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Joe Foss, born Joseph Jacob Foss on April 17, 1915, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (D. 2003), was an American aviator, World War II flying ace, and politician. Here is a brief biography of Joe Foss:

1. Military Service:
• Foss joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1937 while attending the University of South Dakota.
• During World War II, he became a Marine Corps pilot and achieved fame as a fighter ace, credited with shooting down 26 enemy planes during his service in the Pacific theater.
2. Medal of Honor:
• Foss was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. He became one of the leading aces of the U.S. Marine Corps.
3. Post-War Career:
• After the war, Foss became a prominent figure in the aviation community. He served as a flight instructor and worked in various roles within the military and the National Guard.
4. Governor of South Dakota:
• Foss entered politics and served as the Governor of South Dakota from 1955 to 1959. He was a popular and well-regarded governor during his tenure.
5. Presidential Advisor:
• Foss later served as the Commissioner of the American Football League (AFL). After serving as governor, Foss spent a short time working for Raven Industries before becoming the first Commissioner of the newly created American Football League in 1959. He oversaw the emergence of the league as the genesis of modern professional football. During the next seven years, Foss helped expand the league and made lucrative television deals, including the initial five-year, $10.6 million contract with ABC in 1960 to broadcast AFL games. The next contract was also for five years, but with NBC for a substantially greater $36 million, starting in 1965.
• Foss stepped aside as commissioner in April 1966, two months before the historic agreement that led to the merger of AFL and NFL and the creation of the Super BowlAl Davis succeeded him, but disagreed with the merger and resigned after 3+1⁄2 months. Milt Woodard, the assistant commissioner under Foss, was named to the new office of president of the AFL in July and served through the league's final season in 1969.
• and as the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA).
6. Television Career:
• Joe Foss had a brief career in television as the host of the series "The Outdoorsman: Joe Foss" and as a guest on various shows.
7. Legacy:
• Joe Foss continued to be involved in veterans' affairs and remained a respected figure in the military community.
• He passed away on January 1, 2003, leaving behind a legacy of heroism, leadership, and public service.

Joe Foss's life was marked by his exceptional contributions to both military service and civilian life. His achievements as a fighter pilot and his subsequent endeavors in politics and advocacy have left an enduring impact on American history.

Offered his signature and address filled out in his hand cut from an envelope postmarked April 14, 1992 in black ink. Historic document of this possible future Pro Football Hall of Famer!