{"product_id":"jack-widowsky-signed-509th-nagasaki-weather-recon-navigator-bas-d87706","title":"Jack Widowsky Signed 509th Nagasaki Weather Recon Navigator BAS D87706","description":"Jack Widowsky Signed 509th Nagasaki Weather Recon Navigator BAS D87706\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eItem Description\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOffered is an exceptional first-generation copy of the original World War II Record of Combat Duty for 509th Composite Group navigator Jack Widowsky, documenting his combat activity including Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis historically significant first-generation copy was subsequently personally hand-signed and extensively inscribed by Jack Widowsky, who added:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"NAVIGATOR - 'TOP SECRET CREW'\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eand\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"AUG. 9, 1945 ADV. WEATHER RECON NAGASAKI MISSION\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe inscription provides an extraordinary firsthand connection between Widowsky and the advance weather reconnaissance operation associated with the Nagasaki atomic bomb mission.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe record itself identifies Widowsky as a 2nd Lieutenant and Navigator with the 509th Composite Group, 393rd Squadron, assigned to Crew B-8.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost significantly, Widowsky's combat record contains the entry 8\/9\/45 - Nagasaki, directly corresponding with his handwritten Nagasaki mission inscription.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of the 509th Composite Group identification, Nagasaki combat entry, advance weather reconnaissance inscription, navigator designation, and Beckett Authentication Services authentication makes this an outstanding piece of World War II, atomic bomb, and military aviation history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease note that the underlying document is a first-generation copy of the original wartime record and is not being represented as the original World War II document. Jack Widowsky subsequently hand-signed and inscribed this first-generation copy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlease review all photographs carefully as they are considered part of the item description.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eImportant Information\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• First-generation copy of Jack Widowsky's original Record of Combat Duty\u003cbr\u003e• Subsequently personally hand-signed and inscribed by Jack Widowsky\u003cbr\u003e• Inscribed \"NAVIGATOR - 'TOP SECRET CREW'\"\u003cbr\u003e• Inscribed \"AUG. 9, 1945 ADV. WEATHER RECON NAGASAKI MISSION\"\u003cbr\u003e• Widowsky identified on the record as Navigator\u003cbr\u003e• 509th Composite Group\u003cbr\u003e• 393rd Squadron\u003cbr\u003e• Crew No. B-8\u003cbr\u003e• Records Nagasaki - August 9, 1945\u003cbr\u003e• Also records an August 14, 1945 mission to Koromo\u003cbr\u003e• Widowsky's Air Medal recorded on the document\u003cbr\u003e• Authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)\u003cbr\u003e• Beckett Certification #D87706\u003cbr\u003e• Includes Beckett Authentication Services Certificate of Authenticity (COA)\u003cbr\u003e• Authentic hand-signed autograph and inscriptions\u003cbr\u003e• Not an autopen, facsimile, or printed signature\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAuthentication\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Jack Widowsky signature and inscriptions have been professionally authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), one of the leading third-party autograph authentication companies in the collectibles industry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe piece includes its corresponding Beckett Authentication Services Certificate of Authenticity (COA).\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBAS Certification #D87706\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Beckett authentication sticker is affixed to the document as shown in the photographs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the Document\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Record of Combat Duty identifies Jack Widowsky as a 2nd Lieutenant and Navigator assigned to the 509th Composite Group, 393rd Squadron.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis crew is identified as Crew B-8.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe document records Widowsky's combat flying activity during the final days of World War II. Most significantly, the first visible combat entry records 8\/9\/45 - Nagasaki.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWidowsky subsequently signed this first-generation copy in blue ink and added the particularly desirable inscriptions \"NAVIGATOR - 'TOP SECRET CREW'\" and \"AUG. 9, 1945 ADV. WEATHER RECON NAGASAKI MISSION.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe document also records a subsequent August 14, 1945 mission to Koromo and identifies Widowsky as a recipient of the Air Medal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of the original record information and Widowsky's later handwritten explanation provides important firsthand context concerning his wartime service.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJack Widowsky \u0026amp; the Nagasaki Mission\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJack Widowsky served as a navigator with the 509th Composite Group's 393rd Squadron during World War II.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHis handwritten inscription specifically identifies his participation in the August 9, 1945 advance weather reconnaissance mission to Nagasaki.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWeather reconnaissance played a critical role in atomic bomb operations. Advance aircraft were dispatched to evaluate weather conditions over potential targets, with their reports helping determine whether conditions were suitable for the mission.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWidowsky's inscription therefore provides a compelling personal connection to the supporting operations surrounding the historic August 9, 1945 Nagasaki atomic bomb mission.