Dutch Van Kirk Signed 11x14 Photo (PSA) WWII Enola Gay Navigator

Presented is a hand-signed 11x14 photograph by Major Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk (1921–2014), the navigator of the B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, the aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. Van Kirk has personally inscribed the photograph “Navigator – Enola Gay” beneath his signature. The autograph has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

As the navigator aboard the Enola Gay, Van Kirk played an indispensable role in one of the most historically significant missions of the 20th century. Serving with the elite 509th Composite Group, Van Kirk guided the aircraft—piloted by Colonel Paul W. Tibbets—on its meticulously planned and highly secretive flight from Tinian Island to its target over Hiroshima. His precision in celestial and radar navigation ensured the mission’s success, marking the first use of an atomic weapon in warfare and helping to hasten the end of World War II.

Prior to joining the atomic program, Van Kirk had already established himself as a skilled airman with the 91st Bomb Group in the European Theater, where he flew combat missions aboard the famed B-17 Flying Fortress Red Gremlin. His experience, discipline, and technical mastery made him a natural choice for the 509th’s top-secret operations in the Pacific.

For his service and extraordinary contributions to the success of the Enola Gay mission, Van Kirk received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and other honors. Following the war, he earned a degree in chemical engineering and remained active in preserving the legacy of the 509th Composite Group through lectures and historical outreach.

This PSA/DNA authenticated and inscribed 11x14 photograph offers collectors an exceptional opportunity to own a genuine artifact signed by the navigator of the Enola Gay—a man whose calm precision and professionalism were instrumental in one of the most consequential moments in world history.

Signer: Major Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk (1921–2014), Navigator, Enola Gay, 509th Composite Group

Aircraft: Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay

Inscription: “Navigator – Enola Gay”

Medium: Hand-signed and inscribed in ink on 11x14 photograph

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.