Charles Sweeney, CD Albury, Al Moore Multi Signed B-29 The Great Artiste (PSA) WWII Atomic Bomb Mission

Presented is a hand-signed 8x10 photograph of the famed Boeing B-29 Superfortress “The Great Artiste,” personally autographed by Major General Charles W. Sweeney (1919–2004), Captain Charles Donald “C.D.” Albury (1920–2009), and Technical Sergeant Allen L. Moore (1920–2010). The photograph has been authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

The Great Artiste holds a unique place in aviation and world history as the only aircraft to participate in both atomic bombing missions of World War II. It served as an observation and instrumentation aircraft during the Hiroshima mission on August 6, 1945, and later as part of the primary strike mission on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, flown under the command of Major Charles Sweeney.

Major General Charles W. Sweeney piloted The Great Artiste on numerous missions with the elite 509th Composite Group before commanding the Bockscar during the Nagasaki operation. A career airman, Sweeney rose to the rank of Major General in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and remained a respected advocate for the men of the 509th and their role in ending the war.

Captain Charles Donald “C.D.” Albury served as co-pilot aboard The Great Artiste during the Hiroshima mission and later joined Sweeney on the Nagasaki flight in Bockscar. As one of the few airmen to take part in both atomic operations, Albury’s skill and composure under immense pressure were vital to the success of these historic missions.

Technical Sergeant Allen L. Moore, serving as flight engineer, was responsible for maintaining the performance and safety of The Great Artiste’s engines and systems during both atomic operations. His precision and professionalism ensured the success and survivability of one of the most critical aircraft in modern military history.

This PSA/DNA authenticated 8x10 photograph—bearing the signatures of three key crew members—represents an extraordinary piece of 20th-century history, directly connected to the aircraft and men whose actions helped bring about the end of World War II.

Signers: Major General Charles W. Sweeney (Pilot), Captain Charles D. “C.D.” Albury (Co-Pilot), Technical Sergeant Allen L. Moore (Flight Engineer)

Aircraft: Boeing B-29 Superfortress The Great Artiste

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.