WWII 509th Composite Group Veterans Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) x3 Atomic Bomb Mission Crew

Presented is a hand-signed 5x7 black and white photograph depicting members of a B-29 Superfortress crew from the 509th Composite Group, the top-secret U.S. Army Air Forces unit responsible for conducting the atomic bomb missions over Japan in August 1945. This historic photograph has been personally autographed by three original crew members: Raymond Biel, Nathaniel T.R. Burgwyn, and Richard Anselme. The signatures have been authenticated by PSA/DNA and are accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

All three signers were assigned to Crew A-1, the crew of the B-29 Full House, one of the aircraft supporting the atomic bomb missions. While Enola Gay and Bockscar are most recognized for their direct involvement in delivering the bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki, support aircraft like Full House played an essential role in the success of those missions—performing critical weather reconnaissance, navigation, and mission coordination.

Raymond Biel, Nathaniel T.R. Burgwyn, and Richard Anselme were among the carefully selected and highly trained airmen of the 393rd Bomb Squadron, the flying component of the 509th Composite Group based on Tinian Island in the Mariana Islands. These men underwent intensive training in navigation, radar operations, and advanced bombing procedures, preparing them for unprecedented missions that would change the course of world history.

Raymond Biel served as Flight Engineer, ensuring the safe operation of the B-29’s complex systems during long-range missions.

Nathaniel T.R. Burgwyn served as Navigator, a critical role in guiding the aircraft with precision to and from target areas across vast stretches of the Pacific.

Richard Anselme served as Radar Operator, providing advanced radar navigation and bombing support, a technological capability unique to the 509th Composite Group specialized aircraft.

Their collective efforts supported the execution of the atomic bombing missions of August 6 and 9, 1945, which brought World War II to its final, decisive stage.

This PSA/DNA authenticated photograph—featuring the original signatures of three 509th Composite Group crewmen—is a rare and historically significant artifact. Crew-signed pieces from these operations are highly sought after by collectors of WWII aviation, Manhattan Project, and military history due to their direct connection to one of the most consequential events of the 20th century.

Signers: Raymond Biel, Nathaniel T.R. Burgwyn, Richard Anselme

Aircraft: Boeing B-29 Superfortress Full House (Crew A-1)

Unit: 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Composite Group

Mission: Hiroshima and Nagasaki Atomic Strike Support – August 1945

Medium: Hand-signed 5x7 black and white crew 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.