Robert Stock Signed 3x5 Photograph (PSA) WWII Nagasaki Mission Tail Gunner

"**Hand-Signed 3x5 Photograph by Robert J. Stock – Tail Gunner on B-29 *The Great Artiste*, Nagasaki Mission – 509th Composite Group – PSA/DNA Authenticated**

Offered here is an extraordinary **3x5 photograph hand signed by Robert J. Stock**, who served as the **tail gunner aboard the B-29 Superfortress *The Great Artiste*** during the **Nagasaki atomic bombing mission on August 9, 1945**. This rare artifact is **authenticated by PSA/DNA Authentication Services** and comes with their official **Letter of Authenticity**, affirming its historical significance and authenticity.

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### **Robert J. Stock – Tail Gunner, *The Great Artiste*, Nagasaki Mission**

**Sergeant Robert J. Stock** was a member of the highly specialized aircrew aboard the B-29 *The Great Artiste*, one of three aircraft that participated in the **atomic bombing mission over Nagasaki** on August 9, 1945. Serving as **tail gunner**, Stock’s role was critical to the defense and safety of the aircraft, positioned in the rear turret to ward off potential threats during the high-risk mission over Japanese territory.

Although *The Great Artiste* did not carry the atomic bomb on this mission—that responsibility belonged to *Bockscar*—it played an essential role in **instrumental observation and data collection**, accompanying *Bockscar* as a support and scientific monitoring aircraft. Stock and the rest of the crew were key contributors to this complex mission that helped bring World War II to a close.

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### **The 509th Composite Group – Architects of Atomic Warfare**

The **509th Composite Group** was a **top-secret unit of the United States Army Air Forces**, created as part of the **Manhattan Project** and led by **Colonel Paul W. Tibbets**. Tasked with the delivery of the world’s first atomic weapons, the 509th operated out of **Tinian Island** in the Pacific and flew **specially modified Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses**, including *Enola Gay*, *Bockscar*, and *The Great Artiste*.

This elite unit was responsible for executing the atomic bombing missions over **Hiroshima** and **Nagasaki** in August 1945. The group’s contributions directly influenced Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II, making them one of the most historically impactful units in modern military history.

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### **Item Details**

- **Photograph Size**: 3x5 inches

- **Signature**: Hand signed by Robert J. Stock

- **Aircraft**: B-29 *The Great Artiste*

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

- **Role**: Tail Gunner

- **Unit**: 509th Composite Group

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

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

- **Condition**: Excellent

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This signed photograph by **Robert J. Stock**, one of the few surviving veterans of the **Nagasaki mission**, presents a rare opportunity to own a piece of **atomic-era military history**. A remarkable addition to any collection of **World War II memorabilia**, this artifact stands as a tribute to the bravery, precision, and commitment of the men 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.