Description:

Typed pair of typed mission "strike" orders for the atomic bomb attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9, 1945 respectively, sent to a devoted collector by FRED J. OLIVI (1922-2004), co-pilot of "BocksCar", the B-29 that delivered the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki. The Hiroshima mission orders are 4pp. legal folio on yellow paper, issued Aug. 2, 1945 and stamped "TOP SECRET", this being "Copy 1 of 20" and unsigned. The Nagasaki orders, with original primary target listed as Kokura, are also 4pp. legal folio and stamped "TOP SECRET", and likewise unsigned. Both sets of orders include general; instructions on targets, force composition, routes, altitudes, speed, photography, radio use, etc. Also included are texts of seven messages presumably sent from Tinian to headquarters setting forth updates on the Nagasaki mission, target information, bombing results, etc. The documents are accompanied by an A.L.S. on his personal letterhead by Olivi to the collector, 1p. 8vo., Chicago, May 26, 1982. Olivi states he was pleased to talk with the man and promises to view his collection. He adds: "...Enclosed are the Strike Orders for both A-bomb missions. I hope they will enhance your collection..." Olivi also sends a 5 x 7 in. I.S.P. showing him on Tinian in 1945. It is vitally important to note that the type of paper, its condition, and other characteristics of these orders and the telegram texts are not consistent with their age, nor are they entirely consistent with one of the originals in the National Archives, though textual differences are slight. These orders are also unsigned. Therefore, the lot is sold as a curiosity only, and is offered strictly as-is.

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March 31, 2020 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

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