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEspecially significant is that Widowsky placed this mission-specific inscription directly on a first-generation copy of his own combat record, which itself records Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout the 509th Composite Group\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 509th Composite Group was the specialized United States Army Air Forces organization created to conduct atomic bombing operations during World War II.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe unit trained at Wendover Field, Utah, before deploying to the Mariana Islands and operating from Tinian.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOn August 6, 1945, the 509th carried out the atomic bombing mission against Hiroshima. Three days later, on August 9, 1945, the group conducted the second atomic bombing mission against Nagasaki.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAtomic missions required considerably more than the bomb-carrying aircraft alone. Weather reconnaissance, observation, instrumentation, photography, and supporting aircraft and crews all played important roles in the operations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 509th Composite Group consequently occupies a unique position in military, aviation, scientific, and nuclear history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy This Piece Is Special\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis piece combines several highly desirable areas of World War II collecting:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Jack Widowsky autograph\u003cbr\u003e• \"NAVIGATOR - 'TOP SECRET CREW'\" inscription\u003cbr\u003e• \"AUG. 9, 1945 ADV. WEATHER RECON NAGASAKI MISSION\" inscription\u003cbr\u003e• Nagasaki - August 9, 1945\u003cbr\u003e• Advance weather reconnaissance\u003cbr\u003e• 509th Composite Group\u003cbr\u003e• 393rd Squadron\u003cbr\u003e• Navigator - Crew B-8\u003cbr\u003e• Atomic bomb history\u003cbr\u003e• Air Medal recipient\u003cbr\u003e• Pacific Theater aviation history\u003cbr\u003e• First-generation copy of Widowsky's combat record\u003cbr\u003e• Beckett Authentication Services authentication\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost importantly, Widowsky did not simply sign an unrelated photograph or modern commemorative piece.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe personally signed and annotated a first-generation copy of his own wartime combat record, specifically identifying his role as navigator and his participation in the August 9, 1945 advance weather reconnaissance mission to Nagasaki.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe combat record itself displays 8\/9\/45 - Nagasaki, creating exceptional historical context for the autograph and inscription.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollecting 509th Composite Group \u0026amp; Atomic Bomb Memorabilia\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMaterial associated with the 509th Composite Group represents one of the most historically significant areas of World War II aviation collecting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollectors frequently pursue material connected with:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• 509th Composite Group veterans\u003cbr\u003e• 393rd Bombardment Squadron\u003cbr\u003e• Hiroshima\u003cbr\u003e• Nagasaki\u003cbr\u003e• Enola Gay\u003cbr\u003e• Bockscar\u003cbr\u003e• The Great Artiste\u003cbr\u003e• Weather reconnaissance crews\u003cbr\u003e• Tinian\u003cbr\u003e• Wendover Field\u003cbr\u003e• Manhattan Project\u003cbr\u003e• Atomic bomb missions\u003cbr\u003e• Signed crew and combat records\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMission-specific veteran inscriptions are particularly compelling because they preserve the participant's own description of his role in a historic operation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisplay Appeal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis piece offers outstanding display appeal.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe prominent RECORD OF COMBAT DUTY heading, 509th group and 393rd Squadron identification, Crew B-8designation, Widowsky's navigator position, clearly visible 8\/9\/45 NAGASAKI entry, and extensive blue-ink mission inscription immediately communicate its historical significance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe handwritten reference to the \"ADV. WEATHER RECON NAGASAKI MISSION\" makes this an especially compelling display piece for a collection focused on the 509th Composite Group, Nagasaki, atomic bomb history, World War II aviation, weather reconnaissance, or authenticated veteran autographs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShipping\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• Ships within one business day of cleared payment\u003cbr\u003e• Professionally packaged for safe delivery\u003cbr\u003e• Tracking included\u003cbr\u003e• Fully insured shipment\u003cbr\u003e• Signature confirmation may be required\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout PS Collectibles\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePS Collectibles specializes in authentic aviation, military, historical, sports, entertainment, space, and music memorabilia.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePreserve History. Share Stories. Deliver Authenticity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBe sure to visit our store for additional authenticated military autographs, World War II memorabilia, historical documents, and investment-quality collectibles.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePS Collectibles\u003cbr\u003eA Division of When It Was A Game, Inc.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))","brand":"Always Autographed","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54661630951648,"sku":"D87706","price":76.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0823\/0178\/0192\/files\/7a968fe0-ab7f-5d5b-b5dc-21ec3012964a.webp?v=1788454951","url":"https:\/\/alwaysautographed.com\/products\/jack-widowsky-signed-509th-nagasaki-weather-recon-navigator-bas-d87706","provider":"Always Autographed","version":"1.0","type":"link"}