John Downey Signed 509th Trinity Test Flight Record Laggin Dragon BAS D87992
$87.99
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John Downey Signed 509th Trinity Test Flight Record Laggin Dragon BAS D87992
Item Description
Offered is an exceptional first-generation copy of the original World War II Individual Flight Record for 509th Composite Group bombardier John L. Downey, subsequently personally hand-signed and extensively inscribed by Downey with details of his crew assignment and a flight associated with the historic Trinity atomic bomb test.
The record identifies John L. Downey as a 2nd Lieutenant and Air Corps bombardier, with assignments shown to the 20th Air Force, 313th Bombardment Wing, 509th Composite Group, and 393rd Bombardment Squadron.
Downey subsequently signed this first-generation copy in blue ink and added an extensive handwritten inscription identifying himself as:
"John L. Downey - Bombardier"
"393rd Bombardment Sqdn (VH)"
"509th Composite Grp"
"Costello's Crew A-2"
"B-29 'Laggin' Dragon'"
Most significantly, Downey added a detailed handwritten account of a flight associated with the Trinity Test, stating that the flight was made by Ed Costello, A/C, Harry Davis, P and himself to observe the Trinity Test at Alamogordo, New Mexico, before returning to Tinian with the results of the test.
The combination of Downey's signature, 509th Composite Group identification, Laggin' Dragon inscription, Crew A-2 association, Trinity Test narrative, and Beckett Authentication Services authentication makes this an exceptional piece of Manhattan Project, atomic bomb, World War II, and military aviation history.
Please note that the underlying document is a first-generation copy of the original wartime flight record and is not being represented as the original World War II document. John Downey subsequently hand-signed and inscribed this first-generation copy.
Please review all photographs carefully as they are considered part of the item description.
Important Information
• First-generation copy of John L. Downey's original Individual Flight Record
• Subsequently personally hand-signed and extensively inscribed by John L. Downey
• Downey identified himself as Bombardier
• 509th Composite Group
• 393rd Bombardment Squadron (VH)
• 20th Air Force
• 313th Bombardment Wing
• Costello's Crew A-2
• Inscribed B-29 "Laggin' Dragon"
• Extensive handwritten account referencing the Trinity Test
• References Alamogordo, New Mexico
• References Ed Costello and Harry Davis
• Authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
• Beckett Certification #D87992
• Includes Beckett Authentication Services Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
• Authentic hand-signed autograph and inscriptions
• Not an autopen, facsimile, or printed signature
Authentication
The John L. Downey signature and handwritten inscriptions have been professionally authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), one of the leading third-party autograph authentication companies in the collectibles industry.
The piece includes its corresponding Beckett Authentication Services Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
BAS Certification #D87992
The Beckett authentication sticker is affixed to the document as shown in the photographs.
About the Document
The Individual Flight Record identifies John L. Downey as a 2nd Lieutenant and lists his branch as the Air Corps.
The organizational information appearing across the record includes the 20th Air Force, 313th Bombardment Wing, 509th Composite Group, and 393rd Bombardment Squadron.
The record is dated July 1945, placing it during one of the most consequential months in the history of the Manhattan Project and the war in the Pacific.
Downey subsequently transformed this first-generation copy into a particularly significant signed historical piece by adding extensive handwritten information about his wartime service.
He identifies himself as a Bombardier with the 393rd Bombardment Squadron and 509th Composite Group, names his assignment as Costello's Crew A-2, and identifies the B-29 "Laggin' Dragon."
He then added a lengthy handwritten account describing a flight associated with observation of the Trinity Test at Alamogordo, New Mexico and the return to Tinian with the results of the test.
John Downey & the Trinity Test Inscription
The most compelling feature of this piece is Downey's extensive handwritten Trinity Test inscription.
The Trinity Test, conducted in New Mexico on July 16, 1945, was the world's first detonation of a nuclear weapon and represented the culmination of years of work by the Manhattan Project.
Rather than merely adding his signature to the document, Downey personally recorded details connecting himself and fellow crew members with a flight associated with observing the historic test.
His inscription references:
• Ed Costello - Aircraft Commander
• Harry Davis - Pilot
• John Downey
• Trinity Test
• Alamogordo, New Mexico
• Return to Tinian with results of the test
This type of detailed, veteran-written historical annotation gives the piece substantially greater context than a standard signed photograph or generic autograph.
