Good Evening, What I am listing tonight Is an autographed 8 x 11-1/2 color photo reproduced from the original Kodachrome color slide of the Hiroshima backup and Nagasaki advance Weather Crew plane, and an 8 x 10 Black and white photo of the Crew autographed by Jack Widowsky. The color photograph was chemically reproduced more than twenty years ago. It Is Important to note that the nose art was painted after the war was over. This slide/photo was taken by 393rd Bomb Squadron Armament Officer Jack Wright who originally loaned me his original Kodachrome color slides In 1996, the family gave me the slide after Jack's death. I completed less than 10 photos, and have less than two left- If you want this photograph and the black and white photograph, don't hesitate,
Quality Is more Important than price paid. This Is a quality autographed photograph not available elsewhere
Why pay a premium for an autographed photograph that originated from my research. All my listings would pass a PSA test.
As always, my listings come with extra supporting historical documents The autographs on this photograph are actual, real, hand signed on this photograph and were obtained by me In person at reunions, house visits and through the mail.
The Mc Knight Crew was chosen to participate In both Atomic missions. Each Crew member has autographed with his position, except Jack Widowsky. They are Jake Bontekoe, ( Pilot ) Franklin McGregor ( Bombardier ) Lloyd Reeder ( Radio ) Donald Cole (Asst. Flt. Engineer) George Cohen ( Flight Engineer) Jack Widowsky (Navigator) William Orren ( Radar ) Oscar Thigpen ( A & E Mechanic ) and Frank Schramke ( A & E ) Mechanic )
Our book "the 509th Remembered" available on our site of the same name
The crew flew the Hiroshima mission as backup B 29 and as the Nagasaki Weather Plane for the August 9th Mission. The McKnight/ Bontekoe Crew Plane was known as "Top Secret" It had an engine out so the crew could not fly their plane on either mission. They flew " The Big Stink" and "Laggin Dragon" both named after the War was over.
The autographs are Hand signed on this photo. They are not a scan, reprint or forgery.
If you collect Atomic Bomb autographs or photos, this Is many times scarcer than any Enola Gay autographed photo.None of the men who autographed are alive today.
Also Included Is the History of the Crew, Plane and Missions flown from our book "The 509th Remembered"
I have collected 509th photos and autographs for over 30 years, I was elected an Honorary Member of the 509th Composite Group, attend all Reunions since 1990 and have been Reunion Chairman 2001-2006, 2008-2017