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, also signed by stamp creator Gerry Newhouse and aviation artist Ron Kaplan. Features the rescinded “Atomic Bombs End WWII” stamp and artwork of the Enola Gay B-29 Superfortress.

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.

Tibbets (1915–2007) piloted the Enola Gay during the Hiroshima mission, while Ferebee (1918–2000) served as bombardier. Their actions on August 6, 1945, helped bring World War II to its close, marking a turning point in world history.

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

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Reference sku: 11667 1411678-1