World War II is filled with tales of horror and heroism. One significant moment was when the pilot who dropped the first bomb on Japan shared his experience of that fateful day. Over time, we risk losing sight of these pivotal moments in history.
World War II remains one of the most critical periods, marked by events that shaped the modern world. The atomic bombs dropped on Japan by the US stand out as some of the most terrifying and significant moments of the conflict. The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are the only instances of nuclear weapons being used in warfare.
Paul Tibbets captained the Enola Gay, the B-29 plane that released the first bomb, Little Boy, over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. In a British documentary, Tibbets recounted the bombing, describing the mushroom cloud that followed the explosion, which claimed approximately 140,000 lives.
Interview from 1974 with pilot Colonal Paul Tibbets, the guy that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima pic.twitter.com/cOlMwQGvRW
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) September 28, 2024
He mentioned that, like most missions, the crew engaged in some conversation before a quiet period ensued. The bomb took about 53 seconds to hit the ground and explode, giving the crew enough time to turn the plane around and witness the blast. Tibbets described the day as clear and sunny, with unrestricted visibility, allowing them to see Hiroshima as they circled back.
He recalled seeing a massive cloud rising to their altitude of 33,000 feet within two minutes, boiling and rolling like a barrel of tar. Where there once was a city with distinct houses and buildings, there was now only black, boiling debris. The crew took pictures swiftly, and Tibbets’ immediate concern was to leave the area quickly.
Interview with Paul Tibbets, the man who piloted the Enola Gay when it dropped the atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The bomb killed over 70,000 people. pic.twitter.com/16oFKIqz8J
— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) April 9, 2024
The documentary also includes accounts from Japanese survivors, alongside Tibbets’ testimony.
What Other Media Are Saying
- General Paul Tibbets: Reflections on Hiroshima – General Tibbets recounts the atomic bombing mission, emphasizing its success in ending World War II and his pride in preserving his country’s integrity.(read more)
- The Manhattan Project reveals the pivotal decision to use the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in July 1945, driven by Truman’s desire to avoid further bloodshed and end the war swiftly.(read more)
- Britannica documents the Enola Gay’s role in the first atomic bombing of Hiroshima, emphasizing its historic significance, crew experiences, and post-war controversies.
None.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who was the pilot of the Enola Gay?
When was the first atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima?
What was the name of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima?
How long did the bomb take to hit the ground after being dropped?
What did Tibbets see after the bomb exploded?
A black boiling cloud of debris.
