Russell Gackenbach Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII B-29 Navigator Hiroshima Mission

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by Russell Gackenbach – Navigator, B-29 *Necessary Evil*, Hiroshima Mission – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Offered is a historically significant **5x7 photograph hand signed by Lieutenant Russell Gackenbach**, who served as the **navigator aboard the B-29 *Necessary Evil*** during the **August 6, 1945 Hiroshima atomic bombing mission**. This remarkable artifact has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and is accompanied by their official **Letter of Authenticity**, certifying the authenticity and provenance of the signature.

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### **Russell Gackenbach – Navigator, *Necessary Evil*, Hiroshima Mission**

**1st Lieutenant Russell Gackenbach** played a vital role in one of the most momentous missions of the 20th century. On **August 6, 1945**, he served as the **navigator aboard *Necessary Evil***, one of the three B-29 Superfortress aircraft involved in the first use of an atomic bomb in warfare—targeting **Hiroshima, Japan**.

While *Enola Gay* carried and released the “Little Boy” atomic bomb, *Necessary Evil* flew in an **observation and photographic support role**, documenting the explosion and its aftermath. Gackenbach’s duties as navigator ensured the aircraft's precise coordination and positioning during this high-risk mission. He is noted as one of the very few individuals who **photographed the Hiroshima mushroom cloud** with a handheld camera from the air—creating one of the most iconic and chilling images in modern history.

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### **509th Composite Group – The Atomic Mission Unit of WWII**

The **509th Composite Group**, formed in 1944 under the command of **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**, was a unique and top-secret unit created as part of the **Manhattan Project**. Tasked with the delivery of atomic weapons, the group trained in strict secrecy at **Wendover Army Air Field** before deploying to **Tinian Island** in the Mariana Islands.

Equipped with specially modified **Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses**, the 509th executed the only two atomic bombings in warfare—**Hiroshima on August 6** and **Nagasaki on August 9, 1945**—ultimately leading to Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II. Aircraft such as *Enola Gay*, *Bockscar*, *The Great Artiste*, and *Necessary Evil* each played specialized roles in these complex operations, involving scientific observation, escort, and post-detonation data collection.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Lieutenant Russell Gackenbach

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *Necessary Evil*

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

- **Role**: Navigator and Photographer

- **Unit**: 509th Composite Group

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

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

- **Condition**: Excellent

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This autographed photograph by Russell Gackenbach offers a powerful connection to one of the most defining events of World War II and human history. A treasured addition for collectors of **military history**, **aviation memorabilia**, or **atomic mission artifacts**, this piece stands as a solemn reminder of the courage, precision, and gravity of the missions carried out by the 509th Composite Group."

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.