Enola gay pilot controversy
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Later in the war, he returned to the U.S. I was told that it wasn't because of who I was, but because it was the best fit."ĭuring World War II, General Tibbets flew B-17s in Europe. "The Air Force can't afford to put someone in a job for which they're not qualified. "There was no favoritism when I was chosen for bombers," Colonel Tibbets said, who has been in the Air Force for 22 years. Finally, the instructor's provided an evaluation as to which weapon system would be best for him based on performance.
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From there, consideration was given to his 'Dream Sheet,' listing the planes he wanted to fly. According to the colonel, the first factor was the needs of the Air Force.
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Following graduation, he was selected to attend Air Force pilot training multiple factors went into the deciding which aircraft he would be assigned to fly. I took his advice to heart the best I could."ĭuring his time at the Academy, Colonel Tibbets was interested in flying. You be who you are and don't worry about who I was.' What I found out later was that he was really concerned his service would somehow have a negative effect on my career. The last time I saw him before leaving for the Air Force Academy, he told me, 'Paul, just remember, people are going to know you because of who I am. "It was an honor being a Tibbets, and I will always consider him a hero. "The time that I spent with my grandfather was very limited growing up," Colonel Tibbets said. My father said 'You seem to be very interested in serving - what do you want to do with your life?' I told him I was interested in serving, and he told me to look into something like the ROTC or service academies."Ĭolonel Tibbets applied to the service academies and was accepted to the Air Force Academy, where he spent four years training for his Air Force career. "When I was in 9th grade, I became involved in youth service projects. "My father had the biggest influence on me joining the Air Force," Colonel Tibbets said. His father spent a 30-year career in the Army Reserve as a pharmacist and hospital administrator, retiring as a colonel. 6, 1945.Ĭolonel Tibbets said that while growing up, he was aware of what his grandfather had done during World War II. Tibbets Jr., the pilot in command of the "Enola Gay" when it dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, Aug. Tibbets IV, the Air Force Inspection Agency commander, is the grandson of retired Brig. These stories and commentaries focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.)Ĭol.
ENOLA GAY PILOT CONTROVERSY SERIES
(This feature is part of the "Through Airmen's Eyes" series on AF.mil.