VAN KIRK, THEODORE "DUTCH". 1921-2014.

VAN KIRK, THEODORE "DUTCH". 1921-2014.
Air Escape Plan, Hiroshima Atomic Mission, 6 Aug. 1945. Autograph diagram, signed ("Major Theodore Van Kirk"), 1 p, on ink on grey paper, depicting the target area at Hiroshima indicated by a shaded circle, surrounded by a larger circular perimeter, and trajectory paths of the flight on approach and escape. The captions explain the trajectories of both Enola Gay and an instrument plane, Great Artiste, which turned away prior to the final approach and release of the bomb. Both aircraft made 150-degree turns, and the "Bomb Flash" is indicated at a point where Enola Gay was nearing the wider perimeter around Hiroshima. Also indicated on the escape path are "First Shock Wave" and "2nd Shock Wave." At the lower left corner is a list of flight statistics, showing altitude, air speed, bomb detonation altitude and time, etc.

Van Kirk attended many military fairs, reunions and other gatherings, where he was happy to sign books, or reinact his role as navigator of the Enola Gay. This signed diagram is one such piece.