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Two World War II-era partly printed Army Air Forces aerial gunnery examinations completed by Hollywood legend Clark Gable, each one page, both sides, 8 x 13, no date (circa 1942–1943). Both examinations are completed extensively in pencil by Gable, who signs one at the top, “Lt Clark Gable.” The first, identified as “Final #1” and graded “95,” contains answers to questions throughout concerning aircraft recognition, aerial gunnery, ballistics, computing sights, range estimation, Sperry turrets, .50-caliber machine guns, and German aircraft, including the Me-110 and Me-109F. The second, a “4th Week Final,” is likewise completed entirely in Gable’s hand (with the exception of his name at the top) and graded “94½,” covering similar subjects related to aerial gunnery, aircraft identification, naval vessel recognition, machine-gun operation, projectile flight, and bomber turret systems. Together, the four pages contain dozens of handwritten responses, calculations, and technical observations recorded by Gable during his military training. In overall fine condition.
The examinations date from Gable’s service in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After enlisting in 1942, Gable underwent extensive military training before serving with the Eighth Air Force in England, where he flew combat missions aboard B-17 bombers while filming Combat America. Completed during this period of instruction, the examinations provide an unusually detailed record of the technical training undertaken by one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors during his wartime service.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
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