Fred Olivi Signed Index Card (PSA) WWII Bockscar Co-Pilot Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Mission

"**Hand-Signed Index Card by WWII Bockscar Co-Pilot Captain Fred J. Olivi — Encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**

Offered for auction is an exceptional and historically significant **hand-signed index card by Captain Fred J. Olivi**, co-pilot of the **B-29 Superfortress ""Bockscar""** during the atomic bombing mission over **Nagasaki** on **August 9, 1945**. This piece of military history has been **professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, ensuring both authenticity and long-term preservation.

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### **About Captain Fred J. Olivi**

**Captain Fred Olivi** served as the co-pilot of the **509th Composite Group’s B-29 “Bockscar,”** the aircraft that delivered the second atomic bomb, **“Fat Man,”** on Nagasaki, Japan. Born in Chicago in 1922, Olivi joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and quickly rose to become one of the select few chosen for the top-secret **Manhattan Project** missions.

On the morning of August 9, 1945, Olivi, alongside aircraft commander **Major Charles W. Sweeney**, departed from **Tinian Island** on the most consequential mission of their careers. The successful detonation of the bomb over Nagasaki played a crucial role in prompting Japan’s unconditional surrender, thereby bringing an end to World War II. Captain Olivi later chronicled his experiences in his memoir, *“Decision at Nagasaki,”* offering a rare first-hand account of that pivotal day in history.

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

Formed in 1944 and commanded by **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**, the **509th Composite Group** was a specially trained and equipped unit of the United States Army Air Forces, organized to execute the delivery of atomic weapons. Comprised of elite aircrews, ground personnel, and support staff, the group operated in secrecy as part of the broader **Manhattan Project**.

Based on **Tinian Island** in the Mariana Islands, the 509th carried out the only two wartime atomic bombings in history: **Hiroshima (August 6, 1945)** by the *Enola Gay*, and **Nagasaki (August 9, 1945)** by *Bockscar*. These missions marked a turning point in modern warfare and world history, sealing the group’s legacy as one of the most consequential military units of the 20th century.

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### **Item Details**

- **Signer**: Captain Fred J. Olivi

- **Role**: Co-Pilot of B-29 *Bockscar*, Nagasaki Mission

- **Unit**: 509th Composite Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

- **Format**: Hand-signed index card

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

- **Condition**: Bold, clean signature; professionally preserved

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This signed and encapsulated index card offers a rare opportunity to acquire a direct link to the historic mission that helped end World War II. A powerful addition for collectors of **military history**, **aviation memorabilia**, or **Manhattan Project artifacts**, this piece is a testament to the men and missions that shaped the course of the 20th century."

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.