Description:

509TH COMPOSITE GROUP ALBUM, SIGNED BY ENOLA GAY NAVIGATOR
Souvenir service book given to members of the famous 509th Composite Air Group, a unit of the Army Air Forces created during World War II and tasked with the operational deployment of nuclear weapons. It conducted the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. The group was headed by Gen. Paul Tibbets, pilot of the B-29 Enola Gay which delivered the atomic bomb to Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Half-way through the unpaginated book appear photos under an article headed: "Atomic Blitz", one picturing Enola Gay Navigator THEODORE "DUTCH" VAN KIRK (1921-2014) who signs beneath his image with the inscription "Navigator Enola Gay". A page introducing the squadrons within the group is further signed by FRED J. OLIVI (1922-2004), co-pilot of the B-29 "Bock''s Car", which bombed Nagasaki, adding his rank, branch of service, role in the aircraft''s crew, and the date of the attack, all in black ink. The descriptive text is heavily illustrated with photos and illustrations, including facilities on Tinian, fliers at work and play, features on the destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki ("Atomic Blitz"), photos of all air crews, including Enola Gay and Bocks Car, headquarters staff, ground and ordnance crews, etc. In very fine condition overall. Rare.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

April 17, 2018 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 28% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions