Would you have dropped the atomic bombs on Japan in WII?

Question

Pretend you are the pilot of the Enola Gay. Would you have done it if you were told to?

I understand why we (Americans) did it...but do you think the ethical downside of it outweighs the advantages?

I understand why we (Americans) did it...but do you think the ethical downside of it outweighs the advantages?

Answer 1

Firstly, I'm not an American (I'm British). But yes, if I were Col. Paul Tibbetts (who died recently) I would have done exactly what I was ordered to do. If you can't follow orders you don't belong in the military.

If I'd been Harry Truman would I have given the order to drop the first bomb? Yes, having read about WWII in general I think I would. Would I have dropped the second one so soon afterwards, probably not.

Incidentally, Col. Tibbetts and the Enola Gay only dropped the Hiroshima bomb. The Nagasaki bomb was dropped by an identical B-29 called "Bockscar" commanded by Maj. Charles Sweeney.

Answer 2

It actually was more humane than not. Japan as a nation would have fought to the last, if we invaded, millions would have died and Japan would have been wiped out.

All I would have done is look at Iwo Jima and Okinowa, There were very few POW's, civilians who lived on the islands, jumped off of cliffs (throwing their children first) to their deaths, rather than surrender.

How do you think they would have acted once we invaded the home islands?

Answer 3

Yes.
When you think about Pear Harbor and the thousands of
men that died as a result of the sneak attack. When you saw
what happened in Nanking, China when they were attacked
and in excess of 100,000 unarmed people were slaughtered
for fun. When you saw the Bataan Death March where men
were killed because they were sick or injured and couldn't
keep up. When prisoners of war were beheaded and starved
only for entertainment. When women from Korea and China
were made sex slaves . When you knew it would end all of
that, and no more of our troops would die.
When you deal with fanatics you can't reason with them, they
only thing they understand is massive retaliation and overcoming their ability to continue fighting.

Answer 4

It would be an incredibly hard decision for me to make. Yes, I would've dropped the bombs, however, it wouldn't be something I want to do with my whole heart, knowing that there would be a huge loss of human life. However, a mainland invasion of Japan would cost a lot more human lives than the bombings.

Answer 5

Actually, I would have to put myself in the shoes of the bombardier who hit the release button, but YES I would have. If we hadn't dropped the atomic bombs, than it would have been necessary to kill possibly hundred's of thousands of more civilians during an invasion. Don't forget the number of American military personnel who would have died. There should be no moral questions regarding the dropping of the atom bombs.

Answer 6

In a heartbeat. First and foremost I am a member of the United States Army Air corp. and my ORDERS are to drop the bomb...Second, I dont even know what I am about to drop. And I would be sick and tired of hearing that my friends and family were dying everyday.

Answer 7

NO
the war was near to ending. it was not necessary at all. germany had been all but defeated and the soviets were coming to help the americans in Japan etc.
the dropping of the bomb wasnt about saving american lives. there were two reasons. 1) revenge. pure and simple revenge. 2) to show the world and the Soviets who was boss. to show them that we have the atomic bomb and now we're in control.

how many military men were killed in nagasaki and hiroshima? how mane civilians? thousands. it terms of warfare it was not necessary at all.

americas decision to use the bomb was well thought out. they postponed Potsdam and deciding when the Soviets would enter the war in Japan until they knew the atomic bomb was ready.

it was a disastorous event and the consequences are still felt.

Answer 8

Sorry to say this but we should not have, but at the same time had to but concentration camps wuz unneccessery really

Answer 9

in a heartbeat.