by Robert O. Bigelow, VAHS member

Looking down the long line of silver airplanes, we checked our watches. Though the glint of the
afternoon sun somewhat distorted our vision, we could see propellers turn in measured precision. Just as
precisely, each plane, with its four engines giving a short burst of power, came slowly out of its revetment.
Resting squat and heavy on its wheels, it would slowly turn in line and join the armada of B-29s flowing toward
the takeoff end of the runway. Although the fears and concerns from the earlier mission briefing lingered with
each crew member, confidence was building. The Bombardier in his nose position and the Central Fire
Control Gunner in his top dome gave a running account of the progress of the gathering force. As it neared our
turn to start engines and joint the awesome “stream,” we knew that we were part of something big and
important. We were taking the war to Japan.

To read the entire article, click the link below:

The Beginning of the End, The First Firebombing of Tokyo.pdf