Details:

Paul Tibbets and Charles Sweeney autographed commemorative “First Day of Non-Issue” cover honoring the 50th Anniversary of the end of World War II. Both men were key figures in the atomic missions that brought World War II to a close—Tibbets piloted the Enola Gay, which dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, while Sweeney commanded the Bockscar, which delivered the second bomb over Nagasaki on August 9, 1945.

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 Boeing B-29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. His leadership of the 509th Composite Group was pivotal in executing the mission that helped end the war.

Major General Charles W. Sweeney (1919–2004) piloted the Bockscar, which dropped the second atomic bomb over Nagasaki three days later. His skill and composure under pressure ensured the success of one of the most consequential missions in military history.

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

Premium:
A 25% Buyers Premium Will Be Added to All Winning Bids

Reference sku: 11667 1411687-1