Certificate of Participation; [together with] Atomic Energy and Radiological Defence. AFTRC Manual 52-355-1.

A certificate issued to Edward R. Driese "for participating in work essential to the production of the Atomic Bomb, thereby contributing to the successful conclusion of World War II". It is dated 6 August 1945, the day the atomic bomb was detonated over Hiroshima, and has the printed signature of the Secretary of War, Henry L. Stimson. Driese was a builder who worked in California; his state contractor's licence is loosely inserted in the manual, of which this is the restricted edition. A public edition was published the following year. It contains information on atomic technology, including the theory of the atom, the construction of the bomb, and the principles of atomic defence. The printed watermark on the certificate depicts a Manhattan Project Service Pin, which was issued in either bronze (as the depiction here) or silver, the latter designating service of over a year. Single sheet of thick paper stock (279 x 214 mm), watermarked with War Office crest. Manual within original morocco leatherette covers, three metal screws. Certificate lightly toned, a handful of marks to outer left edge, else both in very good condition.…