ALS signed “Morris R. Jeppson,” one page, 8.5 x 11, no date. Handwritten draft letter from Morris Jeppson, answering several questions on the Hiroshima mission, in full: “Here are my answers in response to your questions about dropping of the atomic bomb and the Hiroshima mission.
Q1 - Possible targets in Germany? / Germany was near defeat months before atomic weapons were ready for war. The 509th B29 Bomb Group was brought together at Wendover, Utah in the fall of 1944 and early 45. B17 and B24 bombers that were destroying German industries and cities had ranges too short for targets in Japan; and they were too small to carry the large atomic weapons that were being developed at Los Alamos. Large B29 bombers developed late in the war, were being used effectively flying 1500 miles from the Marianas to Japan. The B29 could carry atomic weapons and a fleet of special versions were ordered for the 509th group organized by Colonel Tibbets. Clearly it was anticipated that the first use of atomic bombs would be on Japan in the Pacific War.
Planning on these matters was at much higher levels than mine, and security was extremely tight. However, in early 1945 there seemed to be a concern that Germany might come up with a super bomb before being defeated and before Los Alamos was ready with their weapon. This would have affected decisions of Germany vs. Japan.
Q2 - Do you have any regrets about dropping the first atomic bomb? / So many have written or spoken to me: Veterans of the War, who were to be in the invasion of Japan that didn’t happen, children and grandchildren, who say they might not be here today had the invasion occurred. Many, who suddenly after August 1945, found they would soon be home. Many in Japan today are alive because the war ended. There is sorrow, of course, for those killed and injured by the two atomic bombings. But the war ended quickly. A worse future didn't happen.” In fine condition.
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