About John L. Downey
John L. Downey served as a bombardier with the 393rd Bombardment Squadron of the 509th Composite Groupduring World War II.
On this piece, Downey personally identifies his assignment as Costello's Crew A-2 and names the B-29 "Laggin' Dragon."
The extensive inscription is particularly desirable because Downey provides the information in his own hand directly on a first-generation copy of his military flight record.
His signature and annotations create a firsthand link between an individual 509th veteran, his aircraft and crew assignment, and the historic atomic weapons program.
About the Trinity Test
The Trinity Test was conducted on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico and marked the first successful detonation of a nuclear weapon.
The test represented a defining milestone of the Manhattan Project and fundamentally changed military and world history.
Less than one month later, atomic bombs would be used against Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.
Documents and veteran inscriptions connecting personnel of the 509th Composite Group with Trinity are especially compelling because they connect the operational atomic-bomb unit with the testing and development phase immediately preceding the combat missions against Japan.
About the 509th Composite Group
The 509th Composite Group was the specialized United States Army Air Forces organization created to conduct atomic bombing operations during World War II.
The group trained at Wendover Field, Utah, before deploying to the Mariana Islands and operating from Tinian.
The unit's crews and personnel operated specially configured B-29 Superfortresses and underwent highly specialized training for their secret mission.
On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay carried the atomic bomb Little Boy to Hiroshima.
Three days later, on August 9, 1945, Bockscar carried the second atomic bomb mission to Nagasaki.
The 509th Composite Group consequently occupies a unique position in World War II, aviation, Manhattan Project, and nuclear history.
Why This Piece Is Special
This piece combines an exceptional group of historically significant elements:
• John L. Downey autograph
• Extensive handwritten historical inscription
• Trinity Test reference
• Alamogordo, New Mexico reference
• 509th Composite Group
• 393rd Bombardment Squadron
• 20th Air Force
• 313th Bombardment Wing
• Costello's Crew A-2
• B-29 "Laggin' Dragon"
• Manhattan Project history
• Atomic bomb history
• July 1945 flight record
• First-generation copy of Downey's original military record
• Beckett Authentication Services authentication
Most importantly, Downey did not simply sign an unrelated photograph or modern commemorative piece.
He personally signed and extensively annotated a first-generation copy of his own military flight record, identifying his crew, aircraft, position, and connection to a flight associated with the historic Trinity Test.
That firsthand narrative gives the piece exceptional historical character and crossover appeal.
Collecting 509th Composite Group & Manhattan Project Memorabilia
Material associated with the 509th Composite Group and Manhattan Project represents one of the most historically significant areas of World War II collecting.
Collectors frequently pursue material connected with:
• Trinity Test
• Manhattan Project
• 509th Composite Group veterans
• 393rd Bombardment Squadron
• Hiroshima
• Nagasaki
• Enola Gay
• Bockscar
• B-29 Superfortress aircraft
• Tinian
• Wendover Field
• Alamogordo
• Signed wartime flight records
Mission- and event-specific inscriptions are particularly desirable because they preserve the veteran's own account of his participation in historic operations.
Display Appeal
This piece offers exceptional display appeal.
The military Individual Flight Record, clearly visible 509th and 393rd organizational information, and Downey's extensive blue-ink handwriting immediately distinguish the piece.
His references to Costello's Crew A-2, B-29 "Laggin' Dragon," the Trinity Test, Alamogordo, and Tinian create a remarkable visual narrative connecting the document to the origins of the atomic age.
It would make an outstanding addition to a collection focused on the 509th Composite Group, Trinity Test, Manhattan Project, atomic bomb history, B-29 aviation, World War II, or authenticated veteran autographs.
Shipping
• Ships within one business day of cleared payment
• Professionally packaged for safe delivery
• Tracking included
• Fully insured shipment
• Signature confirmation may be required
About PS Collectibles
PS Collectibles specializes in authentic aviation, military, historical, sports, entertainment, space, and music memorabilia.
Preserve History. Share Stories. Deliver Authenticity.
Be sure to visit our store for additional authenticated military autographs, World War II memorabilia, historical documents, and investment-quality collectibles.
PS Collectibles
A Division of When It Was A Game, Inc.
