Locke Easton, Franklin Wimer, Lee Palmert Signed 8x10 (PSA) WWII B-29 Next Objective - Atomic Bomb Mission

Presented is a hand-signed 8x10 photograph featuring the crew of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress “Next Objective,” personally autographed in ink by Captain Locke M. Easton, First Lieutenant Franklin Wimer, and Technical Sergeant Lee Palmert. The photograph has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

The B-29 Superfortress “Next Objective” was one of the aircraft assigned to the elite 509th Composite Group, the specially formed U.S. Army Air Forces unit responsible for carrying out the atomic bombing missions that brought World War II to its conclusion. Stationed on Tinian Island in the Pacific, Next Objective served as an instrumentation and support aircraft, playing a critical role in the preparation, observation, and documentation of the atomic missions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945.

Captain Locke M. Easton served as aircraft commander and pilot of Next Objective. A highly skilled aviator, Easton led his crew through numerous test, training, and operational flights as part of the 509th Composite Group’s pioneering atomic program. His leadership contributed to the precision and success of some of the most consequential aerial missions in history.

First Lieutenant Franklin Wimer, serving as navigator, was responsible for plotting flight paths, timing bomb runs, and ensuring precise coordination with the mission’s control aircraft. His navigation expertise was vital to the success of the 509th’s long-range operations across the Pacific.

Technical Sergeant Lee Palmert, the aircraft’s flight engineer, maintained the B-29’s complex systems under the most demanding conditions, ensuring that Next Objective met the rigorous mechanical and operational standards required for its historic missions.

Together, these men exemplified the professionalism, courage, and technical mastery that defined the 509th Composite Group’s contribution to the final chapter of World War II.

This PSA/DNA authenticated 8x10 signed photograph offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire the authentic autographs of Next Objective crew members—participants in one of the most momentous and carefully orchestrated air operations in world history.

Signers: Captain Locke M. Easton (Pilot), First Lieutenant Franklin Wimer (Navigator), Technical Sergeant Lee Palmert (Flight Engineer)

Aircraft: Boeing B-29 Superfortress Next Objective

Unit: 509th Composite Group, U.S. Army Air Forces

Medium: Hand-signed in ink on 8x10 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.