Title: Flown Envelope Carried and Signed by Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets – May 10, 1979 Business Flight – PSA/DNA Slabbed & Certified

Description:
This rare flown envelope was personally carried and signed by Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets, famed pilot of the Enola Gay, during a business flight conducted on May 10, 1979. Slabbed and certified authentic by PSA/DNA (#85489125), the envelope documents the flight details in type and ink, including Tibbets’ own signature at the bottom.

Typed across the top is the note: "CARRIED BY B/G PAUL W. TIBBETS", confirming its provenance. The envelope records a round-trip flight from Columbus, Ohio to Providence, Rhode Island, with Tibbets noting the aircraft as a Learjet 25, No. N265EJ, under the purpose of “Business”, and with the remark “Routine Flight.” The envelope is postmarked May 10, 1979, with accompanying 2¢ and 13¢ U.S. postage stamps, affirming its postal authenticity and era.

Historical Context:
Brig. Gen. Paul W. Tibbets is best known as the pilot who commanded the historic August 6, 1945, mission to drop the atomic bomb over Hiroshima in the aircraft Enola Gay. After World War II, Tibbets continued to work in aviation, both military and civilian. By 1979, he had long since retired from active military duty but remained active in aviation through business and commemorative flights.

This envelope reflects one of those peacetime aviation endeavors, demonstrating Tibbets’ continued involvement in flight well into his post-military career. Though not tied to combat or wartime events, this document showcases the day-to-day aviation activity of a man whose legacy reshaped 20th-century history.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Encapsulated and authenticated by PSA/DNA, this envelope bears the certification label confirming the authentic autograph of Paul W. Tibbets, with certification number 85489125. The slabbed format ensures long-term preservation and collector confidence.

Closing Appeal:
Flown and signed by one of World War II's most pivotal figures, this envelope bridges Tibbets' wartime legacy with his later aviation career. With precise flight details and authentic provenance, it is a unique artifact for collectors of military, aviation, and American historical memorabilia—highlighting a quieter chapter in the life of a man who helped change the course of history.