LOUIS, JOE SIGNED ARMY PHOTOGRAPH (WORLD WAR II_JSA AUTHENTICATED)

Boxing legend Joe Louis volunteered for military duty during World War II on Jan. 10, 1942, enlisting as a private in the US Army at Camp Upton, Long Island. Louis took part in several charity boxing matches before being assigned to a segregated cavalry unit based in Fort Riley, KS. Realizing Louis's potential for elevating troop morale, the Army placed him in its Special Services Division rather than deploying him into combat. Louis would go on a celebrity tour w/other notables including fellow boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, staging 96 boxing exhibitions before two million soldiers. In addition to his travels, Louis was the focus of a media recruitment campaign encouraging African-American men to enlist in the Armed Services, despite the military's racial segregation. Offered here is a signed photograph of Joe Louis obtained by Major Frank O. Raasch, who was stationed w/Louis at Fort Riley, KS. Authenticated by James Spence (JSA).
This is an original photograph which is an 8x10" and shows Louis in uniform with rifle at side posing with Major Raasch and Raasch's young son in Boy Scout uniform. Louis has signed in black ink. A few tiny spots of emulsion off along top margin, but not affecting image or signature. Not creased or torn. Bold, clear image. Clean. Rare signed photo of Louis while serving in army. JSA authenticated with their full letter of authenticity.