William Barney Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII Bockscar Radar Operator

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by WWII B-29 “Bockscar” Radar Operator William Barney — Authenticated by PSA/DNA**

Presented is an exceptional **5x7 photograph hand-signed by William Barney**, who served as the **Radar Operator aboard B-29 Superfortress ""Bockscar""** of the historic **509th Composite Group** during World War II. This remarkable item has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and includes their **Letter of Authenticity**, ensuring the genuineness of this rare and historically important signature.

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### **William Barney – Radar Operator on B-29 “Bockscar”**

Technical Sergeant **William Barney** was a key crew member aboard **B-29 ""Bockscar""**, the aircraft that carried out the atomic bombing mission over **Nagasaki, Japan**, on **August 9, 1945**. Serving as the **Radar Operator**, Barney’s role was vital to the navigation and targeting systems that guided the aircraft to its objective during one of the most consequential missions in modern history. His precise work under pressure ensured the mission’s success, contributing directly to the swift conclusion of World War II.

“Bockscar,” piloted by Major **Charles W. Sweeney**, dropped the plutonium bomb known as **“Fat Man”**, which detonated over Nagasaki and led to Japan’s unconditional surrender just days later.

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### **The 509th Composite Group – WWII’s Most Secretive Unit**

The **509th Composite Group**, commanded by **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**, was a specially organized and trained U.S. Army Air Forces unit established solely for the deployment of atomic weapons. Formed in 1944 and based at **Wendover Army Air Field** in Utah, the group later operated from **Tinian Island** in the Pacific. Comprising elite pilots, scientists, engineers, and hand-selected aircrew like William Barney, the unit executed the only atomic bombings in wartime history.

On **August 6 and 9, 1945**, the missions flown by the 509th over **Hiroshima** and **Nagasaki** fundamentally altered the course of world events and ushered in the nuclear age.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand-signed by William Barney

- **Assignment**: Radar Operator, B-29 “Bockscar,” 509th Composite Group

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

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

- **Condition**: Excellent

This artifact offers a rare and personal connection to one of the most significant missions in U.S. military history. It is an ideal addition to any serious collection of **World War II memorabilia**, **509th Composite Group history**, or **aviation and atomic mission artifacts**. A tribute to the courage, precision, and legacy of William Barney and his fellow crewmen aboard “Bockscar,” this signed photograph stands as a lasting reminder of a pivotal moment in world 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) 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.