Good Evening, Tonight I am listing Is an 8 x 10  hand signed, on the photograph, autographed by  Lt. Col. Thomas Classen Deputy Commander of the 509th Composite Group, and Airplane Commander, the photograph Is of he and his 393rd Bomb Squadron Staff Wendover Utah. This Is the autographed photograph you will receive. The autograph Is on this photograph, It Is not a scan, reprint or forgery of any type and was obtained by me through correspondence.

 The photograph was chemically reproduced from an original negative many years ago, this autographed photograph has sat In my file for many years. Please note how sharp the Photograph Is- Chemically reproduced from an original negative.

This is the last one I have to offer for sale.

 Lt. Col Classen received the Distinguished Service Cross for previous combat experience, Col Classen's signature Is one of the scarcest 509th autographs.

 I discovered this Image after many years of research and own the original Image this was done at great personal expense. I attended every Reunion of the 509th Composite Group since 1990 and have been their Reunion Chairman every years since and Including 2001-2006, then 2008-2014, Co- Chaired 2015 and was chairman for 2017,( attended total of 23 Reunions ) the autographed Items that I list are historically correct, were researched before the Veterans autographed, and I shared with them something for their signing efforts whether It be photos, books or Money.


Col. Classen was a hero In his own right. As a Captain, early 1943, he commanded a B-17 from Guadalcanal, taking off 8 hours after his previous mission, He and his crew were Involved In a 45 minute aerial battle with Japanese Zeros. They shot down two Zeros, but their B-17 was badly damaged with two dead engines.Tom landed the plane In the ocean, deployed two five man life rafts, 600 miles from home. after 16 days at sea they spotted an Island. On August 9th 1945, the Classen and Wilson Crews returned to the United States to pick up components for a third Bomb.

 I am showing page one of the two page story you will receive with the autographed photo. Page two tells what happened. For affecting the survival of his crew and rescue he received the Distinguished Service Cross.

Tom Classen was the Commander of the 393rd Bomb Squadron, ( VH ) 504 Bomb Group. The 393rd was chosen to be the Bomb Squadron that was the nucleus of the 509th Composite Group, and the group was transferred from Fairmont, Nebraska to Wendover, Utah for further training. Tom was eventually given the job of Deputy Commander.

                                                   Robert Kraus

   You are buying from the Editor/ Author of the book, The 509th Remembered It Is a complete history of the 509th, with over 900 photos, 16 pages In color, data on all planes and missions and a complete roster of the members of the 509th. The book was 5 years In the making, 20 years to collect the photos, many never seen before, the stories are by the men who participated In the success of the 509th, well over 160 personal stories. Our book Is available on E-Bay and our site with the same name as the book.

   

       Thank you and Happy Bidding!!!!

   I will accept other forms of payment If you request It, but per e-bay rules you must request It.