Morris Jeppson Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII Enola Gay Crew Member

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by Morris R. Jeppson – Assistant Weaponeer on B-29 *Enola Gay*, Hiroshima Mission – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Presented is a highly significant **5x7 photograph hand signed by Lieutenant Morris R. Jeppson**, who served as the **assistant weaponeer aboard the B-29 Superfortress *Enola Gay*** during the **Hiroshima atomic bombing mission on August 6, 1945**. This historic artifact is **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and is accompanied by their official **Letter of Authenticity**, certifying the authenticity of this rare and meaningful signature.

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### **Morris R. Jeppson – Assistant Weaponeer, *Enola Gay*, Hiroshima Mission**

**1st Lieutenant Morris R. Jeppson** was a key member of the *Enola Gay* crew, entrusted with one of the most critical responsibilities of the Hiroshima mission: arming the first atomic bomb used in warfare, code-named **“Little Boy.”** As the **assistant weaponeer**, Jeppson was responsible for removing the bomb’s safety devices and enabling its firing mechanism during flight—tasks that were performed in-flight shortly before reaching the target.

At just 23 years old, Jeppson's calm professionalism under extraordinary circumstances helped ensure the success of the mission. His role was essential to activating the bomb safely and effectively once airborne, making him one of the last men to physically interact with an atomic bomb before its use in war.

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### **The 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 specialized and top-secret U.S. Army Air Forces unit created as part of the **Manhattan Project**. Trained at **Wendover Army Air Field** and deployed to **Tinian Island** in the Pacific, the group was composed of carefully selected flight and support crews tasked with conducting nuclear bombing missions against Japan.

The group operated modified **Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses**, including *Enola Gay*, *Bockscar*, *The Great Artiste*, and others. On **August 6, 1945**, *Enola Gay* dropped the first atomic bomb over **Hiroshima**, forever changing the course of history. The 509th executed a second bombing on **August 9** over **Nagasaki**, leading to Japan’s surrender and the conclusion of World War II.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by 1st Lt. Morris R. Jeppson

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *Enola Gay*

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

- **Role**: Assistant Weaponeer

- **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 of Morris Jeppson offers a direct connection to one of the most pivotal moments in modern history. It represents the bravery, precision, and innovation of the men of the **509th Composite Group**, whose actions changed the course of World War II and ushered in the nuclear age. A truly invaluable addition to any collection of **military history**, **aviation memorabilia**, or **atomic mission artifacts**."

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.