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Good Evening, What I am listing tonight Is an autographed8 x 11-1/2 color photo reproduced from the original Kodachrome color slide of the Nagasaki Advance Weather Plane, autographed by the crew that flew it to Nagasaki to report weather conditions over the city to the B29 Bockscar. The color photograph was chemically reproduced more than twenty-five years ago. It Is Important to note that the nose art was painted after the war was over. This slide/photo was taken by 393rd Bomb Squadron Maintenance Engineering Officer who originally loaned me his original Kodachrome color slides in 1996. I completed less than 8 photos. This is the best Image I have of this plane autographed by the crew that flew it as the advance Nagasaki Weather Plane.
Quality Is more Important than price paid. This Is a quality autographed photograph not available elsewhere
Why pay a premium for an autographed photograph that originated from my research. All my listings would pass a PSA test.
As always, my listings come with extra supporting historical documents The autographs on this photograph are actual, real, hand signed on this photograph and were obtained by me in person at reunions, house visits and through the mail.
Please see my scans and yes, I own Paul Tibbet's Flight Suit.
The Mc Knight Crew was chosen to participate in both Atomic missions.Each Crew member has autographed with his position. They are Jake Bontekoe, ( Pilot) Franklin McGregor (Bombardier) Lloyd Reeder (Radio) Donald Cole (Asst. Flt. Engineer) George Cohen (Flight Engineer) Jack Widowsky (Navigator) John Hansen (Crew Chief). Total of 6 autographs
Our book "the 509th Remembered" is unfortunately out of print.
The crew flew the Hiroshima mission as backup B 29 and as the Nagasaki Weather Plane for the August 9th Mission. The McKnight/ Bontekoe Crew Plane was known as "Top Secret" It had an engine out so the crew could not fly their plane on either mission. They flew " The Big Stink" and "Laggin Dragon" both named after the War was over.
The autographs are Hand signed on this photo. They are not a scan, reprint or forgery.
If you collect Atomic Bomb autographs or photos, this Is many times scarcer than any Enola Gay autographed photo. None of the men who autographed are alive today.
Also Included Is the History of the Crew, Plane and Missions flown from our book "The 509th Remembered"
I have collected 509th photos and autographs for over 30 years, Iwas elected an Honorary Member of the 509th Composite Group, attend all Reunions since 1990 and have been Reunion Chairman 2001-2006, 2008-2017
