![where was colonel tibbits who flew the enola gay born where was colonel tibbits who flew the enola gay born](https://assets.catawiki.nl/assets/2018/12/19/3/1/8/3183417d-fac6-4702-b1e6-ed887ae45ed5.jpg)
Although initially feeling guilty, he reasoned with himself that this was simply his task and he was not to associate himself with the morality of dropping bombs. This mission gave Tibbets his first experience of mass civilian casualties, which was met with mixed feelings on his part. Of the 108 aircraft, 33 were either shot down or had to return to base due to mechanical issues. Unfortunately, poor bombing accuracy resulted in far less damage being done to the targets and far more civilian casualties than planned. Just a couple of months later, Tibbets led the first American raid of more than 100 bombers in Europe, with the prime target being industrial facilities in the city of Lille, France. The first American daylight heavy bomber mission took place on 17th August 1942, with Tibbets flying the aircraft 'Butcher Shop'.
![where was colonel tibbits who flew the enola gay born where was colonel tibbits who flew the enola gay born](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2014/07/30/us/VAN-KIRK-1-obit/VAN-KIRK-1-obit-superJumbo-v2.jpg)
Armstrong, who duly appointed Tibbets his deputy. However, due to the lack of experience and knowledge that his team had, intensive training was run by Colonel Frank A. Tibbets was the commanding officer of the first bombardment group to be deployed to England. Three weeks later, he continued his ascent through the ranks after being named a commanding officer and being equipped with a Boeing B-17D. During his time at the base, he was promoted to the position of Captain.Īt the start of 1942, Paul Tibbets reported for duty with the 29th Bombardment Group acting as its engineering officer. Tibbets then transferred to Hunter Field in Georgia acting as an engineering officer and flying the A-20 Havoc aircraft. The Second World Warĭuring the first couple years of the war, Tibbets was stationed at Fort Benning where he served as a personal pilot to Brigadier General George S. This aptitude to aviation saw him commissioned as a second lieutenant, receiving his pilot rating in 1938. After being enlisted at Fort Thomas in Kentucky and being sent to Randolph Field in Texas, Tibbets showed himself to be an above-average pilot during his initial training. Gemstone Early Military Careerĭue to his prior educational experience, Tibbets qualified for the Aviation Cadet Training Program. He decided to join the United States Army, to become a pilot in the US Army Air Corps. Although initially planning to become a doctor, Tibbets changed his mind after completing a year and a half of pre-med studies at the University of Cincinnati. He then attended the University of Florida and took private flying lessons with Rusty Heard at the Opa-Locka Airport in Miami. Unfortunately, the Tibbets’ time in Florida was cut short due to business difficulties with his father, forcing them to return to Alton, Illinois, where Paul Tibbets Jr graduated from Western Military Academy in 1933. Perhaps one of the deciding factors that contributed to him becoming a pilot was flying in a plane piloted by barnstormer Doug Davis, while his family were living in Florida. They eventually settled in Hialeah, Florida to enjoy the warmer weather and escape the cold winters. His family moved around a lot during his early life, first to Davenport, Iowa, then to Des Moines. Paul was born on the 23rd February 1915 in Quincy, Illinois, to parents Paul Warfield Tibbets Sr and Enola Gay Tibbets (makes sense now, right?). Read on to find out more about this notable figure and how he came to be at the controls of one of the most significant flights in history. The risk and uncertainty that faced him and his crew on the famed flight are like nothing we could imagine, and hopefully, something that will never be faced again.
Where was colonel tibbits who flew the enola gay born full#
Knowing full well that his actions would change the course of the world’s future, this pressure alone is enough to make Tibbets a notable figure in modern history, wherever you stand on the use of nuclear weapons. Seen by many as a hero, but also as evil by others, Tibbets appears in the history books for a singular achievement being the pilot of the 'Enola Gay' the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb, on the city of Hiroshima. A name not known by many, but a man who changed the very course of history with his actions. In this instalment of our military heroes series, we look at the life of Paul Tibbets.