WWII B-29 Straight Flush Crew Signed 5x7 Photograph (PSA) x11 Atomic Bomb Mission Crew

Presented is a hand-signed 5x7 black and white photograph depicting the crew of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Straight Flush (Crew C-11), 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Composite Group. This historic photograph has been personally autographed by all eleven original crew members: Paul Schafhauser, Chester Chudy, Francis Pellegrino, Derward Stevens, Robert Haider, Milton Sprouse, Charles Baker, Steve Kibosh, Adam Bezdegian, Joseph Lesniewski, and Ken Baxter. The signatures have been authenticated by PSA/DNA and are accompanied by their Letter of Authenticity, ensuring both verification and long-term preservation.

The B-29 Straight Flush holds a significant place in history as the advance weather reconnaissance aircraft for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. Flown by Captain Claude Eatherly and his crew (C-11), Straight Flush departed Tinian Island ahead of the strike group to evaluate weather conditions over the primary target area. The clear weather report relayed by the crew directly enabled the Enola Gay to proceed with its bombing run, making Straight Flush a critical element of the mission that altered the course of world history.

The 509th Composite Group, to which Straight Flush belonged, was the specially trained and highly secretive U.S. Army Air Forces unit responsible for conducting the atomic missions over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Stationed on Tinian Island, these select crews trained intensively for precision bombing and atomic delivery under top security protocols.

The crew of Straight Flush included:

Paul Schafhauser – Flight Engineer

Chester Chudy – Radar Operator

Francis Pellegrino – Bombardier

Derward Stevens – Navigator

Robert Haider – Co-Pilot

Milton Sprouse – Tail Gunner

Charles Baker – Assistant Engineer

Steve Kibosh – Radio Operator

Adam Bezdegian – Gunner

Joseph Lesniewski – Gunner

Ken Baxter – Crew Member

These airmen not only participated in one of the most pivotal missions of World War II but also formed part of the elite cadre of bomber crews whose efforts contributed directly to the end of hostilities in the Pacific.

This PSA/DNA authenticated photograph—featuring the full crew’s signatures—represents an exceptionally rare and historically significant artifact from the Hiroshima mission. It stands as a solemn reminder of the individuals behind one of the most consequential operations in modern history.

Signers: Paul Schafhauser, Chester Chudy, Francis Pellegrino, Derward Stevens, Robert Haider, Milton Sprouse, Charles Baker, Steve Kibosh, Adam Bezdegian, Joseph Lesniewski, Ken Baxter

Aircraft: Boeing B-29 Superfortress Straight Flush (Crew C-11)

Unit: 393rd Bomb Squadron, 509th Composite Group

Mission: Weather reconnaissance, Hiroshima – August 6, 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.