Letter from Morris R. Jeppson

Dear Sir:

I will answer your questions regarding the Hiroshima atomic bombing mission.

Q1: What was your role during the mission?

This flight was similar to several flights earlier in 1945 to test the electronic fuzing systems of big bombs being developed at Los Alamos.

My job on the flight to Hiroshima was to test the electrical elements of the bomb at intervals to confirm that the fuzing - detonation system was functioning properly. My final act was to switch electrical plugs in the Little Boy bomb itself from testing mode to firing mode - thus arming the bomb.

Q:2 Were you sure the bomb would explode as expected?

The entire output of U235 from the giant wartime plant at Oak Ridge was in the Little Boy gun type bomb - But a U235 bomb had never been tested! I'm sure the Los Alamos scientists were concerned. The answer must be there was much hope and expectation -- and no guarantees.

Q3 Do you feel there is any realistic way to seperate civilian and military targets in War?

No. The desperate side seems always to deliberately place civilians in the path of war. In a nuclear war, power plants, dams, and water systems might be targeted first to spare high concentrations of people from the direct effects of massive explosions.

Q4: Is it true that Enola Gay crew members visited Hiroshima shortly after the bomb was dropped and Japan surrendered - to assess the damage?

Not true to my knowledge. I was not a usual member of the crew. Even though I was Air Force, my job was mostly with Los Alamos people. Furthermore, the armed forces scattered and people headed home as quickly as possible.

I was told that | might join a group to go to Japan immediately after surrender, but then was told I would not. I don't know, but this could have been for security reasons. These weapons and their fuzing system were at that time secret and the US arsenal would include these weapons.

It is well that I did not go to Japan.

Sincerely Morris Jeppson