The first atomic bomb used in wartime was dropped by U.S. Army Air Force Colonel Paul Tibbets, Jr.
The Historic Mission: Dropping "Little Boy"
On August 6, 1945, during World War II, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan. The specific bomb used in this pivotal event was codenamed "Little Boy". According to information from the U.S. Navy's history archives, this powerful device, weighing 9,000 pounds and having a diameter of only 28 inches, was delivered by a USAAF B-29 bomber named the Enola Gay. The pilot in command of the Enola Gay on this mission was Colonel Paul Tibbets, Jr.
Key Details of the Hiroshima Mission
- Pilot: Colonel Paul Tibbets, Jr.
- Aircraft: USAAF B-29 bomber, Enola Gay
- Atomic Bomb: "Little Boy"
- Date: August 6, 1945
- Target: Hiroshima, Japan
These details highlight the specific individuals and equipment involved in executing this historic mission, which marked the first use of a nuclear weapon in combat.
Event Summary
The table below provides a quick overview of the key elements involved in the dropping of the first atomic bomb at Hiroshima:
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Bomb Name | "Little Boy" |
| Aircraft | USAAF B-29 bomber, Enola Gay |
| Pilot | Colonel Paul Tibbets, Jr. |
| Date | August 6, 1945 |
| Location | Hiroshima, Japan |
| Bomb Weight | 9,000 pounds |
| Bomb Diameter | 28 inches |
(Information source: Little Boy - Hiroshima - August 6, 1945 www.history.navy.mil › wwii-pacific › bombardment-japan › bombs-atomic)
[World War II History]
