Enola Gay George Caron Signed 8x10 Photograph (PSA) WWII Tail Gunner Atomic Bomb Mission

"**Hand-Signed 8x10 Photograph by WWII Enola Gay Tail Gunner George Caron – PSA/DNA Authenticated with Letter of Authenticity**

Presented is a historically significant **8x10 photograph hand signed by George R. Caron**, the **tail gunner aboard the B-29 Superfortress ""Enola Gay""**, which dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on **August 6, 1945**. This signature has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and is accompanied by their **Letter of Authenticity**, ensuring the item's authenticity and value.

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### **About George R. Caron**

**Technical Sergeant George R. ""Bob"" Caron** (1919–1995) was the **tail gunner on the Enola Gay**, the lead aircraft in the historic mission that ushered in the nuclear age during World War II. As a crew member of the **509th Composite Group**, Caron was the only member of the crew to witness and photograph the immediate aftermath of the atomic bomb detonation over Hiroshima.

Caron played a crucial role during the mission, maintaining rear security and ensuring the aircraft's protection during its return from enemy territory. His account of the bombing and subsequent reflections are considered among the most detailed and firsthand perspectives of the event. He later authored *Fire of a Thousand Suns*, chronicling the mission and its consequences.

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### **About the Enola Gay**

The **Enola Gay** was a specially modified **Boeing B-29 Superfortress** and part of the **509th Composite Group**, assigned to carry out the first atomic bombing mission in history. Piloted by **Colonel Paul Tibbets**, the aircraft took off from Tinian Island in the early morning of **August 6, 1945**, and released the atomic bomb, code-named **""Little Boy,""** over the city of **Hiroshima**.

This mission significantly influenced the course of the war, leading to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. The Enola Gay and its crew became part of one of the most momentous events of the 20th century.

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### **Item Details**

- **Item**: Hand-Signed 8x10 Photograph

- **Signer**: George R. Caron – Tail Gunner, Enola Gay

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

- **Aircraft**: B-29 Superfortress “Enola Gay”

- **Date of Mission**: August 6, 1945 – Hiroshima

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

- **Includes**: PSA/DNA **Letter of Authenticity**

- **Condition**: Excellent; bold signature with clear image

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This is a rare and highly sought-after signed photograph from a direct participant in one of the most pivotal military operations in world history. A treasured addition to any collection of **World War II, aviation, or atomic history memorabilia**, this piece honors the memory and service of those who shaped the modern era."

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 lot / autograph(s) includes an official PSA/DNA hologram and matching LOA for authenticity purposes.

Authentication: PSA LOA

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.