ALS signed “Morris R. Jeppson,” two pages, 8.5 x 11, no date. Lengthy letter answering several questions about his historic mission, in part: "This flight was similar to several flights earlier in 1945 to test the electronic fuzing system of big bombs being developed at Los Alamos. My job on the flight to Hiroshima was to test electrical elements of the bomb at intervals to confirm that the fuzing-detonation system was functioning properly and to report to Captain Parsons, mission commander, if there were problems…The plane after bomb release was about 30,000 feet above ground and turning sharply away from the target. Detonating at a distance of about 8 miles from the Enola Gay the flack caused no effects. However about a minute later a shock wave passed by jolting the plane, and a few seconds later a smaller second shock wave struck. But no damage…I did not see the explosion directly, because I did not have a window close by, and the plane was turning. After moving to Van Kirk's navigator's window, I could see the cloud of smoke and fire surging outward from what was Hiroshima and a huge white cloud rising rapidly…The city was obscured by cloud and smoke as the Enola Gay moved away to avoid the rising 'mushroom' cloud…The mission was accomplished as planned and ordered. But it [was] deeply sad to realize the terrible destruction happening on the ground below—the destruction of war. There was also hope that this would serve to end WWII quickly and would prevent ongoing tragedy." Jeppson makes several corrections throughout the text, and signs at the conclusion using another pen. In fine condition.
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