Ralph Curry Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII B-29 Radio Operator Nagasaki Mission

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by Ralph Curry – Radio Operator on B-29 *The Great Artiste*, Nagasaki Mission – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Presented is an outstanding **5x7 photograph hand signed by Staff Sergeant Ralph Curry**, who served as the **radio operator aboard the B-29 Superfortress *The Great Artiste*** during the **Nagasaki atomic mission on August 9, 1945**. This artifact has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and is accompanied by their **Letter of Authenticity**, certifying the authenticity and historic importance of the signature.

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### **Ralph Curry – Radio Operator, B-29 *The Great Artiste*, Nagasaki Mission**

Staff Sergeant **Ralph Curry** was an integral member of the crew of *The Great Artiste*, one of the three B-29 Superfortresses that participated in the **second atomic bombing mission**, targeting **Nagasaki, Japan** on **August 9, 1945**. As **radio operator**, Curry was responsible for maintaining all airborne communications throughout the mission—ensuring coordination between aircraft, ground control, and mission command.

*The Great Artiste* was assigned a critical **instrumentation and observation role**, collecting scientific and photographic data on the atomic detonation and its effects. Curry’s performance under such extraordinary conditions contributed directly to the documentation and understanding of one of the most impactful events in world history.

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### **The 509th Composite Group – The Atomic Legacy of WWII**

The **509th Composite Group** was established in 1944 under the leadership of **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets** as part of the **Manhattan Project**, with the singular mission to deliver atomic bombs to bring World War II to a decisive close. This highly specialized unit trained in secrecy at **Wendover Army Air Field** and deployed to **Tinian Island** in the Marianas, from where it launched the atomic bomb missions to **Hiroshima (August 6)** and **Nagasaki (August 9)**.

Flying specially modified **Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses**, the 509th included aircraft such as *Enola Gay*, *Bockscar*, *The Great Artiste*, and others that carried out or supported these missions. The group’s operations marked the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare and played a pivotal role in ending World War II.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Staff Sergeant Ralph Curry

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *The Great Artiste*

- **Mission**: Nagasaki – August 9, 1945

- **Role**: Radio Operator

- **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 by Ralph Curry offers a direct connection to the historic Nagasaki mission and the elite crew of *The Great Artiste*. A treasured piece for collectors of **WWII**, **atomic history**, or **aviation memorabilia**, commemorating the service of those who helped bring about the close of the most devastating conflict in modern 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.