Executive Summary

Offered here is what we believe is one of the most extraordinary surviving autograph collections associated with the historic 509th Composite Group—the elite United States Army Air Forces unit responsible for carrying out the first operational atomic missions during World War II.

Rather than a conventional signed book, this is a carefully assembled historical archive containing 451 authenticated signatures representing 223 individual veterans of the 509th Composite Group, collected over more than a decadethrough direct correspondence with surviving members.

Today, because virtually every member of the Group has passed away, a collection of this scope is effectively impossible to recreate.

This remarkable volume has been professionally authenticated by PSA/DNA and is accompanied by a Full Letter of Authenticity (Certificate AO08718).

Collection Statistics

Why This Collection Matters

Thousands of individual World War II autographs survive.

Very few comprehensive unit archives survive.

This collection represents the work of a dedicated private historian who spent more than a decade locating veterans, corresponding with them individually, and preserving their signatures within this volume.

The result is not simply an autograph book.

It is a preserved historical roster of one of the most significant military units of the twentieth century.

Collections of this magnitude rarely become available for public acquisition.

Provenance

This volume originated from the personal collection of a private collector whose singular goal was to document the members of the 509th Composite Group while they were still living.

Over a period exceeding ten years, veterans were contacted individually and invited to participate.

Many generously added inscriptions identifying:

• Aircraft

• Crew Position

• Military Unit

• Squadron

• Duties

• Personal Notes

The resulting archive preserves far more than signatures—it preserves firsthand historical identification from the veterans themselves.

Authentication

Included with this collection is a PSA/DNA Full Letter of Authenticity.

Certificate Number: AO08718

PSA/DNA is one of the most respected third-party authentication companies in the autograph industry, providing buyers with confidence in the authenticity of this remarkable collection.

Historical Importance

The 509th Composite Group occupies a singular place in military history.

Activated in secrecy during World War II, the unit was tasked with delivering the first operational atomic weapons.

Its members participated in events that fundamentally altered the course of world history.

Because nearly every member of the Group has now passed away, assembling a comparable archive today would be virtually impossible.

Featured Characteristics

✔ 451 authenticated signatures

✔ 223 individual veterans represented

✔ Numerous signatures accompanied by handwritten service identifications

✔ Aircraft assignments noted throughout

✔ Crew positions identified

✔ Squadron identifications

✔ Multiple signed historical photographs

✔ Signed diagrams

✔ Signed crew pages

✔ Signed appendices

✔ Signed title page

✔ Signed endpapers

✔ Over ten years to assemble

✔ PSA/DNA Full Letter of Authenticity

Complete Signer Register

A comprehensive signer register accompanies this collection and identifies every veteran represented together with the number of authenticated signatures appearing throughout the volume.

The collection includes 451 authenticated signatures from 223 individual members of the 509th Composite Group, documented in a professionally prepared inventory included with the sale.

(For readability, the complete alphabetical register has been omitted from this listing but will accompany the book. Prospective buyers are welcome to request a copy.)

Condition

Please review all photographs carefully.

The book remains in very attractive condition for a project assembled over many years.

Normal handling and age are present and should be expected.

The signatures remain bold, attractive, and are exceptionally well distributed throughout the volume.

Museum-Quality Opportunity

Whether destined for an advanced private collection, military museum, institutional archive, or serious World War II library, this represents an opportunity to acquire an artifact documenting hundreds of members of one of history's most significant military units.

It is difficult to imagine another project of this magnitude being assembled again.

Shipping

The book will be professionally packed using archival-quality materials and shipped:

• Fully insured

• Signature required

• Professionally protected

• Secure packaging throughout transit

International shipping is available through eBay's International Shipping Program where applicable.

About PS Collectibles

PS Collectibles | A Division of When It Was A Game, Inc.

We specialize in museum-quality authenticated autographs, historical archives, military memorabilia, and significant signed collectibles. Every item is carefully researched, professionally presented, and backed by our commitment to authenticity, historical preservation, and exceptional customer service.