What I am listing tonight Is a unique autographed photograph of William " Bill " Desmond, Co-Pilot of the B29 named " Strange Cargo". this plane was one of fifteen special built " Silverplate " B-29's designed to carry an Atomic Bomb. The size of the photograph is 8 x 10. The of this plane flew four combat missions to Japan. The Airplane Commander was Joseph Westover. The photograph was taken In Havana, Cuba January 1945 with their guide, when the 509th was stationed there for over water navigation training. With Bill others who have autographed are Wayne Gruning, Bombardier, "Jabitt III", John Dulin, Navigator, and Lou Allen, Bombardier "Strange Cargo". Lou was autographed by John Dulin who also autographed for the Guide.

The photograph itself is a silver nitrate print, I own an original negative, all have autographed on the photograph, with the exception of Lou Allen which was autographed by John Dulin. The autographs are actual, real, hand signed, not a scan, copy, reproduction or forgery of any type and you will be able to see the pen impressions.

For provenance I have also scanned a copy of letters from Bill to me.

 The Westover Crew flew four (4) combat Missions over Japan, each time carrying a 10,000 "Fatman" bomb loaded with high explosive (torpex). Before a July mission, the bomb they were carrying dropped from their plane onto the ground before they took off. I have scanned a copy of the letter from a crewmember describing the incident. I will include a copy of the letters with the autographed photograph, but not the originals. 

 I am an Honorary Member of the 509th, Reunion Chairman from 2001- 2006, 2008-2017, and I actually have attended all 509th Reunions since 1990, (18 of them) I also edited the 509th Newsletter.

                                     Good Luck, happy bidding!!!