Leonard Godfrey Signed Index Card (PSA) WWII Navigator Atomic Bomb Mission

"**Hand-Signed Index Card by WWII Navigator Leonard Godfrey — The Great Artiste, 509th Composite Group — Encapsulated by PSA/DNA**

Offered for auction is a historically significant **hand-signed index card by First Lieutenant Leonard A. Godfrey**, who served as the **Navigator aboard the B-29 Superfortress *The Great Artiste*** as part of the elite **509th Composite Group** during World War II. This original autograph is **encapsulated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services**, ensuring its authenticity and long-term preservation.

---

### **About Leonard A. Godfrey**

**First Lieutenant Leonard Godfrey** played a vital role in one of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century history. As navigator on *The Great Artiste*, Godfrey was part of the support crew that accompanied the **atomic bomb mission over Nagasaki on August 9, 1945**, serving as the **instrument plane** for the *Bockscar* strike aircraft. *The Great Artiste* carried scientists and recording instruments to measure the effects of the bomb and ensure mission documentation and analysis.

Godfrey's expertise as a navigator was essential in maintaining formation and timing for one of the most consequential missions in world history. His service represents the precision and dedication of the handpicked 509th Composite Group, and his firsthand role in the atomic missions makes his autograph an exceptional piece of WWII history.

---

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

Formed in 1944 under the command of **Colonel Paul Tibbets**, the **509th Composite Group** was the U.S. Army Air Forces unit selected to conduct the **atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki**. Operating under extreme secrecy, the 509th trained intensively at **Wendover Army Airfield** before deploying to **Tinian Island** in the Pacific.

The group consisted of carefully selected crews, aircraft, and scientists directly tied to the **Manhattan Project**. Among its aircraft were the *Enola Gay*, *Bockscar*, and *The Great Artiste*. Missions flown by the 509th ultimately led to the conclusion of World War II and ushered in the nuclear age.

---

### **Item Details**

- **Signer**: First Lieutenant Leonard A. Godfrey

- **Role**: Navigator aboard *The Great Artiste*, 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, bold signature with excellent presentation

---

This hand-signed and encapsulated index card by Leonard Godfrey represents a **rare and deeply significant artifact** of American military and atomic history. A valuable addition to any collection of **World War II memorabilia**, **509th Composite Group documentation**, or **aviation heritage**, this item is a timeless tribute to the brave men who shaped the course of history."

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.