Description: Hello, What I am listing Is a very beautiful, one of a kind, " sharp " 8 x 10 inch chemically reproduced from a Kodachrome Color Slide on photo paper. This was not copied from a book, calendar or a postcard, as may be seen in other e-bay listings. It has been boldly autographed, hand signed on the photo, by Charles Sweeney, Airplane Commander, and the " real " Co-Pilot, Charles Albury, Fred Olivi, Second Pilot on board, Ray Gallagher, Asst. Flight Engineer, John Kuharek, Flight Engineer, Ray Gallagher, Asst. Flight Engineer, Frederick Ashworth, "Weaponeer" Porter Richardson who painted the nose art on the plane Bob Haider, Ground Crew.The autographs are hand signed on the photograph, they are actual real, not a scan, copy reproduction or forgeries of any type. 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the bombing. Autographed photographs of this quality will be difficult to find. This is one of few that i have to offer for sale. Porter Richardson died not long after autographing this photograph.This photograph was chemically reproduced from the Original Kodachrome Slide taken by 509th Aircraft Maintenance Officer Carl Garner. At first, Fred Bock loaned me the image, then Carl Garner sent me the slide in 1996I do not buy autographed photographs from others and try to "flip" them for a profit, I personally acquired the signatures, you can see the pen Impressions on the photograph.It was difficult to obtain these autographs especially on one photograph, this was done in a very limited quantity. A "rare" photograph, autographed by the men who participated in the first Atomic Mission and flew the strike plane in the second mission. Charles Sweeney was the Squadron Commander who always flew with the Albury Crew on board " The Great Artiste". This crew flew the Hiroshima Mission as the Instrument Plane then flew the " Bockscar" with the bomb on board August 9, 1945I have also scanned the letter sent to me by Gen. Sweeney for the 2002 509th ReunionPlease see the letters from Charles Albury, Mr. Albury became Infuriated when Fred's book " Decision at Nagasaki" came out. Don Albury felt that Fred made statements about himself that was not true, because of that Mr. Albury stopped signing as " Pilot" and started signing as Co- Pilot which confused a fair amount of our customers as they thought Fred was the Co- Pilot. Mr. Albury did this deliberately to confuse the situation. Early on the three had agreed that Mr. Sweeney autograph as Airplane Commander, Charles Albury as Pilot and Fred as Co-Pilot. At a 509th Reunion, Mr. Albury told Fred Olivi's Nephew that he would not let an inexperienced Pilot (Fred) fly the plane--- I am also showing a photograph taken at the 1995 Alburquerque Reunion of the 509th, In the photograph are L-R John Kuharek, (Flight Engineer) Fred Olivi (2nd Co-Pilot) and Charles " Don" Albury (Co-Pilot) on board both "The Great Artiste" and "Bockscar". There has been a strip of paper placed over the photo not stuck to it, to prevent copying. For provenance about me and who I take to shows as well as more Information about the 2nd Atomic Mission please see my site Please consider purchasing a copy of my book" The 509th Remembered" which took 20 years to collect the photos used in the book and 5 years to compile the stories. Our book Is also available on our site with the same name as the book. Please keep in mind you are purchasing from a documented " Official 509th Historian", attended all Reunions since and Including 1990, and have been Reunion Chairman for the 509th 2001-2006, 2008-17. I was elected an Honorary Member In 2001.
Price: 795 USD
Location: Buchanan, Michigan
End Time: 2025-02-09T14:35:53.000Z
Shipping Cost: 9.95 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Signed by: Veterans
Autograph Authentication: Letter of authenticity
Original/Reproduction: Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Modified Item: No
