Ray Gallagher Signed Index Card (PSA)

"**Hand-Signed Index Card by WWII Assistant Flight Engineer Raymond Gallagher — B-29 *Bockscar*, Nagasaki Mission — Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Presented is a rare and historically important **hand-signed index card by Technical Sergeant Raymond Gallagher**, who served as the **Assistant Flight Engineer aboard the B-29 *Bockscar*** during the **atomic bombing mission over Nagasaki, Japan, on August 9, 1945**. This original autograph is **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, ensuring its authenticity and preserving it for generations.

---

### **About Raymond Gallagher**

**Technical Sergeant Raymond Gallagher** played a critical role in one of the most consequential missions in world history: the **second and final atomic bombing** of World War II. As the **Assistant Flight Engineer on *Bockscar***, Gallagher supported the aircraft’s mechanical systems during the grueling flight from **Tinian Island** to **Nagasaki**, Japan, and back.

On August 9, 1945, *Bockscar*, piloted by Major Charles Sweeney, dropped the **“Fat Man” plutonium bomb** over Nagasaki, resulting in Japan's eventual surrender and the end of the war. Gallagher’s role ensured the aircraft's complex systems functioned under the extreme conditions of the mission. His service was essential to the success and safe return of the crew.

---

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

The **509th Composite Group** was a specialized unit of the United States Army Air Forces, activated in 1944 under the command of **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**. Selected for their technical expertise, psychological resilience, and operational precision, the men of the 509th trained at **Wendover Army Airfield** in Utah before deploying to **Tinian Island** in the Pacific.

The group was tasked with executing the atomic bombing missions developed under the **Manhattan Project**. Their aircraft—including the *Enola Gay*, *Bockscar*, and *The Great Artiste*—were modified B-29 Superfortresses designed to deliver atomic payloads. Their successful missions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki played a pivotal role in ending World War II and reshaping global history.

---

### **Item Details**

- **Signer**: Technical Sergeant Raymond Gallagher

- **Role**: Assistant Flight Engineer on *Bockscar*, Nagasaki Mission

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

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

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

- **Condition**: Clean and bold signature, professionally preserved

---

This authentic, encapsulated autograph by **Raymond Gallagher** is a **scarce and invaluable artifact** representing the courage, precision, and history-making legacy of the **509th Composite Group**. It is an exceptional addition to any collection of **World War II memorabilia**, **atomic mission history**, or **military aviation heritage**."

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.

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.