Who was the pilot that dropped the atomic bomb?

The Pilot Who Dropped the Atomic Bomb: A Journey Through History

The decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II was one of the most significant and controversial events in human history. The pilots who carried out this mission have become iconic figures, shrouded in mystery and controversy. In this article, we will delve into the lives of the pilots who dropped the atomic bombs, and explore the complexities surrounding this pivotal moment in history.

Who Was the Pilot That Dropped the Atomic Bomb?

The answer to this question is not as simple as it seems. There were actually two pilots involved in the mission: Paul W. Tibbets Jr. and Thomas Ferebee.

Paul W. Tibbets Jr.

Paul W. Tibbets Jr. was the commander of the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. Tibbets was born on March 23, 1915, in Quincy, Illinois. He joined the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) in 1940 and trained as a bomber pilot. Tibbets was selected to lead the 509th Composite Group, a specialized unit responsible for delivering the atomic bomb.

Thomas Ferebee

Thomas Ferebee was the bombardier of the Enola Gay, responsible for releasing the atomic bomb. Ferebee was born on August 9, 1918, in South Carolina. He joined the USAAF in 1941 and underwent bombardier training. Ferebee was chosen for the mission due to his expertise in aerial navigation and bombing techniques.

The Mission

On August 6, 1945, the Enola Gay, piloted by Paul W. Tibbets Jr., took off from the US base on the Pacific island of Tinian, carrying a "Little Boy" atomic bomb. The bomb was equipped with a uranium core, which would release an intense amount of energy upon detonation. The mission was codenamed "Operation Silverplate".

The Enola Gay flew to Hiroshima, Japan, and reached the target area at 8:15 a.m. local time. Tibbets dropped the bomb at an altitude of 31,000 feet, resulting in a blast equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT. The explosion destroyed nearly 50% of the city, killing an estimated 70,000 to 80,000 people instantly.

The Aftermath

The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima was followed by a second bombing on August 9, 1945, when a "Fat Man" atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, killing an estimated 39,000 to 80,000 people. The combined shock of these bombings led to Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, bringing an end to World War II.

Controversies and Legacies

The decision to drop the atomic bomb has been the subject of intense debate and controversy. Proponents argue that the bombings saved countless lives by preventing a longer and bloodier war. Opponents argue that the bombings were a brutal and unnecessary act of violence that violated international law and human rights.

Tibbets and Ferebee were hailed as heroes by some, but also faced criticism and vilification from others. Tibbets continued to serve in the US Air Force, eventually reaching the rank of brigadier general. Ferebee retired from the military in 1962 and spent the rest of his life in relative obscurity.

Legacy of the Pilot Who Dropped the Atomic Bomb

The legacy of Paul W. Tibbets Jr. and Thomas Ferebee is complex and multifaceted. While their actions played a significant role in ending World War II, they are also forever linked to one of the most devastating acts of violence in human history.

Key Statistics and Facts

• "Little Boy" atomic bomb: 9,700 pounds, 10 feet long, 6 feet in diameter
• "Fat Man" atomic bomb: 10,000 pounds, 10 feet long, 6 feet in diameter
• Casualties in Hiroshima: 70,000 to 80,000 people killed, 70,000 injured
• Casualties in Nagasaki: 39,000 to 80,000 people killed, 60,000 injured
• Total deaths: 120,000 to 170,000 people
• Total injured: 130,000 to 150,000 people
• Paul W. Tibbets Jr.’s rank: Brigadier General (US Air Force)
• Thomas Ferebee’s rank: Lieutenant Colonel (US Air Force)

Conclusion

The pilot who dropped the atomic bomb is a figure shrouded in controversy and complexity. Paul W. Tibbets Jr. and Thomas Ferebee were chosen for their expertise and skill, but their actions also had devastating consequences. While their mission ended World War II, it also set a precedent for the use of nuclear weapons and continues to have a profound impact on international relations and nuclear policy to this day.

Table: Atomic Bomb Statistics

References

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
• Atomic Heritage Foundation
• National Museum of the United States Air Force
• Enola Gay: The Plane That Dropped the Atomic Bomb (Documentary, 2005)
• The Atomic Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (Book, 1981)