Donald Fockler Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII B-29 Full House Crew Member

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by WWII B-29 *Full House* Crew Member Donald Fockler – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Presented is a historically significant **5x7 photograph hand signed by Donald Fockler**, a distinguished crew member of the **B-29 Superfortress *Full House* (Aircraft A-1)**, part of the elite **509th Composite Group** during World War II. This remarkable artifact has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and is accompanied by their **Letter of Authenticity**, offering verified provenance and historical integrity.

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### **Donald Fockler – Crew Member, B-29 *Full House*, 509th Composite Group**

Donald Fockler served as a vital member of the crew aboard **B-29 *Full House***, a specially modified Silverplate B-29 aircraft assigned to the **509th Composite Group**. *Full House* played a crucial role in both rehearsal and operational phases of the atomic missions. On **August 6, 1945**, during the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, *Full House* was assigned as a weather reconnaissance aircraft, tasked with surveying the primary and secondary targets for the *Enola Gay*. The success of that historic mission was contingent on the vital meteorological data transmitted by Fockler and his fellow crewmen.

Fockler’s service represents the professionalism and bravery of those tasked with executing one of the most secretive and consequential operations in military history.

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

Activated in 1944 and commanded by **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**, the **509th Composite Group** was the specially trained and equipped unit of the U.S. Army Air Forces responsible for carrying out the atomic bomb missions over Japan. Based first at Wendover Army Air Field in Utah and later stationed on **Tinian Island** in the Pacific, the 509th operated **Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses**, which were modified to deliver atomic weapons.

On **August 6 and 9, 1945**, the group executed the atomic bombings of **Hiroshima** (*Enola Gay*) and **Nagasaki** (*Bockscar*), ushering in the end of World War II and the beginning of the nuclear era. Aircraft such as *Full House*, *Necessary Evil*, and *Great Artiste* supported these missions through weather reconnaissance and observation roles.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Donald Fockler

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *Full House* (A-1), 509th Composite Group

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

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

- **Condition**: Excellent

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This signed photograph offers a unique and personal connection to the airmen who flew in one of history's most consequential military operations. It stands as a rare piece of **World War II atomic mission memorabilia**, ideal for collectors of **aviation history**, **military signatures**, or those honoring the legacy of the 509th Composite Group. A solemn and powerful reminder of the sacrifices and innovation that helped bring World War II to an end."

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.