DS, signed “A. C. Read,” one page, 10 x 15, November 19, 1941. In part: “United States Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Know all men by these presents that Ensign Eugene C. Balland, Jr…has completed the prescribed course of training and having met successfully the requirements of the course has been designated a Naval Aviator.” Countersigned by W. G. Switzer, the US Navy’s Superintendent of Aviation Training and later commander of the aircraft carrier USS Wasp in World War II. An official blue seal is affixed. Scattered creasing and soiling, otherwise fine condition. Less than three weeks later, the United States would be attacked at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Accompanied by an original, unsigned illustrated sheet music for the ‘MC-4 March’ dedicated to Read. RRAuction COA.
