Franklin MacGregor Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) WWII B-29 Bombardier Nagasaki Mission

"**Hand-Signed 5x7 Photograph by B-29 *Laggin’ Dragon* Bombardier Franklin MacGregor – Nagasaki Mission – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Presented is a historically important **5x7 photograph hand signed by Franklin MacGregor**, who served as the **bombardier aboard the B-29 Superfortress *Laggin’ Dragon***, a vital support aircraft assigned to the **509th Composite Group** during the atomic mission to **Nagasaki** on **August 9, 1945**. This signature has been **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and is accompanied by their **Letter of Authenticity**, ensuring its authenticity and historic value.

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### **Franklin MacGregor – Bombardier, B-29 *Laggin’ Dragon*, Nagasaki Mission**

Franklin MacGregor served as the bombardier on **B-29 *Laggin’ Dragon***, one of the select **Silverplate-modified** B-29 Superfortress aircraft that made up the 509th Composite Group. On the day of the **Nagasaki atomic bombing mission**, *Laggin’ Dragon* was assigned as a **spare strike aircraft** and stood ready in case one of the primary strike planes encountered mechanical failure prior to departure. Though not used in the final bombing run, the crew of *Laggin’ Dragon*, including MacGregor, participated in critical training, rehearsals, and operational standby duties that made the mission possible.

MacGregor's service reflects the precision, secrecy, and readiness required of every member of the 509th during one of the most defining military operations in history.

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### **The 509th Composite Group – Delivering the End of WWII**

Activated in December 1944 under the command of **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**, the **509th Composite Group** was created for the singular, historic mission of delivering atomic bombs to hasten the end of World War II. As part of the top-secret **Manhattan Project**, the 509th was based first at **Wendover Army Air Field** in Utah before deploying to **Tinian Island** in the Marianas.

The group flew modified **Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses**, stripped of nonessential weight and optimized for atomic payload delivery. On **August 6 and 9, 1945**, the unit conducted the only two wartime uses of atomic bombs in history, on **Hiroshima** (*Enola Gay*) and **Nagasaki** (*Bockscar*), leading directly to Japan’s surrender.

Aircraft like *Laggin’ Dragon* were crucial in the mission's execution, fulfilling standby, reconnaissance, and escort roles under the highest secrecy and scrutiny.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 5x7 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Franklin MacGregor

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *Laggin’ Dragon*

- **Role**: Bombardier – Spare Aircraft for Nagasaki Mission

- **Unit**: 509th Composite Group

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

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

- **Condition**: Excellent

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This signed photograph is a rare opportunity to own a piece of **atomic mission history**, personally signed by a man who stood ready on one of the most pivotal days of the 20th century. A prized addition for collectors of **World War II memorabilia**, **aviation history**, or those commemorating the legacy of 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.