Description:

Dutch Van Kirk Atomic Bomb
n.p., n.d.
Van Kirk Signed & Inscribed Copy of "Day of the Bomb" as Navigator of the Enola Gay
Signed Book

Theodore Jerome "Dutch" Van Kirk (1921-2014). Day of the Bomb by Dan Kurzman. Signed on the first free endpaper at the conclusion of a very lengthy inscription, "Theodore J. Van Kirk / Navigator - Enola Gay / 6 Aug 1945." New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1986. Publisher's red and black cloth boards with gilt titling at spine. Runs 546pp and measures 6.5" x 9.5". Includes original dust jacket, not price-clipped, with a protective mylar cover. A bit of scuffing to the boards and very minor wear at corners and edges. Light soiling to text block. Tiny folds to lower corner at first portion of interior. Overall, in near fine condition.

Van Kirk's inscription reads, in full: "A fascinating book about President Truman's decision to drop the atomic bomb. The book states that one of the main U.S. aims was to end the war before Russians could thrust into Manchuria and take China. The mission to drop the bomb was assigned to our crew, I was the navigator, and we dropped the bomb as planned on Hiroshima. The mission was a total success and the war ended as planned. 'Even Oppenheimer was worried about our atomic bombs U235 as it would be the only weapon in history that would be used without a test.'"

Theodore J. Van Kirk, Captain, U.S. Army Air Forces, 393d Bombardment Squadron, 509th Composite Group, 20th Air Force, was awarded the Silver Star citation for gallantry in action while engaged in aerial flight against the Japanese Empire on August 6, 1945. In August 1946, Van Kirk completed his service in the Army Air Forces as a Major. In addition to the Silver Star, his decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, and 15 Air Medals.

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: 6.5" x 9.5"
  • Medium: Signed Book

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