WWII B-29 Laggin' Dragon Crew Multi Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) x8 Veterans (PSA)

**Hand Signed 5x7 Photograph by WWII B-29 *Laggin’ Dragon* Crew Members Maurice Clark, Robert Petrolli, John Downey, Thomas Brumagin, James Bryant, Fred Butler, Robert Garn, and John Hansen — Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Offered for auction is a historically significant **5x7 black-and-white photograph** hand signed in permanent marker by **eight crew members of the B-29 Superfortress *Laggin’ Dragon***, one of the operational aircraft of the **509th Composite Group** during World War II. This exceptional piece has been **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, preserving the bold signatures of:

- **Maurice Clark**

- **Robert Petrolli**

- **John Downey**

- **Thomas Brumagin**

- **James Bryant**

- **Fred Butler**

- **Robert Garn**

- **John Hansen**

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### **About the B-29 *Laggin’ Dragon***

The *Laggin’ Dragon* was one of fifteen specially modified Silverplate B-29 bombers assigned to the **509th Composite Group**, the elite and highly secretive U.S. Army Air Forces unit established for the sole purpose of delivering atomic weapons during World War II. *Laggin’ Dragon* played a critical logistical and scientific role during the Hiroshima and Nagasaki missions in August 1945, transporting components of the atomic bomb and scientific personnel between Tinian Island and the U.S. mainland. Although not a drop aircraft, its contributions were pivotal to the success of the Manhattan Project's final phase.

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### **About the 509th Composite Group**

Activated in December 1944 and commanded by Colonel Paul W. Tibbets, the **509th Composite Group** was an experimental unit formed specifically to carry out atomic bombing missions using Silverplate B-29 aircraft. Operating out of **North Field, Tinian**, in the Mariana Islands, the group successfully executed the historic atomic bomb missions over **Hiroshima** on August 6, 1945 (*Enola Gay*) and **Nagasaki** on August 9, 1945 (*Bockscar*). The 509th’s operations are widely credited with hastening the end of World War II and remain one of the most impactful aerial campaigns in military history.

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### **Biographies of the Crew Members**

Each of the following signers served aboard the *Laggin’ Dragon* as part of its combat or logistics missions during WWII:

- **Maurice Clark** – Co-pilot responsible for navigating Pacific operations.

- **Robert Petrolli** – Flight engineer ensuring engine and systems efficiency.

- **John Downey** – Radio operator responsible for mission communications.

- **Thomas Brumagin** – Radar specialist instrumental in navigation and targeting.

- **James Bryant** – Armament crew member supporting bomb readiness.

- **Fred Butler** – Tail gunner trained in aircraft defense.

- **Robert Garn** – Crew chief and future U.S. Senator from Utah.

- **John Hansen** – Assistant flight engineer assisting with mission-critical aircraft systems.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5" x 7"

- **Signatures**: Eight crew members of *Laggin’ Dragon*, hand signed in permanent marker

- **Authentication**: Encapsulated by **PSA/DNA Authentication Services**

- **Condition**: Signatures remain bold and well-preserved

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This is a rare opportunity to own an authentic, encapsulated photographic artifact signed by multiple members of the *Laggin’ Dragon*, a vital aircraft within the 509th Composite Group. A historic centerpiece for collectors of WWII aviation, Manhattan Project memorabilia, and B-29-related artifacts.

A portion of the sale of this auction will be donated to the General James. H Doolittle Scholarship Fund. The General James H. Doolittle Scholarship Fund was founded to assist college students by awarding one scholarship annually in the maximum amount of $5,000 to a deserving student who is pursuing a baccalaureate or advanced degree in aeronautical engineering or an aerospace science. Students are selected based on their scholastic achievement, school and community participation, demonstrated leadership potential and financial need. More information can be found at the Doolittle Scholarship Funds’ website.

The autograph(s) has been authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA Encapsulated

Due to the uniqueness of each item, please refer to the photos provided in this auction. We offer high resolution images of each item rather than a written description of condition.

This item is being shipped from the Pristine Auction warehouse.