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Lot #343
Enola Gay: Dutch Van Kirk

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Estimate: $400+
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Description

Historic satin-finish 20 x 16 photo of the mushroom cloud over Hiroshima, lengthily signed in blue felt tip: "We dropped the first atomic bomb at 9:15 A.M., Tinian time on Aug. 6, 1945 from an altitude of 30,000 feet. It detonated 43 seconds later, 1850 feet above the city of Hiroshima. We immediately made a 150° turn to the right, lost altitude to build up speed and applied full speed. On detonation we saw a bright flash in the plane, even thru our goggles. And shortly thereafter we felt two shockwaves from the bomb—measured at 3.0-3.5 G's. The plane survived both. When clear we turned to fly in the S.E. quadrant. We saw the multi-colored cloud well above our altitude but the city was covered in smoke and debris making visual observation impossible. We therefore returned to our base on Tinian. Although civilians suffered great casualties, the war soon ended and the killing stopped without an invasion or further fighting. Many Japanese and Allied lives were saved as a result. Major 'Dutch' Van Kirk Navigator - Enola Gay, Hiroshima - 6 August 1945." In very fine condition.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts
  • Dates: #597 - Ended December 09, 2020





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