Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a great autograph of then-Major Robert George Cole, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division and Medal of Honor Recipient. He was killed in action on September 18th, 1944.

The signature is a wartime approval and would be very difficult to replicate with the proper abbreviations. He was killed in action in 1944, so there isn't a way to go about getting provenance, especially as we couldn't find any other example of his handwriting or signature. This is likely the only way you'd be able to get the signature of an officer KIA during WWII, as an approval signature. We cannot guarantee authenticity of a piece like this due to the circumstances, but we are confident in its authenticity, as it came from an extensive & well-curated Airborne collection.

For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty on 11 June 1944, in France. Lt. Col. Cole was personally leading his battalion in forcing the last 4 bridges on the road to Carentan when his entire unit was suddenly pinned to the ground by intense and withering enemy rifle, machinegun, mortar, and artillery fire placed upon them from well-prepared and heavily fortified positions within 150 yards [140 m] of the foremost elements. After the devastating and unceasing enemy fire had for over 1 hour prevented any move and inflicted numerous casualties, Lt. Col. Cole, observing this almost hopeless situation, courageously issued orders to assault the enemy positions with fixed bayonets. With utter disregard for his own safety and completely ignoring the enemy fire, he rose to his feet in front of his battalion and with drawn pistol shouted to his men to follow him in the assault. Catching up a fallen man's rifle and bayonet, he charged on and led the remnants of his battalion across the bullet-swept open ground and into the enemy position. His heroic and valiant action in so inspiring his men resulted in the complete establishment of our bridgehead across the Douve River. The cool fearlessness, personal bravery, and outstanding leadership displayed by Lieutenant Colonel Cole reflect great credit upon himself and are worthy of the highest praise in the military service.

The group includes:
- 5¼ x 8” card signed Approved / RG Cole / R. G. Cole / Major 502 Prcht Inf / Comd’g.
- 101st Airborne patch with integral rocker.
- Two Infantry collar insignia
- Two Lieutenant Colonel shoulder ranks, faux bullion.
- Paratrooper wings, later issue. 
- Printed photo of Cole’s grave with a photo of a soldier dressed as him.  

On September 18, 1944, during Operation Market Garden, now-Colonel Cole, commanding the 3rd Battalion of the 502nd PIR in Best, Netherlands, got on the radio. A pilot asked him to put some orange identification panels in front of his position. Cole decided to do it himself. For a moment, Cole raised his head, shielding his eyes to see the plane. A German sniper in a farmhouse only 300 yards (270 m) away shot Cole, killing him instantly.

Two weeks later, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bayonet charge near Carentan on June 11. As his widow and two-year-old son looked on, Cole's mother accepted his posthumous award on the Fort Sam Houston parade ground where Cole had played as a child.

This is a great autograph group, ready for further research and display.