Lot #226

Atomic Bomb

Description

Pilot of the unused third atomic bomb mission justifies its use: “Millions of lives would have been lost if an invasion would have been necessary and Russia would now occupy part of Japan just as they do Germany. ”

Amazing eight-page hand-corrected and signed typescript, eight pages, 8.5 x 11, signed by pilot Don Rehl, who was to pilot the third plane to drop another atomic bomb if Japan did not surrender. Typescript reads, in part, “We were told that we would be working with a huge new bomb…were suddenly given 15 days leave and I headed for Ohio. During my return I arrived at Salt Lake City…and was having breakfast…when I was approached and engaged in a lengthy conversation with a waitress. She was very friendly and asked a lot of questions about where I was going and what kind of work went on at Wendover. Two days later I saw this same ‘waitress’ IN UNIFORM AT THE BASE SECURITY OFFICE. It would have been the end of my career if I had been too ‘gabby’ during that breakfast…during our flights we were accompanied by several civilians with an array of instruments…we were always puzzled about what they were doing…it was extremely urgent that a bomb be ready because President Truman and Prime Minister Churchill were already at Potsdam waiting to meet with Stalin to discuss the unconditional surrender of Japan…we were waiting for the assembly of the third bomb. On August 6th Colonel Tibbets in the Enola Gay dropped the bomb…on August 9th Chuck Sweeney in the plane Bock’s Car dropped the bomb…on Nagasaki…We were ready to leave Wendover on the 14th but our orders were cancelled…Stalin already knew all about the bomb from Klaus Fuchs who work as an espionage agent in this country…Stalin sent the Red Army rolling into Manchuria, anxious to be in on the kill and share in the division and control of Japan. Japan surrendered before Stalin’s hopes could be realized. Millions of lives would have been lost if an invasion would have been necessary and Russia would now occupy part of Japan just as they do Germany and other countries and there is absolutely no hope that it will ever change. In the above paragraph lies the justification for the use of the atomic bomb on Japan.” In fine condition, with staple to top left and some light creases. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #320 - Ended April 18, 2007