Description:

THEODORE J. "DUTCH" VAN KIRK
(1921 – 2014) Navigator of the U.S. Army Air Forces, best known as the navigator of the Enola Gay when it dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Signed and inscribed book, "Enola Gay" by Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan Witts (New York: Stein & Day), 1977, 327pp., 8vo. Van Kirk inscribes a three page message across the verso of the front flyleaf and the recto and verso of the half title, relating the particulars of what happened at the time of the first bombing and his feelings about the resulting damage, in small part: "...Although I feel sorry for the people it affected on the ground, they were civilian casualties who were living in proximity to military targets. This mission was meant to end or shorten the war and stop the killing. It prevented massive Japanese and Allied casualties from the upcoming invasion. Nevertheless all war is hell and should be prevented…" He signs on the author''s works page in black ink, adding his rank, his position aboard the Enola Gay, and the date of the mission. Bears stickers and stamps indicating that it was de-accessed from the Dallas Public Library, and bears a sticker from JSA/James Spence Authenticators opposite the title page. Some bumping to the edges of the dust jacket and covers, minor interior soiling, else very good.

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September 13, 2017 11:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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