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))
John Downey Signed 509th Trinity Test Flight Record Laggin Dragon BAS D87992
$87.99
Item Description
Offered is an exceptional first-generation copy of the original World War II Individual Flight Record for 509th Composite Group bombardier John L. Downey, subsequently personally hand-signed and extensively inscribed by Downey with details of his crew assignment and a flight associated with the historic Trinity atomic bomb test.
The record identifies John L. Downey as a 2nd Lieutenant and Air Corps bombardier, with assignments shown to the 20th Air Force, 313th Bombardment Wing, 509th Composite Group, and 393rd Bombardment Squadron.
Downey subsequently signed this first-generation copy in blue ink and added an extensive handwritten inscription identifying himself as:
"John L. Downey - Bombardier"
"393rd Bombardment Sqdn (VH)"
"509th Composite Grp"
"Costello's Crew A-2"
"B-29 'Laggin' Dragon'"
Most significantly, Downey added a detailed handwritten account of a flight associated with the Trinity Test, stating that the flight was made by Ed Costello, A/C, Harry Davis, P and himself to observe the Trinity Test at Alamogordo, New Mexico, before returning to Tinian with the results of the test.
The combination of Downey's signature, 509th Composite Group identification, Laggin' Dragon inscription, Crew A-2 association, Trinity Test narrative, and Beckett Authentication Services authentication makes this an exceptional piece of Manhattan Project, atomic bomb, World War II, and military aviation history.
Please note that the underlying document is a first-generation copy of the original wartime flight record and is not being represented as the original World War II document. John Downey subsequently hand-signed and inscribed this first-generation copy.
Please review all photographs carefully as they are considered part of the item description.
Important Information
• First-generation copy of John L. Downey's original Individual Flight Record
• Subsequently personally hand-signed and extensively inscribed by John L. Downey
• Downey identified himself as Bombardier
• 509th Composite Group
• 393rd Bombardment Squadron (VH)
• 20th Air Force
• 313th Bombardment Wing
• Costello's Crew A-2
• Inscribed B-29 "Laggin' Dragon"
• Extensive handwritten account referencing the Trinity Test
• References Alamogordo, New Mexico
• References Ed Costello and Harry Davis
• Authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS)
• Beckett Certification #D87992
• Includes Beckett Authentication Services Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
• Authentic hand-signed autograph and inscriptions
• Not an autopen, facsimile, or printed signature
Authentication
The John L. Downey signature and handwritten inscriptions have been professionally authenticated by Beckett Authentication Services (BAS), one of the leading third-party autograph authentication companies in the collectibles industry.
The piece includes its corresponding Beckett Authentication Services Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
BAS Certification #D87992
The Beckett authentication sticker is affixed to the document as shown in the photographs.
About the Document
The Individual Flight Record identifies John L. Downey as a 2nd Lieutenant and lists his branch as the Air Corps.
The organizational information appearing across the record includes the 20th Air Force, 313th Bombardment Wing, 509th Composite Group, and 393rd Bombardment Squadron.
The record is dated July 1945, placing it during one of the most consequential months in the history of the Manhattan Project and the war in the Pacific.
Downey subsequently transformed this first-generation copy into a particularly significant signed historical piece by adding extensive handwritten information about his wartime service.
He identifies himself as a Bombardier with the 393rd Bombardment Squadron and 509th Composite Group, names his assignment as Costello's Crew A-2, and identifies the B-29 "Laggin' Dragon."
He then added a lengthy handwritten account describing a flight associated with observation of the Trinity Test at Alamogordo, New Mexico and the return to Tinian with the results of the test.
John Downey & the Trinity Test Inscription
The most compelling feature of this piece is Downey's extensive handwritten Trinity Test inscription.
The Trinity Test, conducted in New Mexico on July 16, 1945, was the world's first detonation of a nuclear weapon and represented the culmination of years of work by the Manhattan Project.
Rather than merely adding his signature to the document, Downey personally recorded details connecting himself and fellow crew members with a flight associated with observing the historic test.
His inscription references:
• Ed Costello - Aircraft Commander
• Harry Davis - Pilot
• John Downey
• Trinity Test
• Alamogordo, New Mexico
• Return to Tinian with results of the test
This type of detailed, veteran-written historical annotation gives the piece substantially greater context than a standard signed photograph or generic autograph.
