Size: 9.5 x 12 inches

Filled with at least 50 signatures, this amazing World War II artifact is signed by the graduating trainees at Embry Riddle School of Aviation. The key to the training of military pilots in World War II was the Miami-based Embry-Riddle Company, which cornered the professional aviation training market during the war years and became the standard for training pilots as well as instructors, mechanics, and aircraft factory workers. Embry-Riddle Company, a small Miami-based operation established in 1939 by pilot and businessman John Paul Riddle that rapidly developed into one of the nation’s largest aviation training centers for the U.S. military, its allies, and civilians. In just four years the Embry-Riddle Company, which later evolved into Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, trained 26,000 pilots, flight instructors, mechanics, and aircraft factory workers at several airfields and a seaplane base in South Florida and at an airfield in Union City, Tenn. Many of these training opportunities were open to women as well as men, although women could not train as combat pilots. With its flat terrain and year-round flying weather, Florida proved the ideal location for Embry-Riddle to conduct the fast-paced primary training required by the military. Consequently, in 1942 Florida produced more pilots than any other state.

This double-sided sheet is named to Charles A Brannigan (Pvt. 31133617) and is dated September 30th of 1942. What makes this artifact so unique are the signatures! The front contains the bold logo of the aviation school as well as front and back signatures from the classmates of that graduating year, all playing a pivotal role in the outcome of World War II.