Willard Smith Black and White Photograph Authentic Signature -213302.

Collectible Store is proud to present, Willard Smith. Willard John Smith (May 14, 1910 – April 1, 2000) served as the thirteenth Commandant of the United States Coast Guard from 1966 to 1970.  Upon graduation from the Academy in 1933, he was assigned to a Galveston, Texas-based Coast Guard cutter and later served as an Aide to Commandant Russell R. Waesche from 1936 to 1939. During World War II, he was assigned to the Coast Guard's aviation branch and was responsible for the construction and commissioning of Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, California, where he was assigned to duty until 1946. From 1946 to 1948, he served as commander of Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Michigan before his assignment as Assistant Chief of the Coast Guard's Aviation Division from 1948 to 1950. From 1950 to 1951, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. From 1962 to 1965, he served as Superintendent of the United States Coast Guard Academy.   The piece is a 11x14 placed in a 13x16 vertical solid black wooden frame with 1 inch in depth with Tru Vue  Conservation Grade 99% UV Protection.  Clear glass was used on this fine piece to protect the autograph and photo. A 8x10 black and white photo of Willard Smith is hand signed in black ink and is centered in a black mat with gray borders on the frame.  A golden name plate is centered on the bottom part of the mat with the engraving in black letters “Willard J. Smith Served as the 13th Commandant  of the United States Coast Guard 1966 to 1970".  The Certificate of Authentication (COA) is from JG Autographs is enclosed in an envelope and attached to a white mat on the back of the frame. The frame includes a vertical frame holder attached to the back. The piece weighs 3 pounds.