About John L. Downey
John L. Downey served as a bombardier with the 393rd Bombardment Squadron of the 509th Composite Groupduring World War II.
On this piece, Downey personally identifies his assignment as Costello's Crew A-2 and names the B-29 "Laggin' Dragon."
The extensive inscription is particularly desirable because Downey provides the information in his own hand directly on a first-generation copy of his military flight record.
His signature and annotations create a firsthand link between an individual 509th veteran, his aircraft and crew assignment, and the historic atomic weapons program.
About the Trinity Test
The Trinity Test was conducted on July 16, 1945 in New Mexico and marked the first successful detonation of a nuclear weapon.
The test represented a defining milestone of the Manhattan Project and fundamentally changed military and world history.
Less than one month later, atomic bombs would be used against Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, and Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.
Documents and veteran inscriptions connecting personnel of the 509th Composite Group with Trinity are especially compelling because they connect the operational atomic-bomb unit with the testing and development phase immediately preceding the combat missions against Japan.
About the 509th Composite Group
The 509th Composite Group was the specialized United States Army Air Forces organization created to conduct atomic bombing operations during World War II.
The group trained at Wendover Field, Utah, before deploying to the Mariana Islands and operating from Tinian.
The unit's crews and personnel operated specially configured B-29 Superfortresses and underwent highly specialized training for their secret mission.
On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay carried the atomic bomb Little Boy to Hiroshima.
Three days later, on August 9, 1945, Bockscar carried the second atomic bomb mission to Nagasaki.
The 509th Composite Group consequently occupies a unique position in World War II, aviation, Manhattan Project, and nuclear history.
Why This Piece Is Special
This piece combines an exceptional group of historically significant elements:
• John L. Downey autograph
• Extensive handwritten historical inscription
• Trinity Test reference
• Alamogordo, New Mexico reference
• 509th Composite Group
• 393rd Bombardment Squadron
• 20th Air Force
• 313th Bombardment Wing
• Costello's Crew A-2
• B-29 "Laggin' Dragon"
• Manhattan Project history
• Atomic bomb history
• July 1945 flight record
• First-generation copy of Downey's original military record
• Beckett Authentication Services authentication
Most importantly, Downey did not simply sign an unrelated photograph or modern commemorative piece.
He personally signed and extensively annotated a first-generation copy of his own military flight record, identifying his crew, aircraft, position, and connection to a flight associated with the historic Trinity Test.
That firsthand narrative gives the piece exceptional historical character and crossover appeal.
Collecting 509th Composite Group & Manhattan Project Memorabilia
Material associated with the 509th Composite Group and Manhattan Project represents one of the most historically significant areas of World War II collecting.
Collectors frequently pursue material connected with:
• Trinity Test
• Manhattan Project
• 509th Composite Group veterans
• 393rd Bombardment Squadron
• Hiroshima
• Nagasaki
• Enola Gay
• Bockscar
• B-29 Superfortress aircraft
• Tinian
• Wendover Field
• Alamogordo
• Signed wartime flight records
Mission- and event-specific inscriptions are particularly desirable because they preserve the veteran's own account of his participation in historic operations.
Display Appeal
This piece offers exceptional display appeal.
The military Individual Flight Record, clearly visible 509th and 393rd organizational information, and Downey's extensive blue-ink handwriting immediately distinguish the piece.
His references to Costello's Crew A-2, B-29 "Laggin' Dragon," the Trinity Test, Alamogordo, and Tinian create a remarkable visual narrative connecting the document to the origins of the atomic age.
It would make an outstanding addition to a collection focused on the 509th Composite Group, Trinity Test, Manhattan Project, atomic bomb history, B-29 aviation, World War II, or authenticated veteran autographs.
Shipping
• Ships within one business day of cleared payment
• Professionally packaged for safe delivery
• Tracking included
• Fully insured shipment
• Signature confirmation may be required
About PS Collectibles
PS Collectibles specializes in authentic aviation, military, historical, sports, entertainment, space, and music memorabilia.
Preserve History. Share Stories. Deliver Authenticity.
Be sure to visit our store for additional authenticated military autographs, World War II memorabilia, historical documents, and investment-quality collectibles.
PS Collectibles
A Division of When It Was A Game, Inc.
_gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))