Details:

Paul Tibbets and Tom Ferebee autographed commemorative “First Day of Non-Issue” cover honoring the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Both men were key members of the Enola Gay crew, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Tibbets, the aircraft’s commander, and Ferebee, the bombardier who released the bomb, played central roles in one of the most significant missions in world history.

The cover features patriotic postage, the “Atomic Bombs End WWII” stamp. In 1994, the U.S. Postal Service planned to issue a 50th-anniversary stamp marking the end of World War II—featuring a mushroom cloud from the Hiroshima bombing—but abruptly canceled it amid public controversy. Outraged by the decision, Vietnam veteran Gerry Newhouse created his own decorative stamp to honor the event. After seeing a TV report about the controversy, Ron Kaplan, an aviation artist, visited Newhouse and offered to improve the artwork. The result was a new design depicting a B-29 flying away from a mushroom cloud with the words “Atomic bombs end World War II.” Though the stamp held no postal value, it resonated deeply with veterans and sold widely in 1995 and 1996.

Fine condition.

Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets (1915–2007) was the pilot of the Enola Gay, the B-29 Superfortress that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. His leadership and precision in executing the mission were instrumental in bringing World War II to an end.

Colonel Thomas W. Ferebee (1918–2000) served as the bombardier aboard the Enola Gay and was responsible for releasing the “Little Boy” atomic bomb over Hiroshima. Ferebee was highly respected for his technical expertise and composure under pressure during the historic flight.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11667 1411688-1