Hugh Ferguson Signed Index Card (PSA) WWII Co-Pilot The Great Artiste Nagasaki Mission

"**Hand-Signed Index Card by WWII B-29 Co-Pilot Hugh C. Ferguson – *The Great Artiste*, Nagasaki Mission – Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Offered is a highly significant and historically important **hand-signed index card by 1st Lieutenant Hugh C. Ferguson**, who served as the **Co-Pilot of the B-29 *The Great Artiste*** during the atomic bombing mission over **Nagasaki, Japan**, on **August 9, 1945**. The autograph has been **professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, ensuring its authenticity and preservation.

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### **About Hugh C. Ferguson**

**1st Lt. Hugh C. Ferguson** was the **Co-Pilot aboard *The Great Artiste***, one of the three aircraft that participated in the atomic bombing of Nagasaki during **Operation Centerboard II**. While *Bockscar* carried and dropped the atomic bomb “Fat Man,” *The Great Artiste* flew alongside as the **instrumentation and observation aircraft**, equipped with scientific monitoring devices and a specialized crew to record the blast’s effects and gather crucial data for the Manhattan Project.

Ferguson’s role as Co-Pilot was instrumental in ensuring the success and safety of this mission under extreme pressure and in unprecedented conditions. His flight crew’s contributions were vital in documenting the aftermath of one of the most significant events in 20th-century military history.

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

The **509th Composite Group** was a specially trained and highly secretive unit of the **United States Army Air Forces**, formed in 1944 and commanded by **Colonel Paul Tibbets**. The unit's mission was singular and unprecedented: to deliver atomic bombs developed by the **Manhattan Project** in an effort to end World War II.

Deployed to **Tinian Island** in the Pacific, the 509th executed the atomic bombing missions over **Hiroshima** (*Enola Gay*) and **Nagasaki** (*Bockscar* and *The Great Artiste*). These missions led directly to the surrender of Japan and the conclusion of World War II, marking the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare.

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### **Item Details**

- **Signer**: 1st Lt. Hugh C. Ferguson

- **Role**: Co-Pilot, B-29 *The Great Artiste*, Nagasaki Mission

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

- **Date of Mission**: August 9, 1945

- **Format**: Hand-signed 3x5 index card

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

- **Condition**: Excellent presentation; clean signature, well-preserved

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This authenticated signature of **Hugh C. Ferguson** is a rare and meaningful relic from the atomic age, reflecting the bravery, precision, and historical gravity of the **509th Composite Group** and the Nagasaki mission. A profound piece for collectors of **World War II history**, **military aviation**, and **Manhattan Project memorabilia**."

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.

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.

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.