindbergh receiving the first Distinguished
Flying Cross medal from President Calvin Coolidge, signed by the celebrated
aviator.
On
20-21 May 1927, Charles Lindbergh made the first solo, non-stop, trans-Atlantic
flight, traveling from New York to Paris in his plane, The Spirit
of St. Louis. Lindbergh’s exploit immediately catapulted
him to fame and was followed by a series of thronged celebrations in
Paris, London, and then the U.S.
At one of these, held in Washington on June 11, 1927, President Calvin
Coolidge presented Lindbergh with the U.S.’s first Distinguished
Flying Cross medal. Established by a 1926 act of Congress, the Distinguished
Flying Cross could be awarded to any member of the military who “distinguished
himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating
in aerial flight,” whether in war or peace. Lindbergh, who was
a captain in the Army Reserve, received the first medal in a special
ceremony held at the base of the Washington Monument.
This large sepia photo, which measures 9" high x 12¼"
wide, shows President Coolidge pinning the DFC medal on the lapel of
Lindbergh’s jacket during the ceremony. They are standing at the
center of a special platform that is draped with garlands and flowers
and bears the seal of the U.S. All around them are a host of civilian
and military dignitaries. Lindbergh has signed the photo, “Charles
A. Lindbergh,” at the lower right. A few letters of his first
name are written against a dark area of the image, but the rest of the
signature has excellent contrast and is dark and clear.
This is an uncommon image to find signed by Lindbergh, and it is in
fine condition. $3500.00
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