Richard Cannon Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII Radar Operator Nagasaki Mission

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by B-29 *Big Stink* Radar Operator Dick Cannon – Nagasaki Mission – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Offered is a historically significant **5x7 photograph hand signed by Dick Cannon**, who served as the **radar operator aboard the B-29 Superfortress *Big Stink*** during the **August 9, 1945 Nagasaki atomic mission**, as part of the elite **509th Composite Group**. This rare and meaningful artifact has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and includes their **Letter of Authenticity**, assuring its authenticity and historical value.

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### **Dick Cannon – Radar Operator, B-29 *Big Stink*, Nagasaki Mission**

Sergeant **Dick Cannon** played a key role in the success of the second atomic bombing mission during World War II, serving as **radar operator** aboard **B-29 *Big Stink*** (also known as *Victor 90*), one of several specially modified **Silverplate** aircraft assigned to the 509th Composite Group. On **August 9, 1945**, *Big Stink* flew in a critical **observation and documentation role** during the atomic bombing of **Nagasaki**, Japan.

Cannon’s duties as radar operator were vital in ensuring navigational accuracy and safety in the high-risk conditions of the Pacific theater. *Big Stink* was tasked with recording and analyzing the effects of the bomb drop, a mission that demanded extreme precision and calm under pressure. His contributions, along with those of his fellow crew members, provided invaluable intelligence following the historic detonation of the ""Fat Man"" atomic bomb.

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### **509th Composite Group – Vanguard of the Atomic Age**

The **509th Composite Group**, under the command of **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**, was formed in 1944 as part of the **top-secret Manhattan Project**. Trained to carry and deploy atomic weapons, the group operated from **Wendover Army Air Field** in Utah before relocating to **Tinian Island** in the Pacific.

Utilizing highly modified **Silverplate B-29 Superfortress** aircraft, the 509th carried out the **first and only wartime use of atomic bombs**—on **Hiroshima (August 6, 1945)** and **Nagasaki (August 9, 1945)**—with the intent to bring about Japan’s surrender and end World War II. Aircraft such as *Big Stink*, *Enola Gay*, *Bockscar*, and *The Great Artiste* performed specific roles in these operations, including delivery, weather reconnaissance, escort, and documentation.

The contributions of airmen like Dick Cannon helped execute these complex and history-altering missions with unmatched professionalism and precision.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Dick Cannon

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *Big Stink* (Observation Aircraft for Nagasaki Mission)

- **Role**: Radar Operator – August 9, 1945

- **Unit**: 509th Composite Group

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

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

- **Condition**: Excellent

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This rare signed photograph provides a direct and personal connection to one of the most consequential events in modern history. It is a prized artifact for collectors of **World War II**, **atomic mission**, or **aviation memorabilia**, honoring the vital contributions of the 509th Composite Group and its courageous crew members."

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.