The document provided a detailed account of the bombing of Hiroshima.
On August 9, 1945, members of the 509th CG flew Bockscar over Nagasaki, Japan, and dropped the atomic bomb codenamed “Fatman”.Īccording to the History of the 509th CG, the primary target of Atomic Bombing Mission Number 1, was Hiroshima with Nagasaki as an alternate. Paul Tibbets Jr., the 509th CG commander, flew the Enola Gay and dropped the atomic bomb codenamed “Little Boy” on Augon Hiroshima, Japan. Army Air Force established and activated the other units that fell under the 509th CG for the express purpose of the Silverplate missions.Ĭol. The 393rd Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) was the only tactical unit in existence before the 509th CG was activated. The 509th Composite Group, activated on December 17, 1944, specifically for these missions, flew Silverplate B-29 Superfortresses, which were specially designed with less armor and defensive armaments so they could carry the weight of the bombs.
Truman authorized the drop of two atomic bombs, effectively ending World War II in the Pacific theater. Seventy four years ago, President Harry S.
