Description:

Enola Gay
n.p., n.d.
Enola Gay Jacob Beser, Paul Tibbets Signed Replica Copy of Directive to Deliver the Bomb
Signed Other

Two signed replica copies printed on thick cardstock of the July 25, 1945 directive from the Department of War about the delivery of the first "special bomb" on the Enola Gay destined for Hiroshima, one signed "Jacob Beser Enola Gay - Bock's Car Hiroshima - Nagasaki Aug. 6-9, 1945", the other signed "Paul W. Tibbets". 1p each, 8" x 10", n.p., n.d. Very minor toning to the cardstock of the Paul Tibbets signed page. Both signed boldly. Near fine condition.

Jacob Beser (1921–1992) was a U.S. Army Air Forces officer during World War II and the only man to serve as a crew member on both atomic bomb missions—Hiroshima and Nagasaki—in August 1945. As radar specialist aboard the Enola Gay and later Bock's Car, Beser's role was critical to the missions' navigation and bomb release timing. Beser's unique wartime distinction has made his signature a sought-after and historically significant collectible.

Paul W. Tibbets (1915-2007) commanded the 12-person crew that manned the Enola Gay and served as the pilot on the mission. On August 6, 1945, the crew of the B-29 Superfortress Bomber "Enola Gay" dropped an atomic bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" over the southwestern Japanese metropolis of Hiroshima. Colonel Paul W. Tibbets commanded the 12-man crew. The nuclear bomb wiped out 70 percent of the city and immediately killed 80,000 people; tens of thousands more would later die of radiation exposure.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 10" x 8"
  • Medium: Signed Other

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November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
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University Archives

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