Turn Doubts into Motivation
Colonel Paul Tibbets is known for piloting the B29 Superfortress that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life exceeding 100,000 people. He also defended his decision to remain as the pilot for the first atomic bomb. He never expressed regret for his involvement in this human calamity, stating, “I have absolutely no feeling of guilt… I have no remorse whatsoever. It was an assignment, a military assignment in time of war.”
Nevertheless, Tibbets played a significant leadership role for the US Naval Air Force during the final stages of World War II. Here, we recall one of the incidents where he demonstrated his leadership capabilities. Tibbets led the 509 Composite Group (509 CG), a unit of the US Air Force assigned with the operational deployment of nuclear weapons. The 509 CG was scheduled to carry out the mission of dropping the atomic bomb on Japan. A few days prior to the assignment, his unit was substituted by another unit tasked with dropping the first atomic bomb. This shocking decision was communicated by Thomas Freebee, his colleague from the same unit.
The decision to drop Tibbets’s unit was made by General Curtis LeMay, who was responsible for overseeing strategic bombing operations in the Pacific region. Tibbets possessed superior skills compared to any other pilot under General LeMay’s command. Tibbets was dismayed over this decision. In his early years, Tibbets was a young officer with a bold demeanor. When disagreements arose, he frequently expressed his frustration by raising his voice. However, over time, he improved his approach. Tibbets could have immediately addressed the issue by bypassing Lemay’s authority. Nevertheless, Tibbets chose to adopt a different approach.
Colonel William Blanchard was tasked with supervising and coordinating atomic bombings in Japan. Tibbets immediately approached Colonel Blanchard. After taking a deep breath, he explained, both politely and firmly, why he and his unit remained the best option for this mission. He also expressed his intention to fly the mission himself. He also asked if anyone wished to check proficiency of his 509th CG, they are welcome to join one of their practice flights.
155-degree turn
The next day, Blanchard was scheduled to accompany Tibbets on a training flight to the nearby island of Rota, which remained under Japanese control. They were tasked with dropping pumpkin bombs on an airfield there. Blanchard secured himself in for the flight. Tibbets started the engines and signaled “all go” to his team: Tibbets in the pilot seat, with Robert Lewis as the copilot. They provided Blanchard with an unforgettable experience.
The B-29 reached its designated target precisely at the time estimated by navigator Dutch Van Kirk. Ferebee released the bomb, which accurately struck the intended objective. At that moment, Tibbets maneuvered the plane into a precise 155-degree turn. This maneuver was essential for the secret mission to ensure a swift departure from the blast area during the planned Hiroshima bombing. Blanchard experienced near-paralysis as the g-forces immobilized him in his seat, causing his complexion to pale. “Thats enough” ,he gasped.I am satisfied.”
We are not through yet, Tibbets said.
To provide additional assurance, Tibbets demonstrated the enhanced performance of the aircraft to the colonel, akin to a stunt driver on a movie set. Despite these maneuvers, the B-29 returned to the main airbase at Tinian within fifteen seconds of the time Van Kirk had predicted. Blanchard promptly exited as soon as the door opened.
Tibbets did not receive any further communication from Blanchard or LeMay regarding the 509th’s qualifications. Ultimately, he and his unit, the 509th Composite Group, were unanimously selected to carry out the complex mission of dropping the first atomic bombs on Japan.
Moral of the Story: Turn Doubts into Motivation
References
- Countdown 1945 — Chris Wallace