1962 USS John Marshall Commissioning Day Cover Signed by J. Lindsay Almond Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, and Ethel Kennedy – PSA/DNA Authenticated

This historic commemorative cover, postmarked May 21, 1962, in Newport News, Virginia, marks the commissioning of the USS John Marshall (SSBN-611), a Lafayette-class ballistic missile submarine named in honor of John Marshall, the fourth Chief Justice of the United States. Marshall, who served from 1801 to 1835, played a defining role in shaping American constitutional law and the authority of the Supreme Court. The submarine was an integral part of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrence strategy during the Cold War, reinforcing the nation’s defense capabilities.

The cover features an official commissioning day cachet, embossed with the emblem of the USS John Marshall, depicting a trident and scales of justice—symbolizing both the naval power of the submarine and the judicial legacy of its namesake.

What makes this artifact particularly significant is the presence of three notable signatures:

• J. Lindsay Almond Jr. – Then-Governor of Virginia (1958–1962), later serving as a federal judge. His tenure as governor coincided with significant moments in Virginia’s civil rights history.
• Robert F. Kennedy (R.F. Kennedy) – U.S. Attorney General (1961–1964) under President John F. Kennedy, RFK was a central figure in civil rights enforcement, organized crime investigations, and Cold War policy. His leadership in the Justice Department played a crucial role in desegregation efforts and prosecuting mob influence. He later served as a U.S. Senator before his tragic assassination in 1968 during his presidential campaign.
• Ethel Kennedy – The wife of Robert F. Kennedy and a prominent figure in the Kennedy family’s political and philanthropic legacy. As a dedicated advocate for social justice, she continued RFK’s humanitarian work after his death.

The USS John Marshall played a key role in the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet, serving for over three decades before being decommissioned in 1992. This signed cover is a unique artifact that intertwines American naval history with the legacy of the Kennedy family, making it an extraordinary piece for collectors of presidential, military, and historical memorabilia.

The document has been encapsulated and authenticated by PSA/DNA, ensuring the legitimacy and preservation of these historically significant autographs.