(1921- ) Navigator of the Enola Gay that dropped the first Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima. Van Kirk earlier had flown both Generals Mark Clark and Dwight Eisenhower on secret missions regarding the invasion of North Africa. After flying 58 missions as a navigator on missions over Europe and North Africa he returned to the U.S. and from 1944 on tested with pilot Paul Tibbets and bombardier Tom Ferebee for the atomic bomb mission over Japan. He later worked on Operation Crossroads, the first bombing of Bikini Atoll atomic tests. He retired in 1946 as a Major and was awarded the Silver Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross and 15 Air Medals. Signed Photo, 8x10 Portrait.

Ask a question about this item. 

Return to Catalog