John Kuharek Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII Bockscar Flight Engineer Nagasaki Mission

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by John D. Kuharek – Flight Engineer on B-29 *Bockscar*, Nagasaki Mission – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Presented is a rare and historically significant **5x7 photograph hand signed by John D. Kuharek**, who served as the **flight engineer aboard the B-29 Superfortress *Bockscar*** during the atomic bombing mission over **Nagasaki, Japan**, on **August 9, 1945**. This photograph has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and is accompanied by their official **Letter of Authenticity**, certifying the authenticity of this important wartime signature.

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### **John D. Kuharek – Flight Engineer, *Bockscar*, Nagasaki Mission**

**Technical Sergeant John D. Kuharek** was a critical member of the **13-man crew aboard *Bockscar***, the aircraft responsible for delivering the second atomic bomb—“Fat Man”—on **August 9, 1945**, targeting **Nagasaki, Japan**. As **flight engineer**, Kuharek was responsible for monitoring and managing the complex systems aboard the B-29, including engines, fuel, electrical, and hydraulic systems, ensuring the aircraft performed safely and efficiently during one of the most consequential missions in modern history.

Kuharek’s technical expertise contributed directly to the success of the mission, which played a major role in Japan's decision to surrender, effectively ending World War II. His efforts, and those of his fellow crew members, are remembered as a part of one of the most decisive and sobering moments in military and world history.

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

The **509th Composite Group** was a top-secret unit of the **U.S. Army Air Forces**, formed under the **Manhattan Project** in 1944 and commanded by **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**. Comprised of elite aircrews, scientists, and support personnel, the unit was specifically organized to plan and execute the deployment of atomic weapons.

Operating from **Tinian Island** in the Mariana Islands, the group flew **Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses**, including *Enola Gay* and *Bockscar*, which carried out the atomic bombings of **Hiroshima** (August 6, 1945) and **Nagasaki** (August 9, 1945). These missions were instrumental in bringing about the end of World War II and ushered in the nuclear age.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Technical Sergeant John D. Kuharek

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *Bockscar*

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

- **Role**: Flight Engineer

- **Unit**: 509th Composite Group

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

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

- **Condition**: Excellent

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This remarkable signed photograph by **John D. Kuharek**, one of the few surviving crew members of the **Nagasaki atomic bombing mission**, offers a direct and personal connection to a turning point in global history. A rare and valuable addition to any serious collection of **World War II**, **aviation**, or **atomic era memorabilia**, it stands as a tribute to the courage, technical skill, and service of those who carried out this historic mission."

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.