{"product_id":"jack-widowsky-signed-509th-top-secret-crew-combat-record-bas-d87675","title":"Jack Widowsky Signed 509th Top Secret Crew Combat Record BAS D87675","description":"Jack Widowsky Signed 509th Top Secret Crew Combat Record BAS D87675\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 three combat missions flown during July 1945.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis historically significant first-generation copy was subsequently personally hand-signed and inscribed by Jack Widowsky, who added:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"NAVIGATOR - CREW B-8 'TOP SECRET'\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe record identifies Widowsky as a 2nd Lieutenant and Navigator with the 509th Composite Group, 393rd Squadron, assigned to Crew B-8.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe document records three combat missions during July 1945, including operations against Otsu, Yokkaichi, and Ube, Japan, providing a fascinating record of Widowsky's wartime service during the final weeks of World War II.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of the 509th Composite Group identification, three documented combat missions, Crew B-8 designation, Widowsky's \"TOP SECRET\" inscription, and Beckett Authentication Services authentication makes this an outstanding piece of World War II 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 - CREW B-8 'TOP SECRET'\"\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 three July 1945 combat missions\u003cbr\u003e• July 20, 1945 - Otsu\u003cbr\u003e• July 24, 1945 - Yokkaichi\u003cbr\u003e• July 29, 1945 - Ube\u003cbr\u003e• Authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)\u003cbr\u003e• Beckett Certification #D87675\u003cbr\u003e• Includes Beckett Authentication Services Certificate of Authenticity (COA)\u003cbr\u003e• Authentic hand-signed autograph and inscription\u003cbr\u003e• Not an autopen, facsimile, or printed signature\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAuthentication\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Jack Widowsky signature and inscription 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 #D87675\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 record documents three combat missions during July 1945:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e• July 20, 1945 - Otsu - 13:20 combat flying hours\u003cbr\u003e• July 24, 1945 - Yokkaichi - 11:50 combat flying hours\u003cbr\u003e• July 29, 1945 - Ube - 12:15 combat flying hours\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing these missions, the document records cumulative combat flying time of approximately 37 hours and 25 minutes and three crew-credit sorties.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWidowsky subsequently signed this first-generation copy prominently in blue ink and added the inscription \"NAVIGATOR - CREW B-8 'TOP SECRET.'\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe combination of Widowsky's wartime combat information and his later handwritten identification provides important firsthand context concerning his service.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAbout Jack Widowsky\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eJack Widowsky served as a navigator with the 509th Composite Group's 393rd Squadron during World War II.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Record of Combat Duty identifies Widowsky as a 2nd Lieutenant, lists his position as Navigator, and assigns him to Crew B-8.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe document records his participation in combat operations against Japan during July 1945, only weeks before the conclusion of the Pacific War.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWidowsky's handwritten \"NAVIGATOR - CREW B-8 'TOP SECRET'\" inscription is particularly desirable because the veteran himself identifies his position and crew assignment directly on a first-generation copy of his wartime combat record.\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\u003eThe 509th conducted conventional and practice combat operations in addition to preparing for its highly classified atomic mission.\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\u003eThe 509th Composite Group consequently occupies a unique position in military, aviation, scientific, and nuclear history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVeteran-signed combat records such as this provide collectors with a tangible connection to the individual airmen who served within this historically important organization.\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 - CREW B-8 'TOP SECRET'\" inscription\u003cbr\u003e• 509th Composite Group\u003cbr\u003e• 393rd Squadron\u003cbr\u003e• Crew B-8\u003cbr\u003e• Three documented July 1945 combat missions\u003cbr\u003e• Otsu, Yokkaichi, and Ube missions\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, identifying himself as Navigator - Crew B-8 and adding the evocative \"TOP SECRET\" inscription.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe record's direct identification of the 509th Composite Group and its documentation of three combat missions during July 1945 give the autograph substantial historical context.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollecting 509th Composite Group 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• Tinian\u003cbr\u003e• Wendover Field\u003cbr\u003e• Manhattan Project\u003cbr\u003e• Atomic bomb missions\u003cbr\u003e• Pacific Theater combat operations\u003cbr\u003e• Signed crew and combat records\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eVeteran-signed records documenting individual crew members and their wartime activities offer collectors an especially compelling connection to the personnel behind the 509th's historic operations.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDisplay Appeal\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis piece offers excellent 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, three July 1945 combat entries, and blue-ink \"NAVIGATOR - CREW B-8 'TOP SECRET'\" inscription immediately communicate its historical character.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt would make an outstanding addition to a collection focused on the 509th Composite Group, World War II aviation, Pacific Theater, atomic bomb history, 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":54661639143648,"sku":"D87675","price":76.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0823\/0178\/0192\/files\/bb56f07f-e6f2-57e3-aa36-c32f7f273392.webp?v=1788455031","url":"https:\/\/alwaysautographed.com\/products\/jack-widowsky-signed-509th-top-secret-crew-combat-record-bas-d87675","provider":"Always Autographed","version":"1.0","type":"link"}