The Last Bomb

US National Archives14 minutes read

The 21st Bomber Command, led by General L, executed meticulous planning and increased bombing missions to defeat Japan comprehensively, transforming Guam into a strategic base and achieving key victories, including the decisive mission to Tokyo resulting in the surrender of Japan after dropping two atomic bombs in August.

Insights

  • General L's leadership of the 21st Bomber Command significantly increased bombing missions, improving maintenance techniques and transforming Guam into a strategic base for operations against Japan.
  • The meticulous planning and execution of the bomber mission to Tokyo, under General L's guidance, highlighted the sacrifices made by American lives in the relentless air campaign that played a crucial role in Japan's surrender, ultimately saving countless American lives.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • How did the 21st Bomber Command contribute to defeating Japan?

    By increasing bombing missions and meticulous planning.

  • What were the key preparations for the long bomber mission to Tokyo?

    Detailed aircraft preparations and target selection.

  • How did the 21st Bomber Command improve maintenance techniques?

    By reducing engine change time significantly.

  • What sacrifices were made by the 21st Bomber Command during missions?

    11 men and a bomber were lost, showcasing sacrifices made.

  • How did the 21st Bomber Command contribute to the surrender of Japan?

    By relentless air power campaign and dropping atomic bombs.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"B-29s Transform Guam for Japan Mission"

  • In 1945, B-29s began operations against Japan from bases in Sian, Tinian, and Guam.
  • The 21st Bomber Command aimed to defeat Japan comprehensively, planning meticulously for the ultimate victory.
  • Guam, after six months of reoccupation, showed little signs of war, with liberated Choran living peacefully.
  • The 21st Bomber Command transformed Guam, turning dirt roads into highways and jungles into airfields.
  • Under General L's leadership, the Bomber Command increased bombing missions by 100% in two months.
  • Maintenance techniques improved, reducing engine change time from 3 days to less than half a day.
  • The planning for a long and challenging bomber mission to Tokyo began in the War Room at Guam.
  • General L made crucial decisions for the mission, including target selection and necessary changes to the plan.
  • Aircraft were prepared with specific details like fuel loads, bomb types, altitudes, and airspeeds for the mission.
  • The mission unfolded with meticulous planning, coordination, and execution, involving fighter escorts, assembly points, bombing runs, and post-mission procedures.

32:27

Sacrifices and Survival in WWII Mission

  • 11 men and a bomber were lost in a mission, with one life saved from the burning wreckage, showcasing the sacrifices made by young American lives during the relentless air power campaign that ultimately led to the surrender of Japan after dropping two atomic bombs in August, saving countless American lives.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.