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 lot of four items issued to or obtained by Major Frank O. Raasch, who was stationed w/Louis at Fort Riley, KS. Lot includes two "My Life In The Service" hardcover books published in 1941 by Consolidated Book Publishers, Inc. Books include spots for ID photo, service record and blank pages for diary entries and spots designated "Civilians I Have Met" and "Autographs" section. Both books' "Civilians I Have Met" section have "Joe Louis Worlds Heavy Weight Champion" blue ink notation and both "Autographs" sections have been signed in blue ink by Louis along w/Raasch's own notes. One book has loose page but overall, both are Exc. Comes w/two calling cards for "Major And Mrs. Frank O. Raasch." Last items in lot are two signed vintage photos of Louis in uniform. First measures 8x10" and shows Louis in uniform w/rifle at side posing w/Major Raasch and Raasch's young son (from whom this lot was originally obtained) 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. Exc. Second photo is over-sized 11x14" and shows Louis posing by himself in uniform w/rifle at side. Two other African-American soldiers can be seen walking by in bkg. Louis has signed in blue ink "Best Wishes To Major Frank O. Raasch From Joe Louis - 8/28/42." Lower right has small "F.O. Raasch '42 - Ft. Riley Kan." inscription. Upper left corner has crease, but o/w photo is Exc. A truly one-of-a-kind lot for one of boxing's greatest legends, this lot offers not one, but four Joe Louis autographs in total. Comes with Hake's COA and JSA LOAs.