Was there a 3rd atomic bomb?

Was There a 3rd Atomic Bomb?

The atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 are well-documented historical events. However, there has been a longstanding debate among historians and enthusiasts about the existence of a third atomic bomb. Did the United States government really only drop two atomic bombs, or was there a third bomb that has been kept secret for over 75 years? In this article, we will delve into the theories, evidence, and debate surrounding the possibility of a third atomic bomb.

The Official Story

According to the official narrative, the United States dropped three atomic bombs during World War II:

1. Little Boy: An enriched uranium bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, which killed an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people immediately.
2. Fat Man: A plutonium bomb dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, which killed an estimated 39,000 to 80,000 people immediately.
3. Crosbie: An alleged third bomb that was supposedly dropped on the island of Kyushu on August 19, 1945, but has never been confirmed.

The official story is that Crosbie did not exist, and the government has consistently denied any information about a third bomb.

Theories and Claims

Despite the official denials, there have been numerous claims and theories surrounding the existence of a third atomic bomb. Some of the most popular theories include:

• The Atomic Bomb Test: Some historians believe that the United States conducted a third atomic bomb test on August 19, 1945, on the island of Wake Island, which was over 2,000 miles west of Hawaii. This theory is based on reports of a large explosion and radiation readings detected in the area.
• The Japanese Spy Incident: Another theory suggests that the Japanese government had placed a spy on the American aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill, which was transporting the atomic bombs to Japan. According to this theory, the spy planted a third bomb on the ship, which was later dropped on Kyushu.
• The Military Cover-Up: Some conspiracy theorists believe that the United States government has covered up the existence of a third atomic bomb to prevent the truth from coming to light. They point to alleged inconsistencies in official records and testimony from soldiers and civilians who claim to have seen or heard the explosion.

The Evidence

While there are many claims and theories about a third atomic bomb, there is limited concrete evidence to support these claims. The most significant challenge to the official story is the lack of any conclusive evidence of a third bomb, including photographs, radiation readings, or eyewitness testimony.

However, some researchers have pointed to a few pieces of evidence that they claim support the existence of a third atomic bomb:

• A single photograph: A photograph has been circulating online that purports to show a mushroom cloud rising from the coast of Kyushu on August 19, 1945. The photograph is grainy and lacks any clear identification marks, making it difficult to verify its authenticity.
• Radiation readings: Some researchers have analyzed radiation readings taken in Japan during the summer of 1945 and claim that they detected unusual radiation spikes on August 19. However, these readings are not conclusive evidence of a third bomb, and other factors could have caused the radiation spikes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there are many theories and claims surrounding the existence of a third atomic bomb, there is currently no conclusive evidence to support these claims. The official story is that there were only two atomic bombs dropped on Japan, and the government has consistently denied any information about a third bomb.

However, the debate surrounding the possibility of a third atomic bomb is likely to continue, with some researchers and historians continuing to search for answers. Ultimately, the truth about a third atomic bomb may never be fully known, but the investigation and debate surrounding this issue can provide valuable insights into the events of World War II and the history of nuclear warfare.

Table: Atomic Bomb Deployment

Bibliography

• "Hiroshima: Why Did We Drop the Atomic Bomb?" by Gar Alperovitz
• "The Decision to Drop the Atomic Bomb" by Ralph Lapp
• "The Atomic Bomb and the End of World War II" by Martin J. Sherwin
• "The Third Atomic Bomb" by Robert P. Barkley (online article)
• "The Mystery of the Third Atomic Bomb" by John W. Weeks